Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the middle of the route you also get better views of the Colorado River canyon systems and the Painted Desert approaching from the north side of the flight path, which favors the left seat.
Flown LGA to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Phoenix is 2,144 miles (3,450 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
Appalachian ridges over Pennsylvania, the flat agricultural grid of Ohio and Indiana, the Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, the Ozark Plateau, Oklahoma and Texas panhandle plains, the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, the Rio Grande valley, the Painted Desert and Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, and the Mogollon Rim descent into the Phoenix basin
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLGA typically departs runway 04 heading northeast, then turns west. The left side gets Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the Hudson River as the aircraft banks. Right side faces Queens and Long Island with far less drama.
Landing at PHX
LEFTPHX typically lands runway 26 heading west, with the approach from the east. The left side faces south toward South Mountain Park and the broad Phoenix metro grid, while the right side looks north toward Scottsdale and the McDowell Mountains — both decent, but the left gives a cleaner view of the city center and the distinctive South Mountain massif.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Phoenix. Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the middle of the route you also get better views of the Colorado River canyon systems and the Painted Desert approaching from the north side of the flight path, which favors the left seat.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA typically departs runway 04 heading northeast, then turns west. The left side gets Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the Hudson River as the aircraft banks. Right side faces Queens and Long Island with far less drama. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Hudson River, Central Park.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically lands runway 26 heading west, with the approach from the east. The left side faces south toward South Mountain Park and the broad Phoenix metro grid, while the right side looks north toward Scottsdale and the McDowell Mountains — both decent, but the left gives a cleaner view of the city center and the distinctive South Mountain massif. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Phoenix city grid, Camelback Mountain, Salt River bed.
How long is the flight from New York to Phoenix?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,144 miles (3,450 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 flat agricultural grid of Ohio and Indiana, the Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, the Ozark Plateau, Oklahoma and Texas panhandle plains, the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, the Rio Grande valley, the Painted Desert and Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, and the Mogollon Rim descent into the Phoenix basin