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RDU → PHX
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior lighting for photography by avoiding direct southern sun glare while providing prime views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Ozark Plateau, and the dramatic Mogollon Rim in Arizona.
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Great Smoky Mountains
Spectacular views of the highest peaks in the eastern US, including Clingmans Dome.
Ozark National Forest
Deeply dissected plateaus and lush forest canopies across Northern Arkansas.
Palo Duro Canyon
Possible glimpses of the vibrant red rock 'Grand Canyon of Texas' near the panhandle.
Sangre de Cristo Range
Distant, snow-capped peaks of the southern Rocky Mountains visible across New Mexico.
Mogollon Rim
The massive geological step-up that defines the edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona.
Superstition Mountains
Jagged volcanic peaks and Tonto National Forest wilderness just east of the Phoenix valley.
Sit on the right for the best photographic lighting, as the sun will be on the opposite side of the plane for most of the westbound journey. Keep a close watch approximately 45 minutes before landing for the Mogollon Rim, where the landscape dramatically drops into the desert. In winter, the contrast between the snow-dusted New Mexico peaks and the Arizona desert is striking.
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Southern Appalachians
Rolling blue-tinted ridges of the southern mountain range shortly after departure.
Mississippi River
The massive, winding waterway marks the border between Tennessee and Arkansas.
Oklahoma Plains
A patchwork of agricultural fields and massive wind turbine farms stretching to the horizon.
Chihuahuan Desert Edge
Transition from the high plains into the arid, rugged landscapes of Southern New Mexico.
Phoenix South Mountain
Dramatic views of the South Mountain Preserve and the city grid during the final descent.
The left side is ideal for late afternoon flights to watch the sunset over the desert as you approach Phoenix. However, be prepared for significant sun glare during the middle of the day. On the final approach into PHX, this side often provides a better look at the downtown skyline depending on the landing pattern.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,036 km (1,886 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 34 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Route Type: Domestic
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