About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Phoenix. The right side delivers consistent views across the full flight: the St. Lawrence and southern Quebec farmland on departure, the Adirondacks and then Appalachian ridges in Pennsylvania, the flat agricultural Midwest, the Colorado Plateau canyon country over New Mexico and Arizona, and the dramatic Sonoran Desert basin on approach into Phoenix. The left side has a strong Montreal departure but loses out mid-flight and on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. YUL's primary departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest, putting the left side over the St. Lawrence River and the Montreal city core including the distinctive Mount Royal hill. The right side faces suburban sprawl toward Laval. Notable sights include: Mount Royal and its cross, St. Lawrence River, Old Montreal waterfront, Île-des-Soeurs.
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. PHX primarily uses runways 26 and 25R for westward landings, meaning the approach comes from the east. The right side faces south toward South Mountain Park and the broad Sonoran Desert basin, while also catching the Phoenix skyline as you descend over the east valley. Left side faces north toward Scottsdale's flat grid. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Phoenix downtown skyline, Tempe Town Lake, Camelback Mountain.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Phoenix?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Montreal to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, then crosses Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley Appalachians. Over Ohio and Indiana the terrain flattens into the agricultural Midwest grid. Crossing Missouri and Kansas the Great Plains begin. Over the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico the Colorado Plateau rises with mesa and canyon terrain becoming visible. The Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque are a notable landmark. Approaching Arizona the Mogollon Rim escarpment and then the Sonoran Desert basin open up dramatically before descent into Phoenix.