The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Sonoran Desert peaks during the Phoenix departure and Florida's lake-and-lagoon scenery, including glimpses of the Disney World lakes, during the Orlando arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over flat West Texas and Gulf Coast plains with little to distinguish it.
Flown PHX to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Orlando is 1,845 miles (2,969 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
West Texas high plains, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, and a stretch of Gulf of Mexico coastline visible near the Mississippi-Alabama shoreline before the descent into Florida
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTDeparting Sky Harbor, the right side catches the classic Phoenix desert-mountain panorama as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its eastbound heading. Camelback Mountain, the McDowell Mountains, and the jagged Superstition Mountains all sit in view before the plane levels off over the desert.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTOn approach into Orlando, the right side offers views over the lake-studded central Florida landscape, including the Walt Disney World lakes southwest of the airport, before the turn onto final. The patchwork of lakes and green wetlands is a distinctive Florida signature not visible on the flatter left-side approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Orlando. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Sonoran Desert peaks during the Phoenix departure and Florida's lake-and-lagoon scenery, including glimpses of the Disney World lakes, during the Orlando arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over flat West Texas and Gulf Coast plains with little to distinguish it.
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. Departing Sky Harbor, the right side catches the classic Phoenix desert-mountain panorama as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its eastbound heading. Camelback Mountain, the McDowell Mountains, and the jagged Superstition Mountains all sit in view before the plane levels off over the desert. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, McDowell Mountains, Superstition Mountains, Phoenix/Salt River Valley skyline.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Orlando, the right side offers views over the lake-studded central Florida landscape, including the Walt Disney World lakes southwest of the airport, before the turn onto final. The patchwork of lakes and green wetlands is a distinctive Florida signature not visible on the flatter left-side approach. Notable sights include: Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon (Walt Disney World), Lake Tohopekaliga, Orlando's lake district, distant Orlando skyline.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Orlando?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,845 miles (2,969 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Orlando flight path pass over?
West Texas high plains, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, and a stretch of Gulf of Mexico coastline visible near the Mississippi-Alabama shoreline before the descent into Florida