The right side wins because it captures both the rugged desert peaks near Phoenix on departure and the Sierra Nevada range on arrival into Sacramento, giving more topographic variety than the left side's flatter valley and suburban views.
Flown PHX to SAC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Sacramento is 635 miles (1,023 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Mojave Desert basins, dry lake beds near the California-Nevada border, and the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada range as the route crosses into California's Central Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTClimbing out of PHX to the northwest, the right side offers views of the jagged Superstition Mountains and McDowell Mountains, while the left side mostly shows flatter South Mountain Park terrain and suburban sprawl.
Landing at SAC
RIGHTOn approach into Sacramento from the southeast, the right side reveals the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada foothills and distant peaks rising above the flat Central Valley, a striking contrast the left side lacks, which mainly shows farmland and the Sacramento River delta.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Sacramento Executive (SAC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Sacramento. The right side wins because it captures both the rugged desert peaks near Phoenix on departure and the Sierra Nevada range on arrival into Sacramento, giving more topographic variety than the left side's flatter valley and suburban views.
What can I see during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of PHX to the northwest, the right side offers views of the jagged Superstition Mountains and McDowell Mountains, while the left side mostly shows flatter South Mountain Park terrain and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, Phoenix metro sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Sacramento Executive in Sacramento?
When landing at Sacramento Executive (SAC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Sacramento from the southeast, the right side reveals the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada foothills and distant peaks rising above the flat Central Valley, a striking contrast the left side lacks, which mainly shows farmland and the Sacramento River delta. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills, Sacramento River, Central Valley farmland, distant Sierra peaks.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Sacramento?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Sacramento Executive (SAC) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 635 miles (1,023 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Sacramento flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert basins, dry lake beds near the California-Nevada border, and the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada range as the route crosses into California's Central Valley