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.
Flown PHX to OAK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Oakland is 645 miles (1,039 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
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.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTPHX 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.
Landing at OAK
LEFTOAK 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.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK)?
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.
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. 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.
What can I see when landing at Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
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.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Oakland?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 645 miles (1,039 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Oakland flight path pass over?
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.