About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Los Cabos International (SJD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to San Jose Del Cabo. While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side delivers the more dramatic sustained views: the Gulf of California appears on the left as you track south over Sonora and Sinaloa, and the left side captures the stunning Baja coastline and Sea of Cortez on descent. The Sea of Cortez views alone make left the better 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 Right side for the best views. PHX typically departs west on runway 26 or east on runway 8. On westbound departures toward SJD, the right side gives you a clear view of downtown Phoenix, the Salt River valley, and the South Mountain Park massif. On eastbound departures, the right side captures the Superstition Mountains and the sprawling East Valley grid before the turn south. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, downtown Phoenix skyline, Superstition Mountains to the east, Salt River bed.
What can I see when landing at Los Cabos International in San Jose Del Cabo?
When landing at Los Cabos International (SJD), sit on the Left side for the best views. SJD typically lands on runway 16, approaching from the north over the Baja Peninsula tip. The left side gives you the Sea of Cortez coastline, the East Cape beaches, and the distinctive rocky desert terrain of the Sierra de la Laguna foothills as you descend. The right side faces inland desert with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Sea of Cortez, East Cape coastline, Sierra de la Laguna foothills, San Jose del Cabo town and estuary.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to San Jose Del Cabo?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Los Cabos International (SJD) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Phoenix to San Jose Del Cabo flight path pass over?
The route tracks south-southeast over the Sonoran Desert, crossing into Mexico over the Arizona-Sonora border near Nogales. Over Sonora the terrain is flat desert scrub. The Gulf of California becomes visible on the left side roughly 45-60 minutes in, a vivid blue contrast to the brown desert. The flight crosses the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez and tracks down the Sinaloa coast before crossing the narrow southern Baja Peninsula toward SJD. The Sierra Madre Occidental ridgelines are visible to the east in the middle portion of the flight.