About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madison to Phoenix. The left side captures the spectacular Madison lakes and Capitol at takeoff, then holds the better view across the Iowa and Nebraska plains, and picks up the Colorado Rockies on the left during the cruise portion of the flight. The right side wins at landing, but the left side delivers more sustained scenery across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
During takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from MSN typically use Runway 18 heading south or Runway 31 heading northwest. On a westbound departure toward PHX, the aircraft turns southwest, putting Lake Mendota and downtown Madison on the left side. Lake Monona and the Capitol building are also visible to the left during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Wisconsin State Capitol dome, Lake Wingra.
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 arrivals from the east typically use runways 25L/25R or 26, with aircraft approaching from the northeast and descending over the Valley of the Sun. The right side gives a clear view of South Mountain Park, the Superstition Mountains to the east, and the downtown Phoenix skyline during the approach. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Superstition Mountains, Downtown Phoenix skyline, Tempe Town Lake.
How long is the flight from Madison to Phoenix?
The flight from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Madison to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over Iowa farmland and the Missouri River valley, then crosses the Nebraska and Kansas plains. Over Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Front Range is visible to the right (north), including the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo range. The flight then crosses northeastern New Mexico and the high desert plateau of Arizona, passing over the Painted Desert and the general region of the Mogollon Rim before descending into the Phoenix basin.