While left offers good Phoenix departure views, right dominates the flight. The transatlantic routing provides extended views of the Atlantic, European coastlines, and the Tagus estuary approach—far more dramatic than the desert departure. Right-side passengers see the most visually distinctive segments of this long-haul route.
Flown PHX to LIS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Lisbon is 5,420 miles (8,723 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 5,000 nautical miles. Notable features include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), the Azores archipelago (if routed south of the direct great-circle path), the Bay of Biscay, and the Iberian Peninsula's western coastline approaching Portugal. Most of the flight is over open ocean with no visible landmarks; the Azores (if passed) would appear as small volcanic islands. The final approach into Lisbon reveals the Portuguese coast, the Tagus estuary, and the city itself.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert basin. The climb-out path typically heads northwest or northeast, positioning left-seat passengers to see the city grid, Sky Harbor's location south of downtown, and the desert terrain expanding outward.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTThe transatlantic approach to Lisbon typically brings aircraft in from the northwest over the Atlantic. Right-side passengers will see the Portuguese coastline, the Tagus River estuary, and Lisbon's position on the north bank as the aircraft descends toward Humberto Delgado Airport (located east of the city).
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Lisbon. While left offers good Phoenix departure views, right dominates the flight. The transatlantic routing provides extended views of the Atlantic, European coastlines, and the Tagus estuary approach—far more dramatic than the desert departure. Right-side passengers see the most visually distinctive segments of this long-haul route.
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. Left side offers views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert basin. The climb-out path typically heads northwest or northeast, positioning left-seat passengers to see the city grid, Sky Harbor's location south of downtown, and the desert terrain expanding outward. Notable sights include: Phoenix downtown skyline, Salt River valley floor, Superstition Mountains (southeast, receding), Sonoran Desert scrubland.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. The transatlantic approach to Lisbon typically brings aircraft in from the northwest over the Atlantic. Right-side passengers will see the Portuguese coastline, the Tagus River estuary, and Lisbon's position on the north bank as the aircraft descends toward Humberto Delgado Airport (located east of the city). Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary and delta, Lisbon's waterfront and city districts, Portuguese Atlantic coastline, Serra da Arrábida hills (south of the estuary).
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Lisbon?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,420 miles (8,723 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 5,000 nautical miles. Notable features include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), the Azores archipelago (if routed south of the direct great-circle path), the Bay of Biscay, and the Iberian Peninsula's western coastline approaching Portugal. Most of the flight is over open ocean with no visible landmarks; the Azores (if passed) would appear as small volcanic islands. The final approach into Lisbon reveals the Portuguese coast, the Tagus estuary, and the city itself.