While takeoff favors the right for Phoenix views, the landing approach into Ottawa from the west provides superior scenery on the left side with the Gatineau Hills, river valleys, and city geography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown PHX to YOW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Ottawa is 2,085 miles (3,356 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains eastward from Arizona through New Mexico, Texas panhandle, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and into the Mississippi River valley. Notable features include the Canadian River in the Texas panhandle, the Arkansas River in Oklahoma/Kansas, the Missouri River near Kansas City, and the Mississippi River in Illinois/Missouri. The Ozark Plateau becomes visible in southern Missouri. Lake Michigan may be visible on the northeastern approach to Canadian airspace. The flight generally follows a northeast bearing (approximately 045-060°) at cruise altitude of 33,000-35,000 feet.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the immediate Phoenix metropolitan area and the northern approach over the Salt River Valley. You'll see the city grid and surrounding desert terrain clearly during the initial climb-out northeastward.
Landing at YOW
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during approach into Ottawa. You'll see the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River valley as you descend from the west, with the city's location at the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers becoming increasingly visible.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Ottawa. While takeoff favors the right for Phoenix views, the landing approach into Ottawa from the west provides superior scenery on the left side with the Gatineau Hills, river valleys, and city geography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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. Right-side seats capture the immediate Phoenix metropolitan area and the northern approach over the Salt River Valley. You'll see the city grid and surrounding desert terrain clearly during the initial climb-out northeastward. Notable sights include: Phoenix city center and sprawl, Salt River Valley floor, McDowell Mountains to the northeast, Sonoran Desert scrubland.
What can I see when landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
When landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during approach into Ottawa. You'll see the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River valley as you descend from the west, with the city's location at the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers becoming increasingly visible. Notable sights include: Gatineau Hills (Quebec side), Ottawa River, Rideau River confluence, Ottawa city center and Parliament Hill area.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Ottawa?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,085 miles (3,356 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Ottawa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains eastward from Arizona through New Mexico, Texas panhandle, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and into the Mississippi River valley. Notable features include the Canadian River in the Texas panhandle, the Arkansas River in Oklahoma/Kansas, the Missouri River near Kansas City, and the Mississippi River in Illinois/Missouri. The Ozark Plateau becomes visible in southern Missouri. Lake Michigan may be visible on the northeastern approach to Canadian airspace. The flight generally follows a northeast bearing (approximately 045-060°) at cruise altitude of 33,000-35,000 feet.