Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Ana to Phoenix. The right side wins overall. The Pacific Ocean and Orange County coastline at departure are spectacular and hard to beat, and during cruise the right side faces south with views into the Sonoran Desert and occasional glimpses of the Colorado River corridor. The left side has a slight edge on landing but not enough to overcome the right side's superior takeoff views.

During takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. SNA typically departs runway 20R heading south before turning east. The right side gets the Pacific Ocean coastline, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach shoreline during the initial climb and turn. You'll also see the Santa Ana Mountains and Saddleback (Santiago Peak) as the aircraft banks eastward. Notable sights include: Newport Beach coastline and harbor, Laguna Beach cliffs, Santa Ana Mountains (Santiago Peak at 5,689 ft), and the urban grid of Orange County spreading inland.

When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHX typically lands on runway 26 or 25L heading west, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east. The left side faces south and gives clear views of South Mountain Park, the distinctive urban grid of Phoenix, and the Salt River valley. The right side faces north toward Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains but the left offers the broader city panorama on final approach. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park (the large dark ridge south of Phoenix), the Phoenix urban grid and downtown skyline, Salt River bed, and Tempe Town Lake.

The flight from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.

The flight crosses the Inland Empire east of the San Bernardino Mountains, then transits the low desert of the Coachella Valley region before crossing into Arizona over the Colorado River near Parker or Blythe. The Harquahala Mountains and Hassayampa River plain are visible before descending into the Phoenix basin. The terrain is predominantly flat Sonoran Desert with isolated volcanic mountain ranges rising abruptly from the desert floor.