Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Harrisburg. While the right side wins at takeoff for South Mountain and the Superstitions, the left side captures the full Appalachian Ridge and Valley system during the descent into Pennsylvania, plus the Susquehanna River and Harrisburg on approach. Mid-flight, the left side also faces south toward the New Mexico highlands and Texas panhandle terrain. The landing views on the left are more consistently dramatic and geographically interesting than the right side's approach views.

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHX primarily uses runways 7R/25L and 8/26. Departing eastbound on runway 8 or 7R, the right side faces south toward South Mountain Park and the Sierra Estrella range, which are the most dramatic terrain features near the airport. As the aircraft climbs and turns northeast, the right side also picks up the Superstition Mountains to the east. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park (largest municipal park in the US, clearly visible as a dark ridge), Sierra Estrella range to the southwest, Superstition Mountains to the east, downtown Phoenix grid and Salt River bed.

When landing at Harrisburg International (MDT), sit on the Left side for the best views. MDT sits just east of the Susquehanna River. Aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runway 13/31. On approach from the west, the left side faces north and northwest, giving a clear view of the Susquehanna River, the state capitol building in Harrisburg, and the Blue Mountain ridge to the north. The right side faces south toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Susquehanna River (wide and clearly visible), Harrisburg city center and Pennsylvania State Capitol dome, Blue Mountain ridge (northernmost ridge of the Ridge and Valley Appalachians), Three Mile Island nuclear plant cooling towers on the river.

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Harrisburg International (MDT) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.

The route crosses the New Mexico highlands and Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, the Texas panhandle's flat Llano Estacado, Oklahoma and Kansas plains, the Missouri Ozarks, and then the full Appalachian Ridge and Valley province of Pennsylvania including the distinctive parallel ridges of Tuscarora Mountain, Blue Mountain, and the Susquehanna River valley system