While the right side has strong views on departure over Phoenix's mountain parks, the left side wins overall because it delivers the dramatic Dallas skyline approach and also captures the Pinal Airpark boneyard and eastern Arizona terrain during cruise. For a short 2-hour flight, the landing view of downtown Dallas from the left is the single most memorable moment.
Flown PHX to DAL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Dallas is 877 miles (1,412 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight tracks east-southeast across the Sonoran Desert, crossing the Pinal Airpark aircraft storage facility near Marana visible as rows of parked aircraft, then over the broad flat plains of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico near Lordsburg. The route then crosses the Chihuahuan Desert transition zone into west Texas, passing north of the Davis Mountains, before crossing the flat Permian Basin and the rolling Cross Timbers region of central Texas approaching Dallas.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTPHX typically departs east on runway 26R/25R or uses eastward runways, meaning a right-side seat faces south toward South Mountain Park and the Sierra Estrella range. As the aircraft climbs and turns eastward toward Dallas, the right side also captures the broad Salt River valley and the Superstition Mountains to the east-southeast.
Landing at DAL
LEFTDallas Love Field typically lands from the east or northeast on runway 13R/13L, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast and descends over north Dallas. The left side faces north and northwest, giving a clear view of downtown Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake, and the broader DFW metroplex sprawl as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Dallas Love Fld (DAL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Dallas. While the right side has strong views on departure over Phoenix's mountain parks, the left side wins overall because it delivers the dramatic Dallas skyline approach and also captures the Pinal Airpark boneyard and eastern Arizona terrain during cruise. For a short 2-hour flight, the landing view of downtown Dallas from the left is the single most memorable moment.
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. PHX typically departs east on runway 26R/25R or uses eastward runways, meaning a right-side seat faces south toward South Mountain Park and the Sierra Estrella range. As the aircraft climbs and turns eastward toward Dallas, the right side also captures the broad Salt River valley and the Superstition Mountains to the east-southeast. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park (largest municipal park in the US, clearly visible as a dark ridgeline south of the airport), Sierra Estrella range to the southwest, Superstition Mountains to the east, downtown Phoenix grid and the Salt River bed.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Love Fld in Dallas?
When landing at Dallas Love Fld (DAL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dallas Love Field typically lands from the east or northeast on runway 13R/13L, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast and descends over north Dallas. The left side faces north and northwest, giving a clear view of downtown Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake, and the broader DFW metroplex sprawl as you descend. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline (visible as a compact cluster of towers), White Rock Lake to the east of downtown, the Trinity River corridor running through the city, Love Field airport itself visible just northwest of downtown.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Dallas?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Dallas Love Fld (DAL) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 877 miles (1,412 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Dallas flight path pass over?
The flight tracks east-southeast across the Sonoran Desert, crossing the Pinal Airpark aircraft storage facility near Marana visible as rows of parked aircraft, then over the broad flat plains of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico near Lordsburg. The route then crosses the Chihuahuan Desert transition zone into west Texas, passing north of the Davis Mountains, before crossing the flat Permian Basin and the rolling Cross Timbers region of central Texas approaching Dallas.