The right side strings together the strongest visual moments of the trip: Houston's skyline on departure, the Sacramento Mountains and Mogollon Rim highlands during cruise, and Lake Mead followed by the Las Vegas Strip on arrival. The left side mostly overlooks flatter Permian Basin oil country and distant, less distinct ranges.
Flown HOU to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Las Vegas is 1,233 miles (1,985 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
West Texas Permian Basin oil fields, Guadalupe Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border, White Sands region, and the high desert plateau of eastern Arizona giving way to the Mojave Desert approaching Nevada
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HOU
RIGHTDeparting Hobby on the 13/31 runway pair for a westbound routing, the aircraft climbs out on a heading that points almost directly at downtown Houston before banking left onto course for Las Vegas. That left turn swings the skyline and Buffalo Bayou into view on the right side of the cabin.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTArrivals into Las Vegas from the east typically land on 26L/26R, and since McCarran sits just south of the Strip, the final descent puts the neon towers and Lake Mead's blue waters on the right side of the aircraft. This is the most dramatic and recognizable approach sequence of the whole flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from William P Hobby (HOU) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Las Vegas. The right side strings together the strongest visual moments of the trip: Houston's skyline on departure, the Sacramento Mountains and Mogollon Rim highlands during cruise, and Lake Mead followed by the Las Vegas Strip on arrival. The left side mostly overlooks flatter Permian Basin oil country and distant, less distinct ranges.
What can I see during takeoff from William P Hobby in Houston?
During takeoff from William P Hobby (HOU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Hobby on the 13/31 runway pair for a westbound routing, the aircraft climbs out on a heading that points almost directly at downtown Houston before banking left onto course for Las Vegas. That left turn swings the skyline and Buffalo Bayou into view on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, Memorial Park.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Las Vegas from the east typically land on 26L/26R, and since McCarran sits just south of the Strip, the final descent puts the neon towers and Lake Mead's blue waters on the right side of the aircraft. This is the most dramatic and recognizable approach sequence of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Spring Mountains.
How long is the flight from Houston to Las Vegas?
The flight from William P Hobby (HOU) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,233 miles (1,985 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
West Texas Permian Basin oil fields, Guadalupe Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border, White Sands region, and the high desert plateau of eastern Arizona giving way to the Mojave Desert approaching Nevada