Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff view of Phoenix and the South Mountains is compelling, and as the flight progresses southeast across Arizona and New Mexico, right-side passengers will have better views of the Chiricahua Mountains and other ranges along the flight path before the final descent.
Flown LUF to ELP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to El Paso is 369 miles (594 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gila River valley, passes south of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, and traverses the high desert plains of southwestern New Mexico. The terrain transitions from the Phoenix basin through increasingly sparse desert landscape. Notable features include the Dragoon Mountains (south of the direct route but visible from altitude), the San Simon Valley, and the Peloncillo Mountains near the Arizona-New Mexico border. The landscape becomes progressively more open and arid as the aircraft approaches El Paso.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LUF
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Phoenix metropolitan area and the northern approach to the South Mountains as the aircraft climbs eastward. You'll see the urban sprawl of Phoenix and Glendale clearly before banking southeast toward El Paso.
Landing at ELP
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during the descent into El Paso. You'll see the Franklin Mountains dominating the landscape as the aircraft approaches from the west, and the Rio Grande valley becomes increasingly visible as you descend toward the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luke Afb (LUF) to El Paso International (ELP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to El Paso. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff view of Phoenix and the South Mountains is compelling, and as the flight progresses southeast across Arizona and New Mexico, right-side passengers will have better views of the Chiricahua Mountains and other ranges along the flight path before the final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Luke Afb in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Luke Afb (LUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Phoenix metropolitan area and the northern approach to the South Mountains as the aircraft climbs eastward. You'll see the urban sprawl of Phoenix and Glendale clearly before banking southeast toward El Paso. Notable sights include: Phoenix metropolitan area, South Mountains, Gila River valley, Superstition Mountains (distant eastern horizon).
What can I see when landing at El Paso International in El Paso?
When landing at El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during the descent into El Paso. You'll see the Franklin Mountains dominating the landscape as the aircraft approaches from the west, and the Rio Grande valley becomes increasingly visible as you descend toward the runway. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande valley, El Paso urban area, Hueco Mountains (northeast).
How long is the flight from Phoenix to El Paso?
The flight from Luke Afb (LUF) to El Paso International (ELP) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 369 miles (594 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to El Paso flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gila River valley, passes south of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, and traverses the high desert plains of southwestern New Mexico. The terrain transitions from the Phoenix basin through increasingly sparse desert landscape. Notable features include the Dragoon Mountains (south of the direct route but visible from altitude), the San Simon Valley, and the Peloncillo Mountains near the Arizona-New Mexico border. The landscape becomes progressively more open and arid as the aircraft approaches El Paso.