The right side wins on both ends of the flight: South Mountain and downtown Phoenix at departure, and Lake Travis with the Hill Country terrain at arrival, while the left side offers comparatively flat, unremarkable desert and plains scenery.
Flown PHX to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Austin is 871 miles (1,401 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Route crosses the arid basins of southern New Mexico near the Rio Grande valley, then the flat scrubland of the Permian Basin in West Texas before reaching the Texas Hill Country near Austin.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTDeparting PHX to the east, the right (south) side offers a good look at South Mountain Park's rugged ridgeline right at the edge of downtown Phoenix, plus the sprawling Sonoran Desert basin. The left side mostly shows flatter suburban valley floor before the Superstition foothills recede into haze.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTOn approach to AUS from the northwest with a turn to align with runway 18, the right side gives passengers a view over the Texas Hill Country, including the sculpted shoreline of Lake Travis and the Balcones Escarpment before the terrain flattens into the city. The left side mostly faces flat farmland east of Austin with little to distinguish it.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Austin. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: South Mountain and downtown Phoenix at departure, and Lake Travis with the Hill Country terrain at arrival, while the left side offers comparatively flat, unremarkable desert and plains scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PHX to the east, the right (south) side offers a good look at South Mountain Park's rugged ridgeline right at the edge of downtown Phoenix, plus the sprawling Sonoran Desert basin. The left side mostly shows flatter suburban valley floor before the Superstition foothills recede into haze. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Downtown Phoenix skyline, Sonoran Desert basin, Gila River bed.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to AUS from the northwest with a turn to align with runway 18, the right side gives passengers a view over the Texas Hill Country, including the sculpted shoreline of Lake Travis and the Balcones Escarpment before the terrain flattens into the city. The left side mostly faces flat farmland east of Austin with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Lake Travis, Balcones Escarpment, Texas Hill Country ridgelines, Colorado River (Texas).
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Austin?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 871 miles (1,401 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Austin flight path pass over?
Route crosses the arid basins of southern New Mexico near the Rio Grande valley, then the flat scrubland of the Permian Basin in West Texas before reaching the Texas Hill Country near Austin.