Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Norfolk. While the takeoff offers good Phoenix valley views, the landing approach into Norfolk provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the James River estuary, Hampton Roads, and naval infrastructure clearly visible. The right side captures the most visually interesting portion of the descent.

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Salt River Valley and the northern Phoenix metro area as you climb out. You'll see the urban sprawl of Phoenix and Scottsdale spreading below, with the McDowell Mountains and Superstition Mountains framing the landscape to the east and southeast. Notable sights include: Phoenix metropolitan area, Salt River Valley, McDowell Mountains, Superstition Mountains.

When landing at Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during descent into Norfolk. You'll see the James River estuary, the Hampton Roads waterway, and the Norfolk naval base area. The Elizabeth River and the distinctive water infrastructure of the region are clearly visible from the right side as you approach from the west. Notable sights include: James River estuary, Hampton Roads, Elizabeth River, Norfolk naval installations.

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Norfolk International (ORF) takes Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Appalachian region. Notable features include the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee-North Carolina border (visible to the south if flying a slightly southern route), and the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The Ohio River valley may be visible depending on exact routing. The Blue Ridge Mountains appear as a series of parallel ridges running northeast-southwest across Virginia during the final descent phase.