The right side delivers a more continuous scenic arc: the San Jacinto Peak and San Gorgonio Pass mountains during departure, then South Mountain Park and the Phoenix skyline on arrival, giving more dramatic terrain and landmark variety than the left side's flatter desert and foothill views.
Flight Path
San Gorgonio Pass, Colorado River near Blythe, and the broad Sonoran Desert of western Arizona
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTAfter the initial westbound climb over the Pacific, the aircraft turns east across the LA basin toward the San Gorgonio Pass. On the right (south) side, passengers get a close, dramatic view of San Jacinto Peak and the Palm Springs valley as the plane threads between the mountain ranges, while the left side mostly shows the flatter San Bernardino foothills.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn approach into Phoenix Sky Harbor, the flight path swings around the south side of the metro area, giving right-side passengers a good look at South Mountain Park's rugged ridgeline and the downtown Phoenix skyline before touchdown, while the left side mostly faces open desert and distant suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Phoenix. The right side delivers a more continuous scenic arc: the San Jacinto Peak and San Gorgonio Pass mountains during departure, then South Mountain Park and the Phoenix skyline on arrival, giving more dramatic terrain and landmark variety than the left side's flatter desert and foothill views.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. After the initial westbound climb over the Pacific, the aircraft turns east across the LA basin toward the San Gorgonio Pass. On the right (south) side, passengers get a close, dramatic view of San Jacinto Peak and the Palm Springs valley as the plane threads between the mountain ranges, while the left side mostly shows the flatter San Bernardino foothills. Notable sights include: Los Angeles basin/downtown skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, San Jacinto Peak, San Gorgonio Pass wind farms.
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. On approach into Phoenix Sky Harbor, the flight path swings around the south side of the metro area, giving right-side passengers a good look at South Mountain Park's rugged ridgeline and the downtown Phoenix skyline before touchdown, while the left side mostly faces open desert and distant suburbs. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, downtown Phoenix skyline, Estrella Mountains, Sonoran Desert terrain.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Phoenix?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes 1h 25m.
What does the Los Angeles to Phoenix flight path pass over?
San Gorgonio Pass, Colorado River near Blythe, and the broad Sonoran Desert of western Arizona