Seeing Mesa from a plane
About half a million people, more than Miami within city limits. Look for the Phoenix grid running east, crossed by canals that follow routes the Hohokam dug a thousand years ago.
7 of our routes pass it. Arizona · rated 4 of 10
The easy pick
Phoenix to Dallas-Fort Worth: sit on the left, on the climb, 3 min after takeoff.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| Austin to Los Angeles | Right | 114 min after takeoff |
| Phoenix to Dallas-Fort Worth | Left | on the climb, 3 min after takeoff |
| Phoenix to Las Vegas | Right | on the climb, 3 min after takeoff |
| Phoenix to Los Angeles | Left the other side is usually better on this route | on the climb, 3 min after takeoff |
| Phoenix to Chicago | Right | on the climb, 3 min after takeoff |
| Phoenix to San Diego | Left | on the climb, 3 min after takeoff |
| Phoenix to Orange County | Left | on the climb, 3 min after takeoff |
From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, at the usual time of day.
Questions
Which side of the plane do you see Mesa from?
It depends on the direction: the left on most of our routes (4 of 7). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Mesa from a plane?
Near the airport, on the climb or on the way down, and mid-flight on longer routes: see the table for each route.
Can you see Mesa at night?
Yes, by its lights. The app scores lit places at night by how bright they are.
Do clouds matter?
Yes. These answers assume a clear day. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.
More
Camelback Mountain Chase Field Phoenix State Farm Stadium Phoenix Raceway Austin (AUS) Los Angeles (LAX) Phoenix (PHX) Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) All routes