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PHX → MEX
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the iconic snow-capped volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, during the final approach into Mexico City, alongside the dramatic eastern slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental.
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Saguaro National Park
Dense clusters of giant saguaro cacti and desert foothills shortly after departing Phoenix.
Sierra Madre Occidental
Dramatic high-altitude mountain terrain with deep ridges and pine forests as you cross into central Mexico.
León and the Bajío
Aerial views of the sprawling industrial and historic cities within Mexico's fertile central highlands.
Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl
The most spectacular sight on the route: the massive active and dormant twin volcanoes flanking the Valley of Mexico.
Teotihuacán Valley
Possible glimpses of the ancient Sun and Moon pyramids located just north of the Mexico City metropolitan area.
For the best experience, book a morning flight to have the sun behind you while viewing the mountains. Ensure you are seated well clear of the wing to get an unobstructed view of the volcanoes during the descent into MEX, which typically approaches from the north or northwest.
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Gran Desierto de Altar
The vast, shimmering sand dunes of the Sonoran Desert near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Gulf of California
Distant but clear views of the deep blue Sea of Cortez on the western horizon during high-altitude cruising.
Copper Canyon Outskirts
The rugged western edges of the Sierra Madre range, featuring sharp cliffs and deep arroyos.
Nevado de Toluca
A massive extinct volcano with a large crater, visible during the initial stages of the descent into the capital.
Santa Fe Skyline
The ultra-modern glass skyscrapers of Mexico City's western financial district visible just before touchdown.
The right side is excellent for sunset flights, offering golden hour views over the Gulf of California and the Western Sierra. Watch for the Nevado de Toluca volcano; it is often closer to the flight path than the eastern volcanoes during the standard arrival patterns.
Book Hotels in Mexico CityDistance: 2,017 km (1,253 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 41 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Route Type: International
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