The right side wins on both ends of this short flight: dramatic mountain scenery at takeoff near Palm Springs and a clear view of South Mountain and the Estrella range on the Phoenix approach, while the left side offers flatter, less distinctive desert views.
Flown ONT to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ontario to Phoenix is 324 miles (522 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Colorado River valley near Blythe, the broad Mojave/Sonoran desert transition, and scattered isolated mountain ranges like the Harquahala Mountains in western Arizona
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ONT
RIGHTDeparting ONT and climbing east through the Banning Pass corridor, the right side offers a close view of the San Jacinto Mountains rising sharply to over 10,000 feet, with the desert resort area of Palm Springs visible below as the plane threads between the ranges.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn approach into Phoenix Sky Harbor from the west, the right side gives a good look at South Mountain Park's rugged ridgeline and the Estrella Mountains before the plane banks toward downtown Phoenix and the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ontario International (ONT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ontario to Phoenix. The right side wins on both ends of this short flight: dramatic mountain scenery at takeoff near Palm Springs and a clear view of South Mountain and the Estrella range on the Phoenix approach, while the left side offers flatter, less distinctive desert views.
What can I see during takeoff from Ontario International in Ontario?
During takeoff from Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ONT and climbing east through the Banning Pass corridor, the right side offers a close view of the San Jacinto Mountains rising sharply to over 10,000 feet, with the desert resort area of Palm Springs visible below as the plane threads between the ranges. Notable sights include: San Jacinto Peak, San Bernardino Mountains foothills, Banning Pass, Coachella Valley edge.
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 Sky Harbor from the west, the right side gives a good look at South Mountain Park's rugged ridgeline and the Estrella Mountains before the plane banks toward downtown Phoenix and the runway. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Estrella Mountains, Salt River bed, downtown Phoenix skyline.
How long is the flight from Ontario to Phoenix?
The flight from Ontario International (ONT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 324 miles (522 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ontario to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Colorado River valley near Blythe, the broad Mojave/Sonoran desert transition, and scattered isolated mountain ranges like the Harquahala Mountains in western Arizona