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CID → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from The Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the Great Plains to the snow-capped Southern Rockies, followed by iconic Arizona landmarks like Meteor Crater and the San Francisco Peaks.
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Missouri River Crossing
The winding border between Iowa and Nebraska, visible shortly after departure from Cedar Rapids.
San Juan Mountains
Stunning views of the rugged, often snow-capped peaks of the southern Colorado Rockies.
Meteor Crater
The world's best-preserved meteorite impact site, appearing as a perfect circle in the Arizona desert.
San Francisco Peaks
Arizona's highest mountains, including Humphreys Peak, visible near Flagstaff.
Mogollon Rim
The massive geological step-up that defines the edge of the Colorado Plateau.
For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of Meteor Crater, which usually appears about 30-40 minutes before landing. This side is also excellent for sunset flights as the light hits the red rocks of the Mogollon Rim.
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Heartland Patchwork
Orderly grids of Iowa and Nebraska farmland creating a vast geometric quilt in green and gold.
Albuquerque Skyline
Views of the Duke City and the winding Rio Grande as you traverse central New Mexico.
Painted Desert South
The southern fringes of the Petrified Forest National Park showing vibrant mineral-stained badlands.
Sandia Mountains
The dramatic western escarpment of the Sandia range rising sharply from the desert floor.
Superstition Mountains
On final approach to AZA, these rugged volcanic cliffs dominate the landscape to the northeast.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. This side is particularly rewarding during the final 15 minutes of the flight as the plane banks over the East Valley and Superstition Wilderness near Mesa.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,992 km (1,238 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 39 min
Departure: CID (41.88470077514648, -91.71080017089844)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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