The right side offers superior scenery on departure with the dramatic Superstition Mountains and Phoenix valley geography. While the landing view favors the left, the takeoff experience from PHX is more visually distinctive, and the flight path northeastward generally keeps interesting terrain on the right side through much of the climb.
Flown PHX to DSM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Des Moines is 1,148 miles (1,847 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
After climbing out of Phoenix, you'll track northeast over central Arizona's high desert plateau. The flight crosses the Mogollon Rim region (visible as a subtle elevation change in terrain around 6,000-7,000 feet), then transitions into New Mexico's San Juan Basin. The landscape becomes increasingly sparse and flat. Around the midpoint near the Arizona-New Mexico border, you may see the Rio Grande valley as a vegetation corridor if conditions permit. Entering Oklahoma and Kansas, the terrain flattens further into the Great Plains with extensive agricultural patchwork. The flight generally maintains a northeasterly heading, so right-side passengers see the landscape unfolding ahead of the flight path, while left-side passengers see the terrain already traversed receding behind.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTRight side captures the Salt River Valley and the northern edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area as you climb northeast. You'll see the urban grid fade into desert and the Superstition Mountains rising distinctly to the east.
Landing at DSM
LEFTLeft side provides the best approach view into Des Moines. You'll see the Des Moines River valley, the urban core of downtown Des Moines, and the surrounding Iowa farmland grid as you descend for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Des Moines International (DSM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Des Moines. The right side offers superior scenery on departure with the dramatic Superstition Mountains and Phoenix valley geography. While the landing view favors the left, the takeoff experience from PHX is more visually distinctive, and the flight path northeastward generally keeps interesting terrain on the right side through much of the climb.
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. Right side captures the Salt River Valley and the northern edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area as you climb northeast. You'll see the urban grid fade into desert and the Superstition Mountains rising distinctly to the east. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains (east), Salt River Valley urban sprawl (below), McDowell Mountains (northeast), Camelback Mountain (north-northwest).
What can I see when landing at Des Moines International in Des Moines?
When landing at Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best approach view into Des Moines. You'll see the Des Moines River valley, the urban core of downtown Des Moines, and the surrounding Iowa farmland grid as you descend for landing. Notable sights include: Des Moines River (south and west of airport), Downtown Des Moines skyline (west), Raccoon River (northwest), Iowa agricultural grid (surrounding).
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Des Moines?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Des Moines International (DSM) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,148 miles (1,847 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Des Moines flight path pass over?
After climbing out of Phoenix, you'll track northeast over central Arizona's high desert plateau. The flight crosses the Mogollon Rim region (visible as a subtle elevation change in terrain around 6,000-7,000 feet), then transitions into New Mexico's San Juan Basin. The landscape becomes increasingly sparse and flat. Around the midpoint near the Arizona-New Mexico border, you may see the Rio Grande valley as a vegetation corridor if conditions permit. Entering Oklahoma and Kansas, the terrain flattens further into the Great Plains with extensive agricultural patchwork. The flight generally maintains a northeasterly heading, so right-side passengers see the landscape unfolding ahead of the flight path, while left-side passengers see the terrain already traversed receding behind.