Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Quebec, Ontario, and the Great Lakes region, the left side also offers better angles on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario as the route tracks southwest. Consistent advantage throughout.
Flown YHZ to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Halifax to Phoenix is 2,673 miles (4,301 km), a flight of about 6 hours 45 minutes.
The route tracks southwest over New Brunswick, Quebec, and southern Ontario before crossing Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Over the Great Lakes the left side gets views of the Ontario shoreline. The flight then crosses Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri before tracking over Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico are visible in the final hour of cruise before descent into Phoenix.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YHZ
LEFTHalifax departures on runway 14 (southeast heading) or runway 23 put the left side over Halifax Harbour and the downtown peninsula. You get a clear view of the harbour, the Dartmouth shore, and Bedford Basin as the aircraft climbs and turns westward.

Landing at PHX
LEFTPhoenix Sky Harbor sits just east of downtown Phoenix, and most arrivals come from the east on runway 26 (westbound). The left side gives you the best view of the Phoenix metro grid, South Mountain Park, and the Valley of the Sun sprawl as you descend over the desert.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Halifax International (YHZ) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Halifax to Phoenix. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Quebec, Ontario, and the Great Lakes region, the left side also offers better angles on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario as the route tracks southwest. Consistent advantage throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Halifax International in Halifax?
During takeoff from Halifax International (YHZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Halifax departures on runway 14 (southeast heading) or runway 23 put the left side over Halifax Harbour and the downtown peninsula. You get a clear view of the harbour, the Dartmouth shore, and Bedford Basin as the aircraft climbs and turns westward. Notable sights include: Halifax Harbour and the Narrows, Bedford Basin, Halifax downtown peninsula, McNabs Island.
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. Phoenix Sky Harbor sits just east of downtown Phoenix, and most arrivals come from the east on runway 26 (westbound). The left side gives you the best view of the Phoenix metro grid, South Mountain Park, and the Valley of the Sun sprawl as you descend over the desert. Notable sights include: Phoenix downtown skyline, South Mountain Park, Salt River and its dry bed, Tempe Town Lake.
How long is the flight from Halifax to Phoenix?
The flight from Halifax International (YHZ) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 6 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,673 miles (4,301 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Halifax to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over New Brunswick, Quebec, and southern Ontario before crossing Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Over the Great Lakes the left side gets views of the Ontario shoreline. The flight then crosses Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri before tracking over Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico are visible in the final hour of cruise before descent into Phoenix.