The right (north) side wins on both ends of the flight: a better skyline view during the Philadelphia departure and dramatic desert mountain scenery (Camelback, Piestewa, McDowell) during the Phoenix approach, plus a better chance of glimpsing the southern Rockies and New Mexico high desert along the cruise track.
Flown PHL to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Phoenix is 2,071 miles (3,332 km), a flight of about 5 hours 5 minutes.
The route crosses the Appalachian ridges of West Virginia/Kentucky, the Ozark Plateau, and the flat farmland of the southern Great Plains through Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle before climbing toward the high desert mesas of eastern New Mexico near Albuquerque.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
RIGHTDeparting PHL on runway 27 heading west, the right (north) side offers a good look at Center City Philadelphia's skyline and the South Philly stadium complex along the Delaware/Schuylkill rivers before the plane turns onto its westbound track. The left side mostly shows flat Delaware County suburbs with little to distinguish it.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTArriving at PHX from the east in typical west-flow conditions, the right (north) side gives clear views of Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and the McDowell Mountains rising above the Phoenix valley, along with the downtown skyline. The left side mainly shows South Mountain and flatter industrial terrain south of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Phoenix. The right (north) side wins on both ends of the flight: a better skyline view during the Philadelphia departure and dramatic desert mountain scenery (Camelback, Piestewa, McDowell) during the Phoenix approach, plus a better chance of glimpsing the southern Rockies and New Mexico high desert along the cruise track.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PHL on runway 27 heading west, the right (north) side offers a good look at Center City Philadelphia's skyline and the South Philly stadium complex along the Delaware/Schuylkill rivers before the plane turns onto its westbound track. The left side mostly shows flat Delaware County suburbs with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline (Comcast Center, Liberty Place), Schuylkill River, Lincoln Financial Field/Citizens Bank Park sports complex, Delaware River.
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. Arriving at PHX from the east in typical west-flow conditions, the right (north) side gives clear views of Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and the McDowell Mountains rising above the Phoenix valley, along with the downtown skyline. The left side mainly shows South Mountain and flatter industrial terrain south of the airport. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, McDowell Mountains, downtown Phoenix skyline.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Phoenix?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 5 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,071 miles (3,332 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Appalachian ridges of West Virginia/Kentucky, the Ozark Plateau, and the flat farmland of the southern Great Plains through Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle before climbing toward the high desert mesas of eastern New Mexico near Albuquerque.