While the takeoff offers desert mountain scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied visual interest with multiple water bodies, the Detroit metropolitan area, and the transition from rural to industrial landscape. Right-side seats capture the most compelling final descent views.
Flown PHX to YIP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Detroit is 1,659 miles (2,670 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau, then descends into the Great Plains. Notable midpoint features include the Grand Canyon region (far to the north if visible), the Kaibab Plateau, northern Arizona high desert, the transition into New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, then across Oklahoma and Kansas plains, and finally into the Great Lakes region. The Missouri River and Mississippi River systems may be visible depending on exact routing. The landscape transitions from high desert (6,000-8,000 ft elevation) through plains to the flat, glaciated terrain of the Great Lakes basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Salt River Valley and the surrounding desert terrain as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Phoenix Sky Harbor. You'll see the urban sprawl of Phoenix and Scottsdale against the backdrop of desert mountains.
Landing at YIP
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Willow Run, showing the Detroit metropolitan area, the Great Lakes shoreline, and the industrial landscape of southeastern Michigan. You'll see Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River system as you approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Willow Run (YIP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Detroit. While the takeoff offers desert mountain scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied visual interest with multiple water bodies, the Detroit metropolitan area, and the transition from rural to industrial landscape. Right-side seats capture the most compelling final descent views.
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. Left-side seats offer views of the Salt River Valley and the surrounding desert terrain as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Phoenix Sky Harbor. You'll see the urban sprawl of Phoenix and Scottsdale against the backdrop of desert mountains. Notable sights include: Salt River Valley, McDowell Mountains (northeast), Camelback Mountain (north), Phoenix metropolitan area grid.
What can I see when landing at Willow Run in Detroit?
When landing at Willow Run (YIP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Willow Run, showing the Detroit metropolitan area, the Great Lakes shoreline, and the industrial landscape of southeastern Michigan. You'll see Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River system as you approach. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Detroit skyline, Lake Erie (distant).
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Detroit?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Willow Run (YIP) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,659 miles (2,670 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau, then descends into the Great Plains. Notable midpoint features include the Grand Canyon region (far to the north if visible), the Kaibab Plateau, northern Arizona high desert, the transition into New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, then across Oklahoma and Kansas plains, and finally into the Great Lakes region. The Missouri River and Mississippi River systems may be visible depending on exact routing. The landscape transitions from high desert (6,000-8,000 ft elevation) through plains to the flat, glaciated terrain of the Great Lakes basin.