While left offers good Delaware River and Philadelphia views during departure, right provides superior scenery during the longer descent into Phoenix, where desert mountains and the city's dramatic setting create more visually distinctive landmarks.
Flown ILG to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Wilmington to Phoenix is 2,051 miles (3,301 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania/West Virginia border region, visible around 1.5 hours into flight), Ohio River valley, Allegheny Plateau terrain, transition to Great Plains near Indiana/Illinois border, Mississippi River valley (around 2.5-3 hours), Missouri Plateau and High Plains (Kansas/Oklahoma), Canadian River valley, Panhandle of Texas, New Mexico high desert terrain with mesas and buttes visible in final approach segment
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ILG
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline during initial climb-out westward. The river valley and urban corridor provide clear visual reference points as you depart.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert terrain during descent. You'll see the Salt River valley, downtown Phoenix, and the surrounding mountain ranges that frame the city.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Castle Co (ILG) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Wilmington to Phoenix. While left offers good Delaware River and Philadelphia views during departure, right provides superior scenery during the longer descent into Phoenix, where desert mountains and the city's dramatic setting create more visually distinctive landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from New Castle Co in Wilmington?
During takeoff from New Castle Co (ILG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline during initial climb-out westward. The river valley and urban corridor provide clear visual reference points as you depart. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline (downtown towers visible ~25 miles southwest), Brandywine River valley, New Jersey Pine Barrens (distant, southeast).
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 provides excellent views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert terrain during descent. You'll see the Salt River valley, downtown Phoenix, and the surrounding mountain ranges that frame the city. Notable sights include: Phoenix downtown skyline, Salt River valley, South Mountain Park (immediately south of downtown), Sierra Estrella Mountains (southwest), Camelback Mountain (northeast of downtown).
How long is the flight from Wilmington to Phoenix?
The flight from New Castle Co (ILG) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,051 miles (3,301 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Wilmington to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania/West Virginia border region, visible around 1.5 hours into flight), Ohio River valley, Allegheny Plateau terrain, transition to Great Plains near Indiana/Illinois border, Mississippi River valley (around 2.5-3 hours), Missouri Plateau and High Plains (Kansas/Oklahoma), Canadian River valley, Panhandle of Texas, New Mexico high desert terrain with mesas and buttes visible in final approach segment