The right side wins overall because the Phoenix arrival on the right delivers the most dramatic and sustained scenery — the Superstition Mountains, the Salt River valley, and the Phoenix basin all unfold clearly on descent. The left side wins at takeoff but the right side's landing views are more visually distinctive and worth prioritizing for the full flight experience.
Flown MEM to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Memphis to Phoenix is 1,261 miles (2,029 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Arkansas River valley, then the Texas Panhandle's flat High Plains, the Llano Estacado escarpment, the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque (visible to the north), the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, the Continental Divide in western New Mexico, the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, and the Mogollon Rim before descending into the Salt River Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEM
LEFTMemphis runways typically send westbound departures heading southwest, putting the left side over the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis. You get a clear view of the river's wide bend and the Memphis skyline including the Hernando de Soto Bridge before climbing out over Arkansas.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTPhoenix Sky Harbor sits east of downtown, and aircraft typically land from the east on runway 26 heading west. The right side gives you the best view of the Superstition Mountains to the east, the Salt River valley, and then the Phoenix metro grid spreading out ahead as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Memphis International (MEM) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Memphis to Phoenix. The right side wins overall because the Phoenix arrival on the right delivers the most dramatic and sustained scenery — the Superstition Mountains, the Salt River valley, and the Phoenix basin all unfold clearly on descent. The left side wins at takeoff but the right side's landing views are more visually distinctive and worth prioritizing for the full flight experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Memphis International in Memphis?
During takeoff from Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Memphis runways typically send westbound departures heading southwest, putting the left side over the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis. You get a clear view of the river's wide bend and the Memphis skyline including the Hernando de Soto Bridge before climbing out over Arkansas. Notable sights include: Mississippi River main channel and sandbars, Memphis downtown skyline, Hernando de Soto Bridge (I-40), Tom Lee Park riverfront.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Phoenix Sky Harbor sits east of downtown, and aircraft typically land from the east on runway 26 heading west. The right side gives you the best view of the Superstition Mountains to the east, the Salt River valley, and then the Phoenix metro grid spreading out ahead as you descend. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains (east of Mesa), Salt River bed and Tempe Town Lake, South Mountain Park, Phoenix downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Memphis to Phoenix?
The flight from Memphis International (MEM) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,261 miles (2,029 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Memphis to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Arkansas River valley, then the Texas Panhandle's flat High Plains, the Llano Estacado escarpment, the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque (visible to the north), the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, the Continental Divide in western New Mexico, the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, and the Mogollon Rim before descending into the Salt River Valley.