Left side wins both the departure and arrival phases. At departure you get Phoenix's most iconic terrain features, and at arrival the Øresund Bridge and Swedish coastline are genuinely spectacular from the left. The transatlantic cruise at altitude over Greenland and Iceland offers views from either side, but the bookend moments favor left.
Flown PHX to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Copenhagen is 5,475 miles (8,811 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
Routing typically tracks northeast over the Colorado Plateau and Rocky Mountains, then across the Great Plains and Great Lakes region, then over Atlantic Canada and Newfoundland. The North Atlantic crossing passes near or over southern Greenland's ice sheet and glaciated fjords, then Iceland's volcanic interior, before crossing Scotland and the North Sea into Denmark. Greenland's ice cap and coastal fjords are the single most dramatic visual feature of the entire flight, visible from either side depending on exact routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTPHX primarily uses runways 7R/25L and 8/26. Eastbound departures on runway 26 head west initially before turning northeast, giving left-side passengers a clear view of South Mountain Park and the Phoenix metro grid. As the aircraft turns northeast, the left side captures the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale sprawl.
Landing at CPH
LEFTCPH's primary landing runway is 22L/04R, with approaches from the north over the Øresund strait. On approach from the north on runway 22, left-side passengers look east over the Øresund and can see the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, plus the Swedish coastline around Malmö. Right side faces inland over flat Danish farmland with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Copenhagen. Left side wins both the departure and arrival phases. At departure you get Phoenix's most iconic terrain features, and at arrival the Øresund Bridge and Swedish coastline are genuinely spectacular from the left. The transatlantic cruise at altitude over Greenland and Iceland offers views from either side, but the bookend moments favor left.
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 primarily uses runways 7R/25L and 8/26. Eastbound departures on runway 26 head west initially before turning northeast, giving left-side passengers a clear view of South Mountain Park and the Phoenix metro grid. As the aircraft turns northeast, the left side captures the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale sprawl. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park (largest municipal park in the US, clearly visible as a dark ridge south of the airport), McDowell Mountains to the northeast, Camelback Mountain's distinctive camel-hump silhouette, Salt River channel cutting through the valley floor.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CPH's primary landing runway is 22L/04R, with approaches from the north over the Øresund strait. On approach from the north on runway 22, left-side passengers look east over the Øresund and can see the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, plus the Swedish coastline around Malmö. Right side faces inland over flat Danish farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Øresund Bridge (the combined rail-road bridge-tunnel linking Copenhagen to Malmö), Malmö city skyline across the strait in Sweden, Copenhagen city center and harbor visible ahead-left, Amager Fælled flat island terrain directly below on final approach.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Copenhagen?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,475 miles (8,811 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
Routing typically tracks northeast over the Colorado Plateau and Rocky Mountains, then across the Great Plains and Great Lakes region, then over Atlantic Canada and Newfoundland. The North Atlantic crossing passes near or over southern Greenland's ice sheet and glaciated fjords, then Iceland's volcanic interior, before crossing Scotland and the North Sea into Denmark. Greenland's ice cap and coastal fjords are the single most dramatic visual feature of the entire flight, visible from either side depending on exact routing.