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CLE → PHX
Which side of the plane to sit from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Cleveland) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of geographic transitions, from the Great Lakes at departure to the colorful Painted Desert and the scenic descent over the McDowell Mountains into the Phoenix valley.
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Lake Erie Shoreline
Immediate views of the Cleveland coast and the Cedar Point peninsula during the initial climb west.
Missouri River
The winding 'Big Muddy' snaking through the agricultural heartland near Kansas City.
Sangre de Cristo Range
The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, often snow-capped during winter and spring months.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, layered rock formations in shades of lavender, red, and orange across northern Arizona.
McDowell Mountains
Sharp peaks and high-end Scottsdale residential developments during the descent into Sky Harbor.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as it avoids the direct southern sun glare. During the final 20 minutes of flight, keep your camera ready for the transition from the high Mogollon Rim down into the Sonoran Desert basin, featuring clear views of Camelback Mountain.
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St. Louis Arch
On more southerly flight paths, look for the Gateway Arch and the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Ozark Plateau
A vast region of scenic, rolling hills and dense forests covering southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.
Sandia Mountains
Dramatic granite peaks rising over Albuquerque, New Mexico, visible as you cross the Rio Grande.
Superstition Mountains
Rugged, volcanic mountain ranges that mark the final approach into the East Valley of Phoenix.
Sit on this side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. As you approach Phoenix, watch for the Gila River Indian Community and the sprawling South Mountain Park, which provides a great scale of the metropolitan area.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,791 km (1,734 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 43 min
Departure: CLE (41.4117012024, -81.8498001099)
Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Route Type: Domestic
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