The right side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Superstition Mountains during departure and brief glimpses of the Rockies and Great Lakes region during cruise, giving more terrain variety than the left side's mostly flat desert and Atlantic overflight.
Flight Path
Southern Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Great Lakes region, Labrador coastline, North Atlantic Ocean
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTDeparting PHX northeastbound, the right side offers a good look at the Superstition Mountains and the rugged Tonto National Forest terrain east of Phoenix, while the left side mostly shows flat desert suburbs and the Sierra Estrella in the distance.
Landing at CDG
LEFTOn approach to CDG from the east under typical westerly wind conditions, the left side of the aircraft faces south toward the Marne valley and glimpses of the Paris urban sprawl before the runway turn, while the right side shows flatter Picardy farmland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Paris. The right side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Superstition Mountains during departure and brief glimpses of the Rockies and Great Lakes region during cruise, giving more terrain variety than the left side's mostly flat desert and Atlantic overflight.
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 northeastbound, the right side offers a good look at the Superstition Mountains and the rugged Tonto National Forest terrain east of Phoenix, while the left side mostly shows flat desert suburbs and the Sierra Estrella in the distance. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, Salt River Valley, Tonto National Forest foothills.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to CDG from the east under typical westerly wind conditions, the left side of the aircraft faces south toward the Marne valley and glimpses of the Paris urban sprawl before the runway turn, while the right side shows flatter Picardy farmland. Notable sights include: Marne River valley, eastern Paris suburbs, patchwork farmland of Île-de-France.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Paris?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes 9h20m.
What does the Phoenix to Paris flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Great Lakes region, Labrador coastline, North Atlantic Ocean