Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Phoenix. The left side has a strong takeoff moment over Minneapolis, but the right side delivers a spectacular Phoenix arrival with Camelback Mountain and the McDowell range. During the cruise over the Great Plains and into the Southwest, the right side also picks up better views of the Colorado Plateau terrain and the transition into Arizona desert as you descend. On balance, right wins for the quality and duration of interesting scenery.

During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSP typically departs southwest on runway 12L/30R or 17/35 depending on winds. A southwestbound departure on the left side gives you a clear view of downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River gorge, and the chain of lakes in south Minneapolis. The right side faces east toward the suburbs with little of interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River gorge, Chain of Lakes (Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet), Minnesota River confluence.

When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHX typically lands from the east on runway 26 or 25L/R, meaning the aircraft approaches heading west. The right side faces north, giving clear views of the McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and the dense Phoenix metro grid as you descend. The left side faces south toward less distinctive desert terrain. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, McDowell Mountains, Salt River bed, Phoenix downtown skyline.

The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes.

The flight tracks southwest over Iowa and Nebraska flatlands, then crosses into Kansas and Colorado airspace. Over eastern Colorado the terrain begins to rise toward the Rockies, though the route typically stays well east of the main Front Range. Crossing into New Mexico and Arizona, the Colorado Plateau becomes visible — mesas, canyon systems, and the high desert transition are all visible at cruise altitude. The Painted Desert and the general Four Corners region terrain are visible on clear days as the aircraft begins its descent into the Phoenix basin.