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PIA → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (Peoria) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the dramatic transition from the Great Plains to the Southern Rockies and the colorful geological features of the Southwest, including the Mogollon Rim and the Rio Grande.
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Midwestern Heartland
Geometric patchwork of Illinois and Kansas farmland stretching to the horizon.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southern tip of the Rocky Mountains with snow-capped peaks often visible in New Mexico.
Rio Grande Valley
A lush green ribbon of vegetation cutting through the arid New Mexican desert landscape.
El Malpais
Ancient lava flows and cinder cones appearing as dark scars across the desert floor.
Mogollon Rim
A massive geological escarpment that defines the transition to the Arizona high desert.
Tonto National Forest
Rugged canyons and Saguaro-covered hillsides during the descent into Mesa.
The right side provides the best view of the sun-drenched landscapes of the Southwest without direct glare on morning flights. Keep an eye out for the red rocks near Sedona if the flight path tracks slightly north. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to capture the deep blues and oranges of the New Mexican high desert.
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Mississippi River
The massive waterway marks the boundary between Illinois and Missouri shortly after takeoff.
Ozark Plateau
Rolling hills and dense forest canopy visible as you traverse southern Missouri.
Texas Panhandle
The vast, flat expanse of the Llano Estacado, often dotted with wind farms and red earth.
Superstition Mountains
Dramatic, jagged volcanic peaks that serve as a landmark just before landing at Gateway Airport.
San Tan Valley
The rapid suburban development of the southeast Phoenix metro area during the final descent.
The left side is southern-facing, meaning it can be very bright during mid-day flights. Aim for an afternoon flight to see the Superstition Mountains glow in the setting sun. This side is also best for spotting the distinct circular irrigation patterns over the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,108 km (1,310 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 49 min
Departure: PIA (40.664199829100006, -89.6932983398)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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