The right side captures more of the flight's distinctive scenery overall: glimpses of the Oregon Cascades and Mount Hood early in the route, the Basin-and-Range desert and Lake Mead further south, and a strong Phoenix approach past Camelback Mountain and Papago Park. The left side offers a great Rainier view at takeoff but comparatively little afterward.
Flown SEA to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Phoenix is 1,107 miles (1,782 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses Nevada's Great Basin desert around the midpoint, a stark landscape of parallel north-south mountain ranges separated by broad dry valleys, typical of the Basin and Range province between the Cascades and the Mojave Desert.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTClimbing south out of Sea-Tac, Mount Rainier sits just off the left side of the aircraft, its glaciated summit rising above the forested foothills east of the flight path. Lake Washington and the eastside suburbs also fall on this side before the plane turns onto its southbound track.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn the westbound final approach into Sky Harbor, Camelback Mountain and the red sandstone buttes of Papago Park sit off to the right, with downtown Phoenix's skyline visible just beyond them. The Sonoran desert floor, dotted with saguaro and low ridgelines, spreads out below on this side as the aircraft descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Phoenix. The right side captures more of the flight's distinctive scenery overall: glimpses of the Oregon Cascades and Mount Hood early in the route, the Basin-and-Range desert and Lake Mead further south, and a strong Phoenix approach past Camelback Mountain and Papago Park. The left side offers a great Rainier view at takeoff but comparatively little afterward.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing south out of Sea-Tac, Mount Rainier sits just off the left side of the aircraft, its glaciated summit rising above the forested foothills east of the flight path. Lake Washington and the eastside suburbs also fall on this side before the plane turns onto its southbound track. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, Cascade foothills, Seattle eastside suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the westbound final approach into Sky Harbor, Camelback Mountain and the red sandstone buttes of Papago Park sit off to the right, with downtown Phoenix's skyline visible just beyond them. The Sonoran desert floor, dotted with saguaro and low ridgelines, spreads out below on this side as the aircraft descends. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Papago Park buttes, downtown Phoenix skyline, Sonoran desert terrain.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Phoenix?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,107 miles (1,782 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Nevada's Great Basin desert around the midpoint, a stark landscape of parallel north-south mountain ranges separated by broad dry valleys, typical of the Basin and Range province between the Cascades and the Mojave Desert.