The right side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over New Mexico, the right side also keeps you oriented toward the southern Rocky Mountain foothills and the Sacramento Mountains, while the left side sees mostly flat Texas panhandle and high plains. Right is the consistent choice for this route.
Flown OKC to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Oklahoma City to Phoenix is 832 miles (1,338 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight tracks southwest over the Texas panhandle and into New Mexico, crossing the Llano Estacado plateau, then the Pecos River valley. Over central New Mexico you pass south of Albuquerque and can see the Rio Grande valley and the Sandia Mountains to the north. Further west the terrain rises into the high desert of the Colorado Plateau before descending into the Basin and Range topography approaching Phoenix. The White Mountains of eastern Arizona are visible on the right side during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from OKC
RIGHTOKC typically departs west on runway 17L/35R or uses runway 13/31. Departing westbound, the right side gives you a clear look back over downtown Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma River as you climb out. The city grid and the distinctive skyline are cleanly visible before you turn southwest.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTPHX typically lands on runway 26 or 25R heading west, with arrivals often coming in from the east or southeast. The right side on approach gives you the best view of the Superstition Mountains to the east and the sprawling Phoenix metro grid as you descend over the Valley of the Sun. The South Mountain Park massif is also clearly visible to the right of the approach path.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Will Rogers World (OKC) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oklahoma City to Phoenix. The right side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over New Mexico, the right side also keeps you oriented toward the southern Rocky Mountain foothills and the Sacramento Mountains, while the left side sees mostly flat Texas panhandle and high plains. Right is the consistent choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Will Rogers World in Oklahoma City?
During takeoff from Will Rogers World (OKC), sit on the Right side for the best views. OKC typically departs west on runway 17L/35R or uses runway 13/31. Departing westbound, the right side gives you a clear look back over downtown Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma River as you climb out. The city grid and the distinctive skyline are cleanly visible before you turn southwest. Notable sights include: Downtown Oklahoma City skyline, Oklahoma River and its rowing venues, Lake Hefner to the northwest, Will Rogers World Airport layout below.
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 on runway 26 or 25R heading west, with arrivals often coming in from the east or southeast. The right side on approach gives you the best view of the Superstition Mountains to the east and the sprawling Phoenix metro grid as you descend over the Valley of the Sun. The South Mountain Park massif is also clearly visible to the right of the approach path. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains to the east, South Mountain Park, Phoenix metro grid and Salt River bed, Camelback Mountain.
How long is the flight from Oklahoma City to Phoenix?
The flight from Will Rogers World (OKC) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 832 miles (1,338 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oklahoma City to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over the Texas panhandle and into New Mexico, crossing the Llano Estacado plateau, then the Pecos River valley. Over central New Mexico you pass south of Albuquerque and can see the Rio Grande valley and the Sandia Mountains to the north. Further west the terrain rises into the high desert of the Colorado Plateau before descending into the Basin and Range topography approaching Phoenix. The White Mountains of eastern Arizona are visible on the right side during descent.