About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Phoenix. While the left side wins at takeoff for the iconic New Orleans river views, the right side delivers more sustained interest across the flight — the Texas Hill Country, Rio Grande corridor, and the dramatic Phoenix mountain approach make it the stronger choice overall. If forced to pick one side for the whole flight, right wins.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSY typically departs westbound on runway 10/28 or northbound on runway 01/19. On a westbound departure, the left (south) side gives you a clear view over Lake Pontchartrain's southern shore, the city of New Orleans, and the Mississippi River's distinctive crescent bend that gives the city its nickname. The French Quarter grid and the Superdome are identifiable from low altitude. Notable sights include: Mississippi River crescent bend, Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans CBD and Superdome, Lake Borgne to the southeast.
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. PHX typically lands eastbound on runways 07/08, meaning the aircraft approaches from the west. The right (south) side gives the best view of the South Mountain Park massif, the sprawling Phoenix metro grid, and Camelback Mountain's distinctive camel-hump profile rising above the urban fabric. The Salt River bed and Tempe Town Lake are also visible to the south-southeast. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Camelback Mountain, Phoenix metro grid, Salt River bed and Tempe Town Lake.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Phoenix?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the New Orleans to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over southern Louisiana bayous, then crosses the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, passes over the Chihuahuan Desert scrublands of west Texas near the Pecos River, crosses into New Mexico over the Lordsburg basin, then traverses the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona before descending into the Phoenix Valley. The Rio Grande corridor near El Paso and the rugged Basin and Range terrain of southern New Mexico and Arizona are the most visually distinctive mid-flight features.