Left seats capture the Phoenix departure valley and mountains, then the entire Mississippi River approach sequence—the river's meanders are the flight's most dramatic geographic feature and dominate the landing phase.
Flown LUF to MEM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Memphis is 1,281 miles (2,061 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Arizona (Mogollon Rim visible to the north around 1.5 hours out), then transitions into New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. The Canadian River valley becomes visible in the Texas Panhandle. As you approach Memphis, the terrain flattens dramatically into the Mississippi River delta region. The Arkansas River and White River are visible as you descend into the Memphis basin. No major mountain ranges are encountered after leaving Arizona; the landscape becomes progressively flatter and more forested as you move eastward into the Mississippi River valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LUF
RIGHTLuke AFB typically departs eastbound (Runway 03L/03R). Right-side seats face north initially, offering views of the Phoenix metro area and the northern valley geography. Left seats would see the barren desert to the south.
Landing at MEM
LEFTMemphis approaches typically use Runways 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). On a typical eastbound approach, left-side seats face south and southeast, providing views of the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders and the city's downtown riverfront. Right seats would see only the flat Tennessee landscape.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luke Afb (LUF) to Memphis International (MEM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Memphis. Left seats capture the Phoenix departure valley and mountains, then the entire Mississippi River approach sequence—the river's meanders are the flight's most dramatic geographic feature and dominate the landing phase.
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. Luke AFB typically departs eastbound (Runway 03L/03R). Right-side seats face north initially, offering views of the Phoenix metro area and the northern valley geography. Left seats would see the barren desert to the south. Notable sights include: Phoenix downtown skyline (south-southwest), Camelback Mountain (east-northeast, distinctive peaked formation), McDowell Mountains (northeast, low range), Salt River valley floor (immediate foreground expanding eastward).
What can I see when landing at Memphis International in Memphis?
When landing at Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Memphis approaches typically use Runways 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). On a typical eastbound approach, left-side seats face south and southeast, providing views of the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders and the city's downtown riverfront. Right seats would see only the flat Tennessee landscape. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (dominant feature with characteristic S-curves), Memphis downtown skyline (west bank, clustered high-rises), Shelby Farms (large green reservoir area, southeast of city), Wolf River (tributary visible as darker water line).
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Memphis?
The flight from Luke Afb (LUF) to Memphis International (MEM) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,281 miles (2,061 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Memphis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Arizona (Mogollon Rim visible to the north around 1.5 hours out), then transitions into New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. The Canadian River valley becomes visible in the Texas Panhandle. As you approach Memphis, the terrain flattens dramatically into the Mississippi River delta region. The Arkansas River and White River are visible as you descend into the Memphis basin. No major mountain ranges are encountered after leaving Arizona; the landscape becomes progressively flatter and more forested as you move eastward into the Mississippi River valley.