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MSP → PHX
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the lush Midwest plains to the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountain foothills and the red rock canyons of Arizona.
Minneapolis Skyline
Excellent views of downtown Minneapolis and the US Bank Stadium immediately following a southbound departure.
Rocky Mountain Front Range
The snow-capped peaks of the Colorado Rockies are often visible in the distance to the west mid-flight.
Tonto National Forest
A dramatic landscape of deep canyons and ponderosa pine forests as the plane begins its descent into Arizona.
Camelback Mountain
The iconic phoenix landmark resembling a kneeling camel is clearly visible during the final minutes of flight.
Downtown Phoenix
Clear views of Chase Field, the Footprint Center, and the central business district skyscrapers just before touchdown.
Choose the right side to see the transition from the Great Plains to the high desert. On afternoon flights, you will have front-row seats to a spectacular desert sunset. Look for the massive open-pit mines in eastern Arizona, which appear as giant stepped craters from 30,000 feet.
Mississippi River
Aerial view of the winding river and the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin shortly after takeoff.
Heartland Farmland
A vast tapestry of circular irrigation patterns across the fertile plains of Iowa and Nebraska.
Painted Desert
Distant views of the vibrant, multi-colored rock layers of northeastern Arizona as you head south.
Superstition Mountains
Rugged volcanic peaks rising sharply from the desert floor on the final approach into the Phoenix valley.
Tempe & ASU
Bird's-eye view of Tempe Town Lake, Sun Devil Stadium, and the bustling Arizona State University campus.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Superstition Mountains during the descent. If arriving at night, this side provides a stunning view of the sprawling grid of city lights across Mesa and Tempe. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the desert colors.
Distance: 2,052 km (1,275 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 44 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Route Type: Domestic
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