Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior mountain scenery on both legs. Takeoff captures Phoenix's urban-desert transition with nearby ranges; landing features the dramatic Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains with the Yellowstone River valley—genuine high-altitude terrain drama. Left side offers only open desert and plains with minimal visual interest.
Flown PHX to BIL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Billings is 874 miles (1,407 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Mogollon Rim escarpment (Arizona-New Mexico border region), high desert plateau of central Arizona and New Mexico, transition to Colorado Plateau, San Juan Mountains (southern Colorado), Sangre de Cristo Range, high plains of southeastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico, Raton Pass area, transition to Montana high plains
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTRight side captures Phoenix's urban sprawl and the immediate transition to the Sonoran Desert with visible mountain ranges. Left side shows open desert with minimal landmarks during climb-out.
Landing at BIL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Beartooth Mountains and the Absaroka Range as the aircraft descends into Billings, plus the Yellowstone River valley. Left side shows open high plains with minimal terrain variation.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Billings. Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior mountain scenery on both legs. Takeoff captures Phoenix's urban-desert transition with nearby ranges; landing features the dramatic Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains with the Yellowstone River valley—genuine high-altitude terrain drama. Left side offers only open desert and plains with minimal visual interest.
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. Right side captures Phoenix's urban sprawl and the immediate transition to the Sonoran Desert with visible mountain ranges. Left side shows open desert with minimal landmarks during climb-out. Notable sights include: Phoenix metropolitan area, South Mountain Park, White Tank Mountains, Sonoran Desert floor.
What can I see when landing at Billings Logan International Airport in Billings?
When landing at Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Beartooth Mountains and the Absaroka Range as the aircraft descends into Billings, plus the Yellowstone River valley. Left side shows open high plains with minimal terrain variation. Notable sights include: Beartooth Mountains, Absaroka Range, Yellowstone River valley, Billings urban area.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Billings?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 874 miles (1,407 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Billings flight path pass over?
Mogollon Rim escarpment (Arizona-New Mexico border region), high desert plateau of central Arizona and New Mexico, transition to Colorado Plateau, San Juan Mountains (southern Colorado), Sangre de Cristo Range, high plains of southeastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico, Raton Pass area, transition to Montana high plains