The right side captures the Manhattan skyline on departure and the Superstition Mountains plus Phoenix basin on arrival, giving it clearer landmark visibility at both ends of the flight compared to the flatter, less distinctive views on the left.
Flown JFK to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Phoenix is 2,148 miles (3,458 km), a flight of about 5 hours 5 minutes.
Appalachian ridges over Pennsylvania, the Ohio Valley, the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Kansas and Oklahoma, and the southern Rockies and high plateaus of New Mexico before descending into the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDepartures off JFK's 31L/22L runways typically bank south over Jamaica Bay before turning west, putting Manhattan's skyline and the Hudson River on the right side of the aircraft during the climb. The left side mostly shows the flatter South Shore of Long Island and open water.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTArrivals into PHX from the east descend past the jagged Superstition Mountains before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers a strong view of the range and the Salt River valley. Left-side passengers mostly see flatter Sonoran desert scrubland with less relief.
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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 John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Phoenix. The right side captures the Manhattan skyline on departure and the Superstition Mountains plus Phoenix basin on arrival, giving it clearer landmark visibility at both ends of the flight compared to the flatter, less distinctive views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures off JFK's 31L/22L runways typically bank south over Jamaica Bay before turning west, putting Manhattan's skyline and the Hudson River on the right side of the aircraft during the climb. The left side mostly shows the flatter South Shore of Long Island and open water. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay.
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. Arrivals into PHX from the east descend past the jagged Superstition Mountains before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers a strong view of the range and the Salt River valley. Left-side passengers mostly see flatter Sonoran desert scrubland with less relief. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, Salt River, South Mountain Park, downtown Phoenix skyline.
How long is the flight from New York to Phoenix?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 5 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,148 miles (3,458 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridges over Pennsylvania, the Ohio Valley, the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Kansas and Oklahoma, and the southern Rockies and high plateaus of New Mexico before descending into the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.