The right side benefits from the Amsterdam takeoff view and, during the long transatlantic cruise, aligns with the more northerly stretch of the great-circle route where Ireland's south coast, southern Greenland or Labrador, and Newfoundland occasionally come into view — modest but real land breaks in an otherwise ocean-dominated crossing.
Flown AMS to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Amsterdam to Houston is 5,002 miles (8,049 km), a flight of about 10 hours 5 minutes.
Southern tip of Greenland or the Labrador Sea, followed by the coastline of Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence as the route crosses into Canadian airspace before continuing over Quebec and the U.S. Midwest toward Texas
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTDeparting AMS to the west, the right (north) side gives a good look back at Amsterdam itself, the IJsselmeer, and the patchwork of polders and canals typical of North Holland before the aircraft climbs out over the coast. The left side mostly shows flatter agricultural land toward The Hague with less visual interest.
Landing at IAH
LEFTOn approach into IAH from the north, the left side offers views of the Houston skyline and the winding bayous threading through the city's northern and western suburbs, giving some urban texture missing elsewhere on this flat coastal-plain approach. The right side over this stretch shows mostly suburban sprawl and pine forest with less definition.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Houston. The right side benefits from the Amsterdam takeoff view and, during the long transatlantic cruise, aligns with the more northerly stretch of the great-circle route where Ireland's south coast, southern Greenland or Labrador, and Newfoundland occasionally come into view — modest but real land breaks in an otherwise ocean-dominated crossing.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing AMS to the west, the right (north) side gives a good look back at Amsterdam itself, the IJsselmeer, and the patchwork of polders and canals typical of North Holland before the aircraft climbs out over the coast. The left side mostly shows flatter agricultural land toward The Hague with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Amsterdam city center, IJsselmeer, North Holland polders, Dutch coastline near Zandvoort.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into IAH from the north, the left side offers views of the Houston skyline and the winding bayous threading through the city's northern and western suburbs, giving some urban texture missing elsewhere on this flat coastal-plain approach. The right side over this stretch shows mostly suburban sprawl and pine forest with less definition. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, The Woodlands forested suburbs, Lake Houston.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Houston?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 10 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,002 miles (8,049 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to Houston flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland or the Labrador Sea, followed by the coastline of Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence as the route crosses into Canadian airspace before continuing over Quebec and the U.S. Midwest toward Texas