While the left side has good views on departure, the right side wins overall. During cruise heading roughly east-southeast, the right side faces south and picks up views of southern New Mexico terrain and Texas hill country. More importantly, the right-side arrival view of Lake Pontchartrain and the causeway is one of the most dramatic and distinctive approach views in the American South, making it the highlight of the flight.
Flown PHX to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to New Orleans is 1,297 miles (2,088 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses southern New Mexico including the Rio Grande valley near Truth or Consequences, the flat Chihuahuan Desert basin, then the Guadalupe Mountains on the Texas-New Mexico border. Over Texas the terrain flattens into the Permian Basin and then the Edwards Plateau. Approaching Louisiana the landscape transitions to the Gulf Coastal Plain, with the Sabine River marking the Texas-Louisiana border, followed by the vast Atchafalaya Basin swamplands and bayou country west of New Orleans.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTPhoenix Sky Harbor typically departs east on runway 26 or west on runway 8. Eastbound departures on 26R/26L have left-side passengers looking south toward South Mountain Park and the Estrella Mountains as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast. The Salt River bed and downtown Phoenix grid are also clearly visible on the left during initial climb.
Landing at MSY
RIGHTMSY typically lands on runway 10 (eastbound approach) or runway 28 (westbound). On the common eastbound approach to runway 10, right-side passengers get a clear view of Lake Pontchartrain to the north, one of the most visually striking features in the region. The causeway bridge across the lake and the New Orleans city skyline along the south shore are both visible on descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to New Orleans. While the left side has good views on departure, the right side wins overall. During cruise heading roughly east-southeast, the right side faces south and picks up views of southern New Mexico terrain and Texas hill country. More importantly, the right-side arrival view of Lake Pontchartrain and the causeway is one of the most dramatic and distinctive approach views in the American South, making it the highlight of the flight.
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. Phoenix Sky Harbor typically departs east on runway 26 or west on runway 8. Eastbound departures on 26R/26L have left-side passengers looking south toward South Mountain Park and the Estrella Mountains as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast. The Salt River bed and downtown Phoenix grid are also clearly visible on the left during initial climb. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Estrella Mountains, Salt River bed, downtown Phoenix grid.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. MSY typically lands on runway 10 (eastbound approach) or runway 28 (westbound). On the common eastbound approach to runway 10, right-side passengers get a clear view of Lake Pontchartrain to the north, one of the most visually striking features in the region. The causeway bridge across the lake and the New Orleans city skyline along the south shore are both visible on descent. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, New Orleans downtown skyline, Mississippi River bend.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to New Orleans?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,297 miles (2,088 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The route crosses southern New Mexico including the Rio Grande valley near Truth or Consequences, the flat Chihuahuan Desert basin, then the Guadalupe Mountains on the Texas-New Mexico border. Over Texas the terrain flattens into the Permian Basin and then the Edwards Plateau. Approaching Louisiana the landscape transitions to the Gulf Coastal Plain, with the Sabine River marking the Texas-Louisiana border, followed by the vast Atchafalaya Basin swamplands and bayou country west of New Orleans.