Left side wins both departure and arrival. During the cruise portion heading southwest, the left side also tracks closer to notable terrain including the Ozark Plateau edges and the transition into New Mexico high desert, making it the stronger choice throughout the flight.
Flown MDT to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Harrisburg to Phoenix is 1,991 miles (3,204 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
The flight crosses the Appalachian ridges of central Pennsylvania, then the Ohio Valley, southern Indiana and Illinois flatlands, the Mississippi River near St. Louis, the Ozark Plateau of Missouri and Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas panhandle high plains, the Sangre de Cristo and Sacramento mountain ranges of New Mexico, and the Sonoran Desert transition into Arizona
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDT
LEFTMDT typically departs runway 13 heading southeast, then turns west. The left side captures the Susquehanna River snaking south through the Cumberland Valley, with the Blue Mountain ridge clearly visible as a long dark forested escarpment to the north. Harrisburg city and the Capitol dome are briefly visible before the turn.
Landing at PHX
LEFTPHX typically lands on runway 26 heading west, or runway 8 heading east depending on winds. On the common westward approach, the left side faces south and captures South Mountain Park, the sprawling Phoenix metro grid, and the distinctive profile of the Sierra Estrella range to the southwest. The Salt River bed and Tempe Town Lake are also visible on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Harrisburg to Phoenix. Left side wins both departure and arrival. During the cruise portion heading southwest, the left side also tracks closer to notable terrain including the Ozark Plateau edges and the transition into New Mexico high desert, making it the stronger choice throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Harrisburg International in Harrisburg?
During takeoff from Harrisburg International (MDT), sit on the Left side for the best views. MDT typically departs runway 13 heading southeast, then turns west. The left side captures the Susquehanna River snaking south through the Cumberland Valley, with the Blue Mountain ridge clearly visible as a long dark forested escarpment to the north. Harrisburg city and the Capitol dome are briefly visible before the turn. Notable sights include: Susquehanna River, Blue Mountain/Appalachian front ridge, Cumberland Valley farmland, Harrisburg Capitol area.
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 on runway 26 heading west, or runway 8 heading east depending on winds. On the common westward approach, the left side faces south and captures South Mountain Park, the sprawling Phoenix metro grid, and the distinctive profile of the Sierra Estrella range to the southwest. The Salt River bed and Tempe Town Lake are also visible on the left. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Sierra Estrella range, Salt River/Tempe Town Lake, Phoenix urban grid.
How long is the flight from Harrisburg to Phoenix?
The flight from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,991 miles (3,204 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Harrisburg to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Appalachian ridges of central Pennsylvania, then the Ohio Valley, southern Indiana and Illinois flatlands, the Mississippi River near St. Louis, the Ozark Plateau of Missouri and Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas panhandle high plains, the Sangre de Cristo and Sacramento mountain ranges of New Mexico, and the Sonoran Desert transition into Arizona