Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Tucson. While the right side has a slight edge at takeoff, the left side wins overall because the Santa Catalina Mountains on approach into Tucson are the single most dramatic visual feature of the entire short flight. The left side also gives a decent view of the Phoenix metro during climb and the desert corridor en route.

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHX typically departs east on runway 26R/26L or south on runway 8, but the most common departure toward Tucson is southeast. A right-side seat gives you the best view of South Mountain Park and the urban Phoenix grid as you climb out, plus the first glimpse of the Superstition Mountains to the east. The Salt River corridor is also visible on the right during the initial climb. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Superstition Mountains, Salt River bed, downtown Phoenix skyline.

When landing at Tucson International (TUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Tucson International typically receives arrivals from the north or northwest, meaning the aircraft approaches from the PHX direction on roughly a southeast heading. A left-side seat gives you a clear view of the Santa Catalina Mountains dominating the north side of Tucson, including Mount Lemmon, which is one of the most visually striking features in the region. You also get a good look at the Rincon Mountains to the east as you descend. Notable sights include: Santa Catalina Mountains (Mount Lemmon), Rincon Mountains, downtown Tucson, Saguaro National Park East.

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Tucson International (TUS) takes Approximately 35-45 minutes.

The flight crosses the broad Sonoran Desert basin between Phoenix and Tucson, passing over the Gila River Indian Community lands, the town of Coolidge, and the flat agricultural plains around Casa Grande. The Picacho Peak State Park area is visible near the midpoint — Picacho Peak itself is a distinctive volcanic spire rising abruptly from the flat desert floor and is one of the few prominent landmarks along this otherwise flat corridor. The I-10 freeway corridor is visible as a straight line cutting through the desert below.