Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the route's limited scenic drama—this is a short desert crossing with minimal terrain variation. However, the right side edges ahead for landing quality: Phoenix's urban core, South Mountain Park, and Camelback Mountain provide more distinctive visual landmarks during descent and approach than the left side's open desert. The takeoff advantage on the left (coastal views) is offset by the landing advantage on the right.
Flown HHR to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hawthorne to Phoenix is 365 miles (588 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast of Los Angeles, Mojave Desert floor with sparse development, San Gorgonio Pass area, transition from coastal California terrain to Arizona high desert, scattered towns and highways crossing the desert floor
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HHR
LEFTLeft side captures the Hawthorne area and initial climb over the LA basin with urban sprawl and the Pacific coastline visible in the distance. Right side faces inland toward flat suburban development with minimal visual interest during the initial climb-out.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTRight side (north) provides views of Phoenix's urban core and the surrounding desert terrain during descent and approach. Left side (south) faces open desert with fewer distinctive landmarks until the final approach phase.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jack Northrop Fld Hawthorne Muni (HHR) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hawthorne to Phoenix. Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the route's limited scenic drama—this is a short desert crossing with minimal terrain variation. However, the right side edges ahead for landing quality: Phoenix's urban core, South Mountain Park, and Camelback Mountain provide more distinctive visual landmarks during descent and approach than the left side's open desert. The takeoff advantage on the left (coastal views) is offset by the landing advantage on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Jack Northrop Fld Hawthorne Muni in Hawthorne?
During takeoff from Jack Northrop Fld Hawthorne Muni (HHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Hawthorne area and initial climb over the LA basin with urban sprawl and the Pacific coastline visible in the distance. Right side faces inland toward flat suburban development with minimal visual interest during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline to the west, Los Angeles urban grid and sprawl, Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
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. Right side (north) provides views of Phoenix's urban core and the surrounding desert terrain during descent and approach. Left side (south) faces open desert with fewer distinctive landmarks until the final approach phase. Notable sights include: Phoenix metropolitan area and downtown skyline, Salt River, South Mountain Park, Camelback Mountain.
How long is the flight from Hawthorne to Phoenix?
The flight from Jack Northrop Fld Hawthorne Muni (HHR) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 365 miles (588 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hawthorne to Phoenix flight path pass over?
San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast of Los Angeles, Mojave Desert floor with sparse development, San Gorgonio Pass area, transition from coastal California terrain to Arizona high desert, scattered towns and highways crossing the desert floor