PHX

Best window seat landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International

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LandingRIGHT

Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Piestewa Peak

🛬 Landing at Phoenix (PHX)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 26 means you're descending westbound over the East Valley toward Sky Harbor, and the right side gives you a clear view north over Papago Park's red rock buttes and iconic Camelback Mountain as you pass. The left side mostly shows South Mountain, which is farther away and less distinct from this angle.
Look forCamelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town Lake
Left window seat view during landing at Phoenix (PHX), Camelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town LakeLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Phoenix (PHX), Camelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town LakeRight Side
PhoenixPhoto: Roy Serafin

Sky Harbor is a major Southwest hub with three terminals (2, 3, and 4) connected by a free PHX Sky Train, and it sits just a few miles from downtown Phoenix, making it one of the more centrally located big-city airports in the US.

⛰️ Elevation1,135 ft
🛫 Runways3 (08/26, 07L/25R, 07R/25L)
✈️ HubAmerican Airlines, Southwest Airlines
📍 NearbyAZA 22 miPRC 88 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?

When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 26 means you're descending westbound over the East Valley toward Sky Harbor, and the right side gives you a clear view north over Papago Park's red rock buttes and iconic Camelback Mountain as you pass. The left side mostly shows South Mountain, which is farther away and less distinct from this angle. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town Lake.

What can I see when arriving at Phoenix?

Arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix, passengers on the Right side enjoy views of Camelback Mountain, Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock buttes), Piestewa Peak, Tempe Town Lake. Landing on runway 26 means you're descending westbound over the East Valley toward Sky Harbor, and the right side gives you a clear view north over Papago Park's red rock buttes and iconic Camelback Mountain as you pass. The left side mostly shows South Mountain, which is farther away and less distinct from this angle.

What factors affect the best window seat landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International?

The best window seat landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Phoenix (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.