Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Santa Ana. Right side wins overall. While left gives decent Phoenix departure views, the right side delivers the Mojave Desert crossing with views of Joshua Tree and the San Bernardino Mountains in the distance, and then the spectacular Orange County coastal approach with the Pacific Ocean and Newport Beach on final. The landing view on the right is the highlight of this short flight.

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically departs west on runway 26 or northwest on runway 25L/25R. A left (south) seat gives you a clear view of South Mountain Park rising immediately south of the city, plus the broad Salt River valley and the distinctive grid of Phoenix sprawl. You'll also catch Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains to the northeast as the plane banks west. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Camelback Mountain, Salt River bed, Phoenix downtown grid.

When landing at John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. SNA typically lands on runway 20R/20L heading south-southwest, meaning the approach comes in from the northeast over the Santa Ana Mountains. A right (west) seat gives you the Pacific Ocean coastline, Newport Beach, Balboa Peninsula, and the broad sweep of Orange County's coastal plain on final approach. This is the money view on this route. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Newport Beach and Balboa Peninsula, Orange County coastal plain, Catalina Island on the horizon.

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.

The flight crosses the lower Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert transition zone, passing over the Blythe area near the California-Arizona border and the Salton Sea trough to the south. The San Jacinto Mountains and San Bernardino Mountains become visible on the right as you enter Southern California airspace, with the broad Inland Empire basin spreading out below before the coastal ranges come into view.