PHX

Best window seat at Phoenix Sky Harbor International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak

LandingRIGHT

Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Piestewa Peak

🛫 Taking Off from Phoenix (PHX)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on 25L heads west-southwest, and downtown Phoenix sits just north of the airport, putting the skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and the red rock buttes of Papago Park on the right side of the plane. It's a much more dramatic skyline-and-mountain view than the flatter industrial land south of the runway.
Look forDowntown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park buttes
Left window seat view during takeoff from Phoenix (PHX) — Downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park buttesLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Phoenix (PHX) — Downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park buttesRight Side

🛬 Landing at Phoenix (PHX)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 26 means you're descending westbound over the East Valley toward Sky Harbor, and the right side gives you a clear view north over Papago Park's red rock buttes and iconic Camelback Mountain as you pass. The left side mostly shows South Mountain, which is farther away and less distinct from this angle.
Look forCamelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town Lake
Left window seat view during landing at Phoenix (PHX) — Camelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town LakeLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Phoenix (PHX) — Camelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town LakeRight Side
PhoenixPhoto: Roy Serafin

Sky Harbor is a major Southwest hub with three terminals (2, 3, and 4) connected by a free PHX Sky Train, and it sits just a few miles from downtown Phoenix, making it one of the more centrally located big-city airports in the US.

⛰️ Elevation1,135 ft
🛫 Runways3 (08/26, 07L/25R, 07R/25L)
✈️ HubAmerican Airlines, Southwest Airlines
📍 NearbyAZA 22 miPRC 88 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park buttes.

What can I see during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?

When taking off from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on 25L heads west-southwest, and downtown Phoenix sits just north of the airport, putting the skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and the red rock buttes of Papago Park on the right side of the plane. It's a much more dramatic skyline-and-mountain view than the flatter industrial land south of the runway. Notable sights include: Downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park buttes.

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. Landing on runway 26 means you're descending westbound over the East Valley toward Sky Harbor, and the right side gives you a clear view north over Papago Park's red rock buttes and iconic Camelback Mountain as you pass. The left side mostly shows South Mountain, which is farther away and less distinct from this angle. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town Lake.

What factors affect the best window seat at Phoenix Sky Harbor International?

The best window seat at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Phoenix (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.