Phoenix to Mexico City flight path: PHX to MEX

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Mexico City. The left side combines a more textured desert departure with a dramatic volcanic approach into Mexico City, while the right side offers mostly flat desert and standard urban views without comparable landmarks.

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PHX to the south, the left side offers views of the rugged Sierra Estrella and South Mountain foothills before the route bends toward Mexico, while the right side mostly shows flat Phoenix suburbs and the Sonoran Desert basin. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Sierra Estrella range, Phoenix metro grid.

When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MEX, flights commonly curve past the south side of the Valley of Mexico, giving left-side passengers a view of the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl before descending over the dense Mexico City sprawl. Notable sights include: Popocatepetl volcano, Iztaccihuatl volcano, Valley of Mexico basin, Mexico City sprawl.

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,253 miles (2,016 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

Sonoran Desert lowlands transitioning into the pine-covered ridges of the Sierra Madre Occidental, with the arid plains of Chihuahua and Durango visible below during cruise.