While the landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery from Burbank is more dramatic and visually rewarding. The San Gabriel Mountains provide a striking natural feature immediately after departure, making the right side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown BUR to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Burbank to Houston is 1,375 miles (2,213 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert (visible as tan, sparse terrain with scattered mountains), passes near or over the Sierra Nevada's southern reaches, then transitions into the Central Valley of California before heading southeast toward Texas. The Colorado River marks a significant landmark in the final approach phase. Across the entire route, you'll see the transition from California's mountainous west to the flat, agricultural and forested terrain of Texas.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains immediately after departure, which rise dramatically to the northeast. The aircraft climbs eastward over the Los Angeles basin, making the right side the optimal vantage point for these peaks.
Landing at IAH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Houston as the aircraft approaches from the west. You'll see the Colorado River and the flat Texas landscape opening up, plus views of the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding bayou systems as you descend toward IAH.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to Houston. While the landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery from Burbank is more dramatic and visually rewarding. The San Gabriel Mountains provide a striking natural feature immediately after departure, making the right side the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
During takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains immediately after departure, which rise dramatically to the northeast. The aircraft climbs eastward over the Los Angeles basin, making the right side the optimal vantage point for these peaks. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles downtown skyline (to the south), San Fernando Valley sprawl, Griffith Observatory area.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Houston as the aircraft approaches from the west. You'll see the Colorado River and the flat Texas landscape opening up, plus views of the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding bayou systems as you descend toward IAH. Notable sights include: Colorado River, Houston skyline and downtown towers, Buffalo Bayou, Galveston Bay (distant, on horizon).
How long is the flight from Burbank to Houston?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,375 miles (2,213 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to Houston flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert (visible as tan, sparse terrain with scattered mountains), passes near or over the Sierra Nevada's southern reaches, then transitions into the Central Valley of California before heading southeast toward Texas. The Colorado River marks a significant landmark in the final approach phase. Across the entire route, you'll see the transition from California's mountainous west to the flat, agricultural and forested terrain of Texas.