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GRR → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Colorado Plateau's dramatic transitions, including the Painted Desert and the volcanic peaks near Flagstaff, while avoiding the direct southern sun glare during midday flights.
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Lake Michigan Shoreline
Stunning views of the Michigan coast and the deep blue expanse of the lake immediately after takeoff.
Great Plains Patchwork
The geometric beauty of circular irrigation patterns across Kansas and Oklahoma.
Sangre de Cristo Range
The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains featuring snow-capped peaks in New Mexico.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored badlands that stretch across the northern Arizona plateau.
San Francisco Peaks
The towering volcanic summit of Humphreys Peak near Flagstaff, often surrounded by pine forests.
Sedona Red Rocks
The iconic crimson sandstone formations visible during the descent into the Phoenix valley.
This is the 'cool' side of the plane for afternoon flights, providing better lighting for photography of the Arizona landscape. Watch for the Mogollon Rim—a massive geological 'step'—about 30 minutes before landing.
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Chicago Skyline
Aerial perspective of the Willis Tower and the dense urban grid of the Windy City shortly after departure.
Mississippi River
A major crossing over the massive waterway dividing the central United States.
Meteor Crater
A perfectly preserved 50,000-year-old impact site visible as a giant bowl in the Arizona desert floor.
Superstition Mountains
Jagged volcanic peaks that dominate the horizon during the final approach into Mesa Gateway.
Tonto National Forest
The rugged transition from high desert to the Sonoran landscape filled with saguaro cacti.
Sit toward the back to avoid wing obstruction when spotting Meteor Crater. On morning flights, the sun will be on this side, so keep your window shade down periodically to manage heat and glare.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,509 km (1,559 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 21 min
Departure: GRR (42.88079834, -85.52279663)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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