The right side wins narrowly because the Front Range mountains during Denver departure are the single most dramatic feature on this route; the rest of the flight is flat plains with only a brief skyline glimpse on landing.
Flown DEN to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Houston is 862 miles (1,387 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Flat high plains of eastern Colorado and the Texas Panhandle, with the Arkansas River valley crossed briefly and otherwise unremarkable agricultural terrain
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDeparting DEN on the southbound runways, the aircraft climbs with the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains foothills visible off to the west, which sits on the right side of the aircraft as it heads south before turning southeast. This is the only real terrain drama on the whole route.
Landing at IAH
LEFTOn approach into IAH from the northwest, the aircraft often banks such that downtown Houston's skyline and the bayous threading through the city become visible to the left side of the cabin before the final turn onto the runway. It's a modest but genuine urban landmark in an otherwise flat approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Houston. The right side wins narrowly because the Front Range mountains during Denver departure are the single most dramatic feature on this route; the rest of the flight is flat plains with only a brief skyline glimpse on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DEN on the southbound runways, the aircraft climbs with the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains foothills visible off to the west, which sits on the right side of the aircraft as it heads south before turning southeast. This is the only real terrain drama on the whole route. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Rocky Mountain peaks near Denver, Chatfield Reservoir.
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 northwest, the aircraft often banks such that downtown Houston's skyline and the bayous threading through the city become visible to the left side of the cabin before the final turn onto the runway. It's a modest but genuine urban landmark in an otherwise flat approach. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, suburban sprawl of Harris County.
How long is the flight from Denver to Houston?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 862 miles (1,387 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Houston flight path pass over?
Flat high plains of eastern Colorado and the Texas Panhandle, with the Arkansas River valley crossed briefly and otherwise unremarkable agricultural terrain