Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Oakland. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Mojave and Central Valley, the left side also offers better views of the Sierra Nevada foothills as you approach Northern California, making it the clear choice for the full journey.

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically departs westbound on runways 26L/26R, so a left (south-facing) seat gives you a clear look at South Mountain Park and the broad Salt River valley floor as you climb out. You also get a better angle on the Estrella Mountains to the southwest before the aircraft turns northwest. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Estrella Mountains, Salt River bed, downtown Phoenix grid.

When landing at Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Left side for the best views. OAK typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east, meaning the aircraft tracks over the East Bay hills before descending over the bay. A left (south-facing) seat gives you the best view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and downtown San Francisco across the water on final approach. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, Oakland waterfront.

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.

The flight tracks northwest over the Mojave Desert with its dry lake beds and sparse Joshua tree terrain, crosses the southern San Joaquin Valley (Central Valley agricultural patchwork visible), then crosses the Diablo Range and Altamont Pass area before descending into the East Bay. The Sierra Nevada appears as a distant snow-capped wall on the eastern horizon during the Central Valley crossing.