The right side offers a stronger overall experience: it catches the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque during cruise as the route passes just south of the city, and delivers the visually striking Camelback Mountain and downtown Phoenix skyline on final approach, compared to the left side's mostly flat Great Plains views and a single brief landmark glimpse at takeoff.
Flown STL to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Phoenix is 1,259 miles (2,026 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses the flat Texas and Oklahoma panhandles and the Caprock Escarpment of the Llano Estacado, then passes just south of Albuquerque, bringing the Sandia Mountains into view on the northern (right) horizon before the terrain rises toward the Mogollon Rim and the Sonoran Desert on the descent into Phoenix.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTDeparting STL and turning onto a southwesterly heading toward Phoenix, the Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis skyline, and the Mississippi River briefly appear over the left rear of the aircraft during the climbing turn. The right side mostly shows flat Missouri farmland and suburbs with no comparable landmark.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn the common east-to-west approach into Sky Harbor, the flight path passes north of South Mountain and skirts just south of downtown Phoenix, putting Camelback Mountain, Papago Park's red sandstone buttes, and the downtown skyline on the right side during final approach. The left side mainly shows flatter desert suburbs of Tempe and Ahwatukee.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Phoenix. The right side offers a stronger overall experience: it catches the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque during cruise as the route passes just south of the city, and delivers the visually striking Camelback Mountain and downtown Phoenix skyline on final approach, compared to the left side's mostly flat Great Plains views and a single brief landmark glimpse at takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing STL and turning onto a southwesterly heading toward Phoenix, the Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis skyline, and the Mississippi River briefly appear over the left rear of the aircraft during the climbing turn. The right side mostly shows flat Missouri farmland and suburbs with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis skyline, Mississippi River.
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 common east-to-west approach into Sky Harbor, the flight path passes north of South Mountain and skirts just south of downtown Phoenix, putting Camelback Mountain, Papago Park's red sandstone buttes, and the downtown skyline on the right side during final approach. The left side mainly shows flatter desert suburbs of Tempe and Ahwatukee. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock), downtown Phoenix skyline, McDowell Mountains.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Phoenix?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,259 miles (2,026 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The route crosses the flat Texas and Oklahoma panhandles and the Caprock Escarpment of the Llano Estacado, then passes just south of Albuquerque, bringing the Sandia Mountains into view on the northern (right) horizon before the terrain rises toward the Mogollon Rim and the Sonoran Desert on the descent into Phoenix.