The right side wins because it captures the only real terrain variety on this route: a glimpse of the Twin Cities skyline at departure, distant views of the Rocky Mountain front range and southern Rockies during cruise, and a dramatic desert mountain approach into Phoenix. The left side stays over flat plains for nearly the entire flight.
Flown MSP to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Phoenix is 1,275 miles (2,051 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
High plains of eastern Colorado near the Kansas border, with the Rocky Mountain front range and Sangre de Cristo peaks visible as distant, snow-capped silhouettes to the west before the route continues over the New Mexico plateau into Arizona.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTDeparting MSP, the right side catches the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis downtown skyline as the aircraft climbs and banks onto its southwesterly course, while the left side looks out over flat suburban and farmland terrain with little to distinguish it.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn approach into Phoenix, the right side offers views of the jagged Superstition Mountains and McDowell Mountains rising from the desert floor, plus the Salt River valley, while the left side mainly shows the flatter southern edge of the Phoenix basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Phoenix. The right side wins because it captures the only real terrain variety on this route: a glimpse of the Twin Cities skyline at departure, distant views of the Rocky Mountain front range and southern Rockies during cruise, and a dramatic desert mountain approach into Phoenix. The left side stays over flat plains for nearly the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSP, the right side catches the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis downtown skyline as the aircraft climbs and banks onto its southwesterly course, while the left side looks out over flat suburban and farmland terrain with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Minneapolis downtown skyline, Twin Cities lakes, St. Paul.
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. On approach into Phoenix, the right side offers views of the jagged Superstition Mountains and McDowell Mountains rising from the desert floor, plus the Salt River valley, while the left side mainly shows the flatter southern edge of the Phoenix basin. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Salt River, Four Peaks.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Phoenix?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,275 miles (2,051 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Phoenix flight path pass over?
High plains of eastern Colorado near the Kansas border, with the Rocky Mountain front range and Sangre de Cristo peaks visible as distant, snow-capped silhouettes to the west before the route continues over the New Mexico plateau into Arizona.