About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Phoenix. Right side wins overall because the San Diego Bay and Coronado departure views are among the most visually striking urban coastal departures in the US. The landing left-side advantage at PHX is real but the Phoenix desert grid, while interesting, is less spectacular than the bay departure. Right side also gives decent views of the Salton Sea and Imperial Valley desert en route.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAN's primary departure runway 27 heads west over the bay before turning east. Right side gives you San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the Coronado Bridge clearly below during the initial climb and turn. Left side faces inland toward Mission Hills and is less dramatic. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically lands on runways 26 or 25L/25R, approaching from the east. The left side faces south and gives clear views of downtown Phoenix, South Mountain Park, and the broad Salt River valley floor as you descend. Right side looks north toward the less distinctive suburban sprawl of Scottsdale. Notable sights include: Downtown Phoenix skyline, South Mountain Park, Tempe Town Lake, Camelback Mountain.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Phoenix?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.
What does the San Diego to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from San Diego, crossing the Laguna Mountains and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The Salton Sea is visible to the south shortly after crossing the mountains — a large pale blue inland lake sitting well below sea level. The route then crosses the lower Colorado Desert and the broad agricultural patchwork of the Imperial and Coachella valleys before entering Arizona over the Kofa Mountains and the Sonoran Desert, with the distinctive saguaro-studded terrain visible on descent into Phoenix.