Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Phoenix. The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff view with the Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills, and the San Gabriel Mountains. During the cruise portion heading east, the right side also looks north toward the Mojave Desert terrain and the Colorado River basin. The left side's landing view at PHX is strong, but the takeoff scenery from LAX on the right is the highlight of this short flight.

During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically departs eastbound on runways 24L/24R (heading ~240° reversed means departing east) or uses runways 06L/06R heading east. On an eastbound departure, the right side faces north toward the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, and downtown Los Angeles. The left side looks south over the ocean and suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Observatory area/Hollywood Hills, downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains on the horizon.

When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically lands westbound on runways 26 or 25, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east. The left side faces south toward South Mountain Park and the distinctive Estrella Mountains, while also offering views of the Phoenix urban grid and Tempe Town Lake. The right side looks north toward the McDowell Mountains but misses the more dramatic southern terrain. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Tempe Town Lake, Phoenix downtown skyline, Estrella Mountains.

The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.

The flight crosses the eastern Mojave Desert, passing over the Chino Hills and Inland Empire urban area shortly after departure, then the San Bernardino Mountains to the north. The route then crosses the low desert of the Coachella Valley region before entering Arizona, passing over the Harquahala Plains and the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix. The Colorado River crossing near Parker, Arizona is visible if routing takes the northern track.