While the left side offers good coastal scenery on departure, the right side on descent provides more dramatic and visually distinctive features — the Phoenix urban landscape, South Mountain Park, and the distant Superstition Mountains create a more compelling final view than the relatively flat Thames estuary.
Flown LCY to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Phoenix is 5,275 miles (8,489 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks; the flight passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Over North America, the flight crosses the Canadian Maritimes, then the northeastern United States (Appalachian Mountains visible from altitude), and continues westward over the Great Lakes region and the Great Plains before reaching the Rocky Mountains and high desert terrain approaching Arizona.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Thames estuary and the North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs out eastward over water. Right side shows only urban London sprawl and suburbs with no distinctive geographic features.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert terrain during descent. The city sprawl, Sky Harbor's location south of downtown, and the desert mountains to the east and north are all visible on approach from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Phoenix. While the left side offers good coastal scenery on departure, the right side on descent provides more dramatic and visually distinctive features — the Phoenix urban landscape, South Mountain Park, and the distant Superstition Mountains create a more compelling final view than the relatively flat Thames estuary.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Thames estuary and the North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs out eastward over water. Right side shows only urban London sprawl and suburbs with no distinctive geographic features. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, North Sea coastline, Essex marshlands, Kent coast to the south.
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 views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert terrain during descent. The city sprawl, Sky Harbor's location south of downtown, and the desert mountains to the east and north are all visible on approach from the west. Notable sights include: Phoenix metropolitan area, South Mountain Park, Superstition Mountains (distant), Salt River valley.
How long is the flight from London to Phoenix?
The flight from City (LCY) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,275 miles (8,489 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks; the flight passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Over North America, the flight crosses the Canadian Maritimes, then the northeastern United States (Appalachian Mountains visible from altitude), and continues westward over the Great Lakes region and the Great Plains before reaching the Rocky Mountains and high desert terrain approaching Arizona.