The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic desert mountain scenery during the Phoenix departure and a clear view of the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch on the St. Louis approach, while the right side offers mostly flat, featureless plains for the bulk of the route.
Flown PHX to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to St. Louis is 1,259 miles (2,026 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
The route crosses the high plains of eastern New Mexico and the Texas/Oklahoma panhandles, flat and largely featureless from cruising altitude, before the terrain gradually flattens further into the Missouri farmland approaching St. Louis.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTDeparting PHX to the northeast, the left side offers views of the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, and the Superstition Mountains rising north of the Salt River Valley as the aircraft climbs out of Phoenix. The right side mostly shows the flatter South Mountain area and suburban sprawl with less relief.
Landing at STL
LEFTOn approach into STL from the southwest, the left side gives passengers a view of the Mississippi River winding past downtown St. Louis, with the Gateway Arch visible as a small silver landmark near the riverfront just before landing. The right side typically shows flatter Missouri farmland with no comparable landmark.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to St. Louis. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic desert mountain scenery during the Phoenix departure and a clear view of the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch on the St. Louis approach, while the right side offers mostly flat, featureless plains for the bulk of the route.
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 northeast, the left side offers views of the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, and the Superstition Mountains rising north of the Salt River Valley as the aircraft climbs out of Phoenix. The right side mostly shows the flatter South Mountain area and suburban sprawl with less relief. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, McDowell Mountains, Phoenix metro sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into STL from the southwest, the left side gives passengers a view of the Mississippi River winding past downtown St. Louis, with the Gateway Arch visible as a small silver landmark near the riverfront just before landing. The right side typically shows flatter Missouri farmland with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis skyline.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to St. Louis?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,259 miles (2,026 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The route crosses the high plains of eastern New Mexico and the Texas/Oklahoma panhandles, flat and largely featureless from cruising altitude, before the terrain gradually flattens further into the Missouri farmland approaching St. Louis.