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AZA → GRR
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa) to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the Arizona desert to the Southern Rockies and offers the best chance to see the Chicago skyline across Lake Michigan during the descent.
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Superstition Mountains
Rugged volcanic peaks and wilderness areas visible immediately after departure from Mesa.
Sangre de Cristo Range
The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, featuring high peaks often capped with snow.
Kansas High Plains
The geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation fields creating a vast patchwork across the plains.
Chicago Skyline
On clear days, the iconic skyscrapers and Sears Tower are often visible as the plane nears the Lake Michigan curve.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
The stunning contrast of blue water against the sandy dunes of the Indiana and Michigan coasts.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight. The views of the Southern Rockies in New Mexico are most dramatic in mid-flight, while the descent offers a beautiful panorama of the Great Lakes region.
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Tonto National Forest
Expansive desert landscapes and deep canyons visible shortly after takeoff from AZA.
Albuquerque Basin
The high desert terrain surrounding the Rio Grande valley in central New Mexico.
Mississippi River
The massive waterway serves as a distinct landmark marking the transition into the Midwest.
Michigan Fruit Belt
The lush green orchards and rolling hills of Western Michigan as you approach Grand Rapids.
Prairie Horizons
Expansive, unobstructed views of the horizon, perfect for observing cloud formations over the heartland.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the high desert. It offers excellent views of the winding river systems in the Midwest and the agricultural heart of Michigan during landing.
Book Hotels in Grand RapidsDistance: 2,509 km (1,559 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 21 min
Departure: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Arrival: GRR (42.88079834, -85.52279663)
Route Type: Domestic
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