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RFD → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Rockford International Airport (Rockford) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the transition from the fertile Midwest to the high deserts of the Southwest, including clear views of the Painted Desert and the dramatic Superstition Mountains on the final approach into Mesa.
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Quad Cities
Aerial view of the industrial and urban hubs along the Mississippi River.
The Flint Hills
The tallgrass prairie of eastern Kansas offers unique undulating landscape patterns.
San Juan Mountains
The snowy peaks of southern Colorado are often visible on the horizon to the north.
Painted Desert
The vibrant, layered colors of the Arizona high desert are a major highlight of the route.
Mogollon Rim
The dramatic cliff edge that marks the transition from the Colorado Plateau to the desert below.
Superstition Mountains
Towering volcanic peaks that dominate the skyline during the final descent into Gateway Airport.
The right side is best for afternoon flights as the sun begins to set in the west, illuminating the Painted Desert and Mogollon Rim in brilliant oranges and reds. This side provides the most dramatic views of the Superstition Mountains, which are the signature landmark of the Mesa area.
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Mississippi River
Cross the iconic river near the Illinois-Iowa border shortly after departure.
Kansas City Skyline
A distant view of the sprawling metro area as the flight cuts through the Midwest.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southernmost subrange of the Rockies provides a jagged horizon in northern New Mexico.
Albuquerque Sprawl
Excellent views of the Rio Grande valley and the city lights if flying at dusk.
Tonto National Forest
Observe the rugged, saguaro-filled canyons of central Arizona during the descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is particularly impressive during evening arrivals as the lights of Albuquerque and the Phoenix valley emerge. Keep an eye out for the Salt River reservoirs just before landing.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,206 km (1,371 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 56 min
Departure: RFD (42.19540023803711, -89.09719848632812)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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