The right side wins overall because the FLL departure delivers a spectacular Atlantic coastline and Port Everglades view that is hard to beat. En route, the right side also faces south giving views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline over Southwest Florida during the early climb, and later the Sonoran Desert landscape approaching Arizona. The PHX landing view on the left is strong but the departure spectacle on the right tips the balance.
Flown FLL to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fort Lauderdale to Phoenix is 1,969 miles (3,168 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the Florida Everglades and Gulf of Mexico coastline near Naples, then crosses the Gulf of Mexico before reaching the Mississippi Delta region. It then passes over the Texas Hill Country and the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and New Mexico, crossing the Rio Grande near El Paso. The final stretch crosses the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona with the Gila River valley visible before the Phoenix Basin comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FLL
RIGHTFLL typically departs westbound on runway 28L/28R, then turns northwest. The right side gives you the Atlantic coastline, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Port Everglades inlet as you climb out. You'll see the barrier island strip and the blue-green shallow water of the Intracoastal Waterway clearly.
Landing at PHX
LEFTPHX typically lands eastbound on runway 26L/26R or approaches from the west. On final approach from the west, the left side faces south and gives you South Mountain Park, the Estrella Mountains, and the broad Phoenix metro grid. If landing runway 8, the left side shows the South Mountain range and downtown Phoenix skyline clearly.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fort Lauderdale to Phoenix. The right side wins overall because the FLL departure delivers a spectacular Atlantic coastline and Port Everglades view that is hard to beat. En route, the right side also faces south giving views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline over Southwest Florida during the early climb, and later the Sonoran Desert landscape approaching Arizona. The PHX landing view on the left is strong but the departure spectacle on the right tips the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
During takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Right side for the best views. FLL typically departs westbound on runway 28L/28R, then turns northwest. The right side gives you the Atlantic coastline, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Port Everglades inlet as you climb out. You'll see the barrier island strip and the blue-green shallow water of the Intracoastal Waterway clearly. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale Beach barrier island, Port Everglades cruise terminal, Intracoastal Waterway, Biscayne Bay to the south.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically lands eastbound on runway 26L/26R or approaches from the west. On final approach from the west, the left side faces south and gives you South Mountain Park, the Estrella Mountains, and the broad Phoenix metro grid. If landing runway 8, the left side shows the South Mountain range and downtown Phoenix skyline clearly. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Estrella Mountains to the southwest, Phoenix downtown skyline, Salt River bed and Tempe Town Lake.
How long is the flight from Fort Lauderdale to Phoenix?
The flight from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,969 miles (3,168 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fort Lauderdale to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Florida Everglades and Gulf of Mexico coastline near Naples, then crosses the Gulf of Mexico before reaching the Mississippi Delta region. It then passes over the Texas Hill Country and the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and New Mexico, crossing the Rio Grande near El Paso. The final stretch crosses the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona with the Gila River valley visible before the Phoenix Basin comes into view.