Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the long cruise northward through British Columbia and Yukon, the left side also faces west toward the Coast Mountains and the St. Elias Range as you track northwest, giving better mountain views for the majority of the flight.
Flown PHX to EIL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Fairbanks is 2,612 miles (4,203 km), a flight of about 6 hours.
The route tracks north-northwest over Nevada and Idaho, then into British Columbia crossing the Canadian Rockies and the Interior Plateau, then through Yukon Territory passing near Whitehorse and the St. Elias Mountains to the west, before descending into interior Alaska over the Alaska Range foothills and the Tanana Valley. Key features include the Columbia River valley in the Pacific Northwest, the Canadian Rockies spine, the broad boreal forests of central Yukon, and the Alaska Range as a dramatic final barrier before the Tanana Flats.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTPHX typically departs westbound on runway 26 or eastbound on runway 8. On a northbound flight to Alaska, aircraft usually depart east on runway 8 then turn north, putting the South Mountain Park and the Sierra Estrella range on the left side as you climb out over the Valley. The left side also captures downtown Phoenix and the grid of the metro area spreading across the Salt River Valley.
Landing at EIL
LEFTEielson AFB sits southeast of Fairbanks, and aircraft typically approach from the south or southwest on runway 01L/19R or 02/20. On approach from the south, the left side faces east and southeast toward the Alaska Range foothills and the broad Tanana River floodplain. The left seat gives a clear view of the Tanana River's braided channels and the boreal forest stretching toward the White Mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Eielson Afb (EIL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Fairbanks. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the long cruise northward through British Columbia and Yukon, the left side also faces west toward the Coast Mountains and the St. Elias Range as you track northwest, giving better mountain views for the majority of the 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 Left side for the best views. PHX typically departs westbound on runway 26 or eastbound on runway 8. On a northbound flight to Alaska, aircraft usually depart east on runway 8 then turn north, putting the South Mountain Park and the Sierra Estrella range on the left side as you climb out over the Valley. The left side also captures downtown Phoenix and the grid of the metro area spreading across the Salt River Valley. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park (largest municipal park in the US, clearly visible as a dark rocky ridge south of the city), Sierra Estrella Mountains to the southwest, downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Eielson Afb in Fairbanks?
When landing at Eielson Afb (EIL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Eielson AFB sits southeast of Fairbanks, and aircraft typically approach from the south or southwest on runway 01L/19R or 02/20. On approach from the south, the left side faces east and southeast toward the Alaska Range foothills and the broad Tanana River floodplain. The left seat gives a clear view of the Tanana River's braided channels and the boreal forest stretching toward the White Mountains. Notable sights include: Tanana River braided floodplain, boreal taiga forest of interior Alaska, Alaska Range peaks on the southern horizon, Fairbanks city lights (if arriving at dusk or night in summer/winter).
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Fairbanks?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Eielson Afb (EIL) takes about 6 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,612 miles (4,203 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Fairbanks flight path pass over?
The route tracks north-northwest over Nevada and Idaho, then into British Columbia crossing the Canadian Rockies and the Interior Plateau, then through Yukon Territory passing near Whitehorse and the St. Elias Mountains to the west, before descending into interior Alaska over the Alaska Range foothills and the Tanana Valley. Key features include the Columbia River valley in the Pacific Northwest, the Canadian Rockies spine, the broad boreal forests of central Yukon, and the Alaska Range as a dramatic final barrier before the Tanana Flats.