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HOU → PHX
Which side of the plane to sit from William P Hobby Airport (Houston) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the Texas Hill Country to the rugged New Mexico mountains and the iconic Salt River canyons during the final approach into Phoenix.
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Texas Hill Country
Witness the lush green rolling hills and limestone plateaus of Central Texas shortly after departure.
Pecos River Gorge
A deep, winding canyon cutting through the arid landscape of West Texas.
Gila National Forest
Observe the densely forested mountains and high wilderness of Western New Mexico.
Theodore Roosevelt Lake
A large, vibrant blue reservoir nestled within the Tonto National Forest canyons.
Superstition Mountains
Stunning volcanic peaks and cliffs that dominate the landscape just east of the Phoenix metro area.
Salt River Canyon
Often called the 'Mini Grand Canyon,' visible during the descent into the Salt River Valley.
The right side is ideal for avoiding the harsh southern sun. For the most scenic experience, look out about 20-30 minutes before landing to catch the spectacular Salt River canyon and the Four Peaks. These features are best viewed during late afternoon when the shadows accentuate the canyon walls.
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San Antonio Metro
View the sprawling urban area of San Antonio and the Tower of the Americas as the flight tracks west.
El Paso-Juárez Border
Observe the dense urban grid of the two border cities separated by the thin line of the Rio Grande.
Guadalupe Mountains
Distant views of the highest peaks in Texas, including the massive limestone block of El Capitan.
Chihuahuan Desert
Vast stretches of high-altitude desert terrain characterized by yucca, agave, and rugged mesas.
South Mountain Park
During the landing sequence, see the world's largest municipal park bordering the southern edge of Phoenix.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the desert floor's early light. However, be aware that on afternoon flights, this side will face directly into the southern sun, making it difficult to photograph through the window glare. Look for the massive Franklin Mountains splitting El Paso in two.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,639 km (1,018 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 11 min
Departure: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Route Type: Domestic
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