About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Monterey. While takeoff offers decent desert views, the landing approach provides far more dramatic and memorable scenery—the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains are among California's most visually striking landscapes. Right seats capture this best.
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 seats offer views of the Salt River Mountains and the Phoenix urban sprawl spreading northward. You'll see the city grid and surrounding desert terrain clearly during the northwesterly climb-out typical from PHX. Notable sights include: Salt River Mountains, Phoenix metropolitan area grid, Sonoran Desert scrubland, Lake Pleasant (if visible at altitude).
What can I see when landing at Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey?
When landing at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views of the Big Sur coastline and the Santa Lucia Mountains as you descend toward Monterey. The dramatic cliffs and Pacific Ocean are striking during the final approach from the south. Notable sights include: Santa Lucia Mountains, Big Sur coastline, Pacific Ocean, Monterey Bay.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Monterey?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) takes 2h 15m.
What does the Phoenix to Monterey flight path pass over?
San Luis Obispo County rolling hills, Salinas Valley agricultural plains, Gabilan Range to the east, Carmel Valley approach corridor