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STL → PHX
Which side of the plane to sit from St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic shift from the fertile Missouri River valley to the rugged Southern Rockies and the vivid, multi-colored high deserts of Northern Arizona.
Missouri River
Witness the massive, winding Missouri River as it diverges from the Mississippi near the start of your journey.
Sangre de Cristo Range
Enjoy views of the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains as you fly over northern New Mexico.
Painted Desert
Marvel at the vibrant reds, oranges, and purples of the Arizona badlands stretching toward the horizon.
Meteor Crater
Look for the incredibly well-preserved impact site, visible as a distinct circular scar near Winslow, Arizona.
San Francisco Peaks
See Arizona's highest point, Humphreys Peak, which dominates the landscape near Flagstaff.
The right side stays in the shade for most of the westbound journey, providing perfect conditions for photography. Keep your window shade up as you enter Arizona airspace; the contrast between the red rocks and the blue sky is most striking about 30-40 minutes before landing.
Gateway Arch
Catch a glimpse of the iconic silver monument and the St. Louis riverfront immediately after a westward departure.
Great Plains Patchwork
Observe the intricate geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation fields across Kansas and Oklahoma.
Sandia Mountains
As you cross into New Mexico, look for the sharp western face of the Sandia Mountains overlooking Albuquerque.
Superstition Mountains
On the final approach into Phoenix, these rugged peaks provide a dramatic entrance to the Valley of the Sun.
Salt River
Follow the winding blue ribbon of the Salt River as it carves through the desert floor just east of the airport.
While this side offers a great view of the St. Louis skyline, be aware that you will be facing south, which can lead to significant sun glare during midday flights. Choose this side for early morning or late afternoon flights to catch the 'Golden Hour' lighting on the Arizona mountains.
Distance: 2,027 km (1,260 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 42 min
Departure: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Arrival: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Route Type: Domestic
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