Although most of the Midwest cruise is flat farmland regardless of side, the right side offers distant views of the southern Rocky Mountain foothills near the Colorado-New Mexico border and a genuinely dramatic desert mountain approach into Phoenix, giving it the edge over the left side's mostly flat scenery.
Flown DTW to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Phoenix is 1,667 miles (2,683 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
Great Plains farmland across Iowa and Kansas, the Arkansas River valley, and distant foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-New Mexico border
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
LEFTDeparting DTW on runway 22, the initial southwest climb gives left-side passengers a brief look back at downtown Detroit's skyline, the Detroit River, and the western tip of Lake Erie before the plane turns onto its westbound course. The right side only shows flat suburban sprawl.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn the standard east-to-west descent into Phoenix Sky Harbor, the right side faces north and takes in the jagged McDowell Mountains and Camelback Mountain, with the rugged Superstition Mountains looming behind the Salt River Valley farmland and suburbs. The left side mostly shows flat basin floor with South Mountain far in the distance.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Phoenix. Although most of the Midwest cruise is flat farmland regardless of side, the right side offers distant views of the southern Rocky Mountain foothills near the Colorado-New Mexico border and a genuinely dramatic desert mountain approach into Phoenix, giving it the edge over the left side's mostly flat scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DTW on runway 22, the initial southwest climb gives left-side passengers a brief look back at downtown Detroit's skyline, the Detroit River, and the western tip of Lake Erie before the plane turns onto its westbound course. The right side only shows flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge, western Lake Erie shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the standard east-to-west descent into Phoenix Sky Harbor, the right side faces north and takes in the jagged McDowell Mountains and Camelback Mountain, with the rugged Superstition Mountains looming behind the Salt River Valley farmland and suburbs. The left side mostly shows flat basin floor with South Mountain far in the distance. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, Salt River Valley.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Phoenix?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,667 miles (2,683 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Great Plains farmland across Iowa and Kansas, the Arkansas River valley, and distant foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-New Mexico border