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PHX → MRY
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Monterey Peninsula Airport (Monterey)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the transition from the arid Sonoran Desert to the dramatic Pacific coastline, including potential views of the Big Sur cliffs during the approach to Monterey.
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Sonoran Desert Expanse
Aerial views of the rugged desert landscapes and volcanic fields of Western Arizona shortly after takeoff.
Joshua Tree & Coachella
Distances views of the high desert and the lush greenery of the Coachella Valley oasis.
San Jacinto Mountains
Soaring past the high peaks of the San Bernardino National Forest as you enter California airspace.
Central Valley Grid
The intricate patchwork of California's agricultural heartland stretching toward the horizon.
Big Sur Coastline
As the plane descends, look for the iconic rugged cliffs and turquoise waters where the mountains meet the sea.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight; if the pilot approaches from the south, you will get a world-class view of the California coast. Look for the white surf hitting the jagged rocks of the Monterey Peninsula.
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Camelback Mountain
Immediate views of Phoenix's iconic red rock formation and the North Valley suburbs.
Mojave National Preserve
Vast stretches of untouched desert wilderness and ancient cinder cones in Eastern California.
Sierra Nevada Range
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Sierras are visible in the far distance to the north.
Salinas Valley
Known as the 'Salad Bowl of the World', this fertile valley provides a green corridor leading to the bay.
Monterey Bay
A spectacular view of the crescent-shaped bay and the city of Santa Cruz across the water during landing.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Pacific as you arrive. This side also provides the best view of Monterey Bay’s full crescent shape during the final bank into the airport. Look for the Santa Cruz Mountains to the north as the plane enters the local traffic pattern.
Book Hotels in MontereyDistance: 961 km (597 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: MRY (36.58700180053711, -121.84300231933594)
Route Type: Domestic
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