Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Phoenix. The left side wins overall because while the right side has the better Miami departure view, the left side delivers consistently interesting scenery across the full flight: the Gulf of Mexico coastline near Naples, the Florida Everglades on climb-out, and then the dramatic approach into Phoenix with South Mountain and the Estrella Mountains. The left side also catches the Sonoran Desert landscape and any Gulf of Mexico glimpses during the early cruise phase.

During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. MIA typically departs westbound on runway 9/27 or northbound on 12/30. A right-side seat gives you views over Biscayne Bay, the Miami Beach barrier islands, and the Atlantic Ocean as the aircraft banks northwest. You'll see the downtown Miami skyline and the causeway grid connecting the barrier islands clearly. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach barrier islands, Port of Miami cruise terminals, downtown Miami skyline.

When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically lands eastbound on runways 7L/7R or 8, meaning the approach comes from the west over the desert. A left-side seat on final approach gives you a clear view of South Mountain Park and the Estrella Mountains to the south, plus the downtown Phoenix grid and Tempe Town Lake. Right side faces north toward Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains but the left offers the broader urban panorama. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Estrella Mountains, downtown Phoenix skyline, Tempe Town Lake.

The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes.

The route tracks northwest from Miami across the Florida Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico near Naples, then crosses the Gulf Coast near Fort Myers before heading over the Florida panhandle or central Gulf depending on routing. Over the Deep South states of Louisiana or Mississippi, the Mississippi River delta may be visible. The route then crosses Texas hill country and the Chihuahuan Desert before entering New Mexico and Arizona, where the Sonoran Desert, scattered mountain ranges like the Pinaleno Mountains, and the broad Salt River valley become visible on descent into Phoenix.