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ATW → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from Appleton International Airport (Appleton) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of iconic geological landmarks, specifically the massive Meteor Crater and the transition from the Colorado Plateau over the Mogollon Rim into the Phoenix basin.
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Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored badlands stretching across the horizon in northeastern Arizona.
Meteor Crater
A nearly perfect circular impact crater, visible as a distinct bowl in the desert floor near Winslow.
Mogollon Rim
The massive limestone and sandstone cliff that marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau.
San Francisco Peaks
Distant views of Arizona's highest volcanic peaks near Flagstaff to the northwest.
Great Plains Patchwork
The geometric beauty of circular irrigation fields across Nebraska and Kansas.
The right side is the star of this route due to the Meteor Crater. For the best view of the crater, look out about 30-40 minutes before landing. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting on the Painted Desert. Be sure to watch the landscape change rapidly from high forest to low desert as you cross the Mogollon Rim.
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Lake Winnebago
Visible immediately after takeoff, providing a broad view of Wisconsin's largest inland lake.
Mississippi River
A classic crossing over the border between Wisconsin and Iowa, showing the vast river valley.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southern tip of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico, often capped with snow in winter.
Albuquerque Skyline
The Rio Grande valley and the sprawl of Albuquerque against the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains.
Superstition Mountains
Dramatic, jagged peaks that signal the final approach into the Mesa area.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare. This side is better for viewing the Sandia Mountains and the unique layout of the Rio Grande valley as you pass New Mexico. During the final descent into AZA, keep your eyes peeled for the Salt River and the rugged canyons east of Phoenix.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,334 km (1,450 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 7 min
Departure: ATW (44.258098602299995, -88.51909637450001)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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