Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Lake Ontario and Toronto's waterfront during departure, then the Appalachian terrain (mountains and valleys) across Pennsylvania and Ohio during cruise, and finally views of the desert landscape approaching Phoenix. Left seats miss the lake departure entirely and offer less compelling views during the eastern portion of the flight.
Flown YYZ to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Phoenix is 1,872 miles (3,013 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a series of parallel ridges and valleys running northeast-southwest across Pennsylvania and Ohio), the Ohio River valley, and transitions from green eastern deciduous forest to increasingly arid terrain as you approach the Great Plains and eventually the Colorado Plateau. The Allegheny Mountains are particularly visible on the right side during the first 90 minutes of cruise. By mid-flight, you'll see the transition from water-rich eastern terrain to drier western landscapes. The Colorado Plateau's distinctive layered geology becomes visible in the final hour before descent, with mesas and buttes appearing on the horizon as you approach Arizona.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwest from YYZ, and right-side windows capture the shoreline, Toronto's downtown core, and the lake's expanse as you gain altitude.
Landing at PHX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during descent into PHX. The approach from the northeast brings the aircraft over the Phoenix metropolitan area, and left windows frame the Salt River valley, downtown Phoenix, and the surrounding desert basin with excellent perspective.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Phoenix. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Lake Ontario and Toronto's waterfront during departure, then the Appalachian terrain (mountains and valleys) across Pennsylvania and Ohio during cruise, and finally views of the desert landscape approaching Phoenix. Left seats miss the lake departure entirely and offer less compelling views during the eastern portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwest from YYZ, and right-side windows capture the shoreline, Toronto's downtown core, and the lake's expanse as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto downtown skyline, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline), Niagara Escarpment (visible as terrain rise to the west).
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. Left-side seats provide the best views during descent into PHX. The approach from the northeast brings the aircraft over the Phoenix metropolitan area, and left windows frame the Salt River valley, downtown Phoenix, and the surrounding desert basin with excellent perspective. Notable sights include: Phoenix downtown skyline, Salt River, Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park (southwestern edge of the city).
How long is the flight from Toronto to Phoenix?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,872 miles (3,013 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a series of parallel ridges and valleys running northeast-southwest across Pennsylvania and Ohio), the Ohio River valley, and transitions from green eastern deciduous forest to increasingly arid terrain as you approach the Great Plains and eventually the Colorado Plateau. The Allegheny Mountains are particularly visible on the right side during the first 90 minutes of cruise. By mid-flight, you'll see the transition from water-rich eastern terrain to drier western landscapes. The Colorado Plateau's distinctive layered geology becomes visible in the final hour before descent, with mesas and buttes appearing on the horizon as you approach Arizona.