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SBN → AZA
Which side of the plane to sit from South Bend Regional Airport (South Bend) to Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport (Mesa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the transition from the fertile Midwest to the high desert, including potential glimpses of the Chicago skyline, the crossing of major river systems, and the dramatic descent over the Mogollon Rim into the Phoenix basin.
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Chicago Skyline
Depending on the departure path, look north to see the Willis Tower and the Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance.
Mississippi River
Witness the massive scale of the United States' primary waterway as the flight crosses from Illinois into Missouri.
Great Plains Geometry
View the intricate patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles that create a giant green polka-dot pattern across Kansas.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southern tip of the Rocky Mountains provides a spectacular snowy backdrop when flying over northern New Mexico.
Mogollon Rim
A dramatic cliff face marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau, signaling the transition into the low desert of Arizona.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the desert. Look out approximately 30-40 minutes before landing to see the dramatic change in elevation as the plane crosses the Mogollon Rim. In winter, this side offers the best views of snow-capped peaks in the southwest.
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Indiana Heartland
Expansive views of the structured agricultural grid and rural landscapes immediately after takeoff from South Bend.
Albuquerque Urban Sprawl
A clear view of the Rio Grande valley and the city of Albuquerque nestled against the Sandia Mountains.
Sonoran Desert Terrain
The rugged, arid beauty of the Arizona desert floor with its unique geological formations during the final descent.
Sit on this side for better lighting during morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. As you approach Mesa, keep an eye out for the Gila River and the southern outskirts of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,411 km (1,498 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 13 min
Departure: SBN (41.70869827270508, -86.31729888916016)
Arrival: AZA (33.30780029, -111.6549988)
Route Type: Domestic
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