Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — the harbor and coastline on departure and South Mountain plus the Phoenix valley on arrival. During cruise the left side also faces south toward the Salton Sea and Colorado Desert terrain.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the San Bernardino Mountains and San Gorgonio Pass, then tracks over the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea (visible to the south on left side), followed by the Colorado Desert, the Kofa Mountains in western Arizona, and the Harquahala Plain before descending into the Phoenix metro area.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGB
LEFTDeparting LGB, aircraft typically use runway 30 heading northwest before turning east toward Phoenix. The left side gives you a clear view south over Long Beach Harbor, the Queen Mary, and the Pacific coastline stretching toward Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Landing at PHX
LEFTPHX typically uses runways 26 or 25L/R for westerly arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the east. The left side faces south toward South Mountain Park and the distinctive ridgeline that frames the city, while also giving views over the downtown Phoenix grid and Tempe.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Long Beach (LGB) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Long Beach to Phoenix. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — the harbor and coastline on departure and South Mountain plus the Phoenix valley on arrival. During cruise the left side also faces south toward the Salton Sea and Colorado Desert terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Long Beach in Long Beach?
During takeoff from Long Beach (LGB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LGB, aircraft typically use runway 30 heading northwest before turning east toward Phoenix. The left side gives you a clear view south over Long Beach Harbor, the Queen Mary, and the Pacific coastline stretching toward Palos Verdes Peninsula. Notable sights include: Long Beach Harbor and port complex, Queen Mary docked at pier, Palos Verdes Peninsula cliffs, Los Angeles Basin sprawl.
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 uses runways 26 or 25L/R for westerly arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the east. The left side faces south toward South Mountain Park and the distinctive ridgeline that frames the city, while also giving views over the downtown Phoenix grid and Tempe. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park ridgeline, downtown Phoenix skyline, Tempe Town Lake, Salt River bed.
How long is the flight from Long Beach to Phoenix?
The flight from Long Beach (LGB) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.
What does the Long Beach to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the San Bernardino Mountains and San Gorgonio Pass, then tracks over the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea (visible to the south on left side), followed by the Colorado Desert, the Kofa Mountains in western Arizona, and the Harquahala Plain before descending into the Phoenix metro area.