The left side wins on both ends: Phoenix's desert mountain backdrop at takeoff and San Diego's bay-and-skyline approach at landing are both genuinely scenic, while the right side mostly shows featureless desert basin and inland approach terrain.
Flight Path
Sonoran Desert basins and low desert mountain ranges of western Arizona and southeastern California, including the Yuma Desert area before the route approaches the Southern California coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTDeparting PHX to the west, the left side gets views back over the Phoenix Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and the Sonoran Desert basin as the plane climbs. The city sprawl and surrounding desert ranges are clearly visible during the turn onto the westbound route.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn approach into SAN from the east, the left side offers the classic San Diego descent over Mission Valley and the harbor, with the Pacific coastline and Point Loma peninsula coming into view just before landing. This is one of the most scenic urban approaches in the US.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to San Diego. The left side wins on both ends: Phoenix's desert mountain backdrop at takeoff and San Diego's bay-and-skyline approach at landing are both genuinely scenic, while the right side mostly shows featureless desert basin and inland approach terrain.
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. Departing PHX to the west, the left side gets views back over the Phoenix Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and the Sonoran Desert basin as the plane climbs. The city sprawl and surrounding desert ranges are clearly visible during the turn onto the westbound route. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Phoenix Mountains/Piestewa Peak, South Mountain, downtown Phoenix skyline.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into SAN from the east, the left side offers the classic San Diego descent over Mission Valley and the harbor, with the Pacific coastline and Point Loma peninsula coming into view just before landing. This is one of the most scenic urban approaches in the US. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Point Loma peninsula, downtown San Diego skyline, Coronado Bridge.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to San Diego?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes 1h 25m.
What does the Phoenix to San Diego flight path pass over?
Sonoran Desert basins and low desert mountain ranges of western Arizona and southeastern California, including the Yuma Desert area before the route approaches the Southern California coast.