The right side delivers the dramatic Superstition Mountains and Salt River valley on departure, and during cruise over New Mexico and Kansas offers views of the southern Rockies foothills and the flat checkerboard of Great Plains farmland. The left side wins on landing, but the right side has the stronger overall experience across the full flight.
Flown PHX to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Detroit is 1,687 miles (2,716 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over New Mexico high desert and the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, then crosses the Texas Panhandle and Kansas plains with their massive center-pivot irrigation circles visible from altitude, followed by Missouri and Illinois farmland before crossing into Michigan over Lake Erie's western end near Toledo
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTPHX typically departs east on runway 26R/8 or uses runways oriented east-west. Departing eastbound and banking northeast, the right side picks up the South Mountain Park massif and the broad Salt River valley. The Superstition Mountains appear clearly to the east as the aircraft climbs out over the eastern Valley.
Landing at DET
LEFTDetroit City Airport (DET) sits on the northeast side of Detroit. Approaches typically come in from the west or southwest, meaning the left side faces south toward downtown Detroit, the Detroit River, and Windsor, Ontario across the water. The compact downtown skyline and the river are clearly visible on descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Detroit. The right side delivers the dramatic Superstition Mountains and Salt River valley on departure, and during cruise over New Mexico and Kansas offers views of the southern Rockies foothills and the flat checkerboard of Great Plains farmland. The left side wins on landing, but the right side has the stronger overall experience across the full flight.
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/8 or uses runways oriented east-west. Departing eastbound and banking northeast, the right side picks up the South Mountain Park massif and the broad Salt River valley. The Superstition Mountains appear clearly to the east as the aircraft climbs out over the eastern Valley. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Superstition Mountains, Salt River bed, Tempe Town Lake.
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Left side for the best views. Detroit City Airport (DET) sits on the northeast side of Detroit. Approaches typically come in from the west or southwest, meaning the left side faces south toward downtown Detroit, the Detroit River, and Windsor, Ontario across the water. The compact downtown skyline and the river are clearly visible on descent. Notable sights include: Detroit River, downtown Detroit skyline, Windsor Ontario waterfront, Belle Isle.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Detroit?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,687 miles (2,716 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over New Mexico high desert and the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, then crosses the Texas Panhandle and Kansas plains with their massive center-pivot irrigation circles visible from altitude, followed by Missouri and Illinois farmland before crossing into Michigan over Lake Erie's western end near Toledo