The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Galveston Bay and Gulf coastline at departure, and Central Florida's lake-studded landscape near Disney at arrival — while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless inland terrain throughout.
Flown HOU to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Orlando is 847 miles (1,364 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Gulf of Mexico coastline near the Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama border, including barrier islands and the Mississippi Sound, before crossing into the Florida panhandle.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HOU
RIGHTDeparting HOU on runway 13R heads southeast, giving right-side passengers a view over Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel's industrial waterfront before the turn east. Left side only shows flat suburban Houston sprawl.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTOn approach into MCO from the west in south flow, the right side offers views over Central Florida's distinctive lake district, including the many small round lakes near Kissimmee and glimpses of Walt Disney World's lakes and man-made waterways before touchdown. Left side mostly shows flat suburban development.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from William P Hobby (HOU) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Orlando. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Galveston Bay and Gulf coastline at departure, and Central Florida's lake-studded landscape near Disney at arrival — while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless inland terrain throughout.
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 HOU on runway 13R heads southeast, giving right-side passengers a view over Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel's industrial waterfront before the turn east. Left side only shows flat suburban Houston sprawl. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay, Houston Ship Channel, Clear Lake, Gulf of Mexico shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MCO from the west in south flow, the right side offers views over Central Florida's distinctive lake district, including the many small round lakes near Kissimmee and glimpses of Walt Disney World's lakes and man-made waterways before touchdown. Left side mostly shows flat suburban development. Notable sights include: Central Florida lake district, Lake Tohopekaliga, Walt Disney World lakes, Kissimmee suburbs.
How long is the flight from Houston to Orlando?
The flight from William P Hobby (HOU) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 847 miles (1,364 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Orlando flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico coastline near the Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama border, including barrier islands and the Mississippi Sound, before crossing into the Florida panhandle.