Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas, the left side also tends to offer slightly better views of the southern Rockies on the northern horizon, making it the consistent choice throughout.
Flown PHX to CMH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Columbus is 1,667 miles (2,682 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over New Mexico's high desert plateau, passing north of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande valley, then over the southern Colorado Rockies visible on the northern horizon, across the Kansas and Oklahoma panhandle grasslands, over the Ozark Plateau in Missouri, and into the flat agricultural plains of Indiana and Ohio before descending into Columbus.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTPHX typically departs east on runway 26R/8 or uses runways oriented east-west. Departing eastbound, the left (north) side gives you a clear view of South Mountain Park and the Phoenix metro grid, then the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks as you climb. The right side faces south toward the relatively flat desert toward Tucson.
Landing at CMH
LEFTCMH approaches typically come from the west or southwest on runway 28L/10R. On a westerly approach heading east, the left (south) side gives a view over downtown Columbus and the Scioto River. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Port Columbus International (CMH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Columbus. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas, the left side also tends to offer slightly better views of the southern Rockies on the northern horizon, making it the consistent choice throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically departs east on runway 26R/8 or uses runways oriented east-west. Departing eastbound, the left (north) side gives you a clear view of South Mountain Park and the Phoenix metro grid, then the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks as you climb. The right side faces south toward the relatively flat desert toward Tucson. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks (Mazatzal Range), Salt River channels through the valley.
What can I see when landing at Port Columbus International in Columbus?
When landing at Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CMH approaches typically come from the west or southwest on runway 28L/10R. On a westerly approach heading east, the left (south) side gives a view over downtown Columbus and the Scioto River. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River, Olentangy River confluence, Ohio State University campus (oval and stadium).
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Columbus?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,667 miles (2,682 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Columbus flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over New Mexico's high desert plateau, passing north of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande valley, then over the southern Colorado Rockies visible on the northern horizon, across the Kansas and Oklahoma panhandle grasslands, over the Ozark Plateau in Missouri, and into the flat agricultural plains of Indiana and Ohio before descending into Columbus.