The left (south) side wins on both ends of the flight — a skyline view leaving Houston and a desert mountain approach into Phoenix — while the right side offers mostly flat plains and generic suburban sprawl throughout.
Flown HOU to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Phoenix is 1,018 miles (1,638 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
West Texas oil country near Midland-Odessa, the Guadalupe Mountains and Sacramento Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border, and the Sonoran Desert basins of southern Arizona near Tucson
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HOU
LEFTDeparting HOU on the 13/31 runway pair, a westbound climb-out gives left-side passengers a view back over downtown Houston's skyline and Buffalo Bayou before the aircraft turns west over the flat coastal plain. The right side mostly shows industrial suburbs and featureless grasslands.
Landing at PHX
LEFTArrivals into PHX from the east typically descend south of the Superstition Mountains and pass near South Mountain before turning onto final for the east-west runways, giving left-side (south-facing) passengers a strong view of the rugged desert peaks and the Phoenix valley sprawl. The right side mainly shows flatter desert and distant McDowell foothills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from William P Hobby (HOU) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Phoenix. The left (south) side wins on both ends of the flight — a skyline view leaving Houston and a desert mountain approach into Phoenix — while the right side offers mostly flat plains and generic suburban sprawl throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from William P Hobby in Houston?
During takeoff from William P Hobby (HOU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HOU on the 13/31 runway pair, a westbound climb-out gives left-side passengers a view back over downtown Houston's skyline and Buffalo Bayou before the aircraft turns west over the flat coastal plain. The right side mostly shows industrial suburbs and featureless grasslands. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, Addicks/Barker Reservoirs.
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. Arrivals into PHX from the east typically descend south of the Superstition Mountains and pass near South Mountain before turning onto final for the east-west runways, giving left-side (south-facing) passengers a strong view of the rugged desert peaks and the Phoenix valley sprawl. The right side mainly shows flatter desert and distant McDowell foothills. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, South Mountain Park, Salt River channel, Phoenix valley grid.
How long is the flight from Houston to Phoenix?
The flight from William P Hobby (HOU) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,018 miles (1,638 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Phoenix flight path pass over?
West Texas oil country near Midland-Odessa, the Guadalupe Mountains and Sacramento Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border, and the Sonoran Desert basins of southern Arizona near Tucson