Loading map...
AZA → MLI
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa) to Quad City International Airport (Moline)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of Arizona's dramatic Mogollon Rim and the vibrant colors of the Painted Desert, followed by a better perspective of the southern Rocky Mountains transition.
Search flights from AZA to MLI
Mogollon Rim
Marvel at the massive limestone and sandstone cliffs that define the edge of the Colorado Plateau shortly after takeoff.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored badlands featuring hues of lavender, red, and orange stretching across Northern Arizona.
Southern Rockies
View the snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains in the distance as you traverse the Four Corners region.
Missouri River
The winding path of the Missouri River creates a clear geographic border as you cross from the Great Plains into the Midwest.
Iowa Farmland
Observe the perfectly geometric green and gold crop patterns that define the heart of American agriculture during the descent.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Watch for the dramatic drop-off of the Mogollon Rim roughly 15-20 minutes after takeoff from Mesa. During winter, look for the sharp snow line transitioning from the desert floor to the high plateau.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Superstition Mountains
Rugged volcanic peaks located just east of Mesa, providing an immediate scenic view during the climb out of AZA.
White Mountains
High-altitude forests and volcanic fields in Eastern Arizona, providing a dark green contrast to the surrounding desert.
Kansas High Plains
Enormous circular patterns created by center-pivot irrigation systems visible across the flat prairie landscape.
Des Moines Metro
The skyline and suburban sprawl of Iowa's capital city are frequently visible during the final leg of the flight.
Mississippi River Basin
Lush river valleys and tributaries leading toward the Quad Cities area as the aircraft prepares for landing.
On afternoon flights, the right side provides excellent golden-hour lighting over the desert. Keep an eye out for the distinct 'crop circles' created by irrigation in western Kansas and Nebraska. The descent into MLI often provides a view of the Rock River merging with the Mississippi if the flight path approaches from the south.
Book Hotels in MolineDistance: 2,069 km (1,286 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 46 min
Departure: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Arrival: MLI (41.44850158691406, -90.50749969482422)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.