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MOT → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from Minot International Airport (Minot) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic shift from the northern plains to the rugged Rocky Mountain ranges and the colorful geological formations of the Southwest.
The Badlands
Witness the intricate erosion patterns and colorful clay layers of the South Dakota Badlands shortly after takeoff.
Black Hills
Look for the dark, pine-covered silhouettes of the Black Hills rising abruptly from the surrounding prairie.
Central Rockies
Fly past the massive, snow-dusted peaks of the Colorado Rockies, offering a bird's-eye view of the Continental Divide.
Painted Desert
As you enter Arizona, the landscape transforms into vibrant shades of lavender, red, and orange.
Superstition Mountains
On final approach to AZA, get a close-up view of these iconic, rugged volcanic peaks east of Phoenix.
Choose the right side for the most diverse geological scenery. For afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side, so have your window shade ready, but the reward is the golden hour glow on the Arizona desert. Keep an eye out for the transition from the green forests of the north to the red rocks of the south.
Missouri River
Watch the winding path of the Missouri River as it carves through the North Dakota and South Dakota border regions.
Denver Front Range
Catch views of the Denver metropolitan area and the sharp transition where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Gaze at the high, narrow mountain range stretching through southern Colorado into New Mexico.
Sonoran Desert Entry
As you descend into Mesa, the vast, brush-filled landscapes of the Arizona desert come into clear view.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. Look for the 'Mile High City' of Denver and the long, snowy ridges of the Sangre de Cristo range. During winter, the contrast between the snow-capped peaks and the high desert floor is particularly striking.
Distance: 1,874 km (1,164 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: MOT (48.2593994140625, -101.27999877929688)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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