Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Texas Gulf Coast and Galveston Bay during departure, then the open Atlantic crossing, and finally the approach to the Virgin Islands. The takeoff views are particularly strong from the right side.
Flown HOU to STT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to St. Thomas is 2,058 miles (3,312 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Channel. Midway through the flight, you'll be over open water with no major landmarks visible—just the deep blue Gulf and Caribbean waters. As you approach the Lesser Antilles, you may see the northern coast of Puerto Rico (if the flight path carries you slightly west of direct routing) or the smaller islands of the Virgin Islands chain becoming visible on the horizon approximately 30-40 minutes before landing at St. Thomas.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HOU
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Galveston Bay and the Texas Gulf Coast as the aircraft climbs southeast toward the Caribbean. You'll see the bay's shallow waters, barrier islands, and coastal development receding beneath you.
Landing at STT
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during descent into St. Thomas. You'll see the US Virgin Islands archipelago, including Water Island, St. John, and the Sir Francis Drake Channel with its distinctive deep blue water separating the islands.
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 William P Hobby (HOU) to Cyril E King (STT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to St. Thomas. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Texas Gulf Coast and Galveston Bay during departure, then the open Atlantic crossing, and finally the approach to the Virgin Islands. The takeoff views are particularly strong from the right side.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Galveston Bay and the Texas Gulf Coast as the aircraft climbs southeast toward the Caribbean. You'll see the bay's shallow waters, barrier islands, and coastal development receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay, Galveston Island, East Bay, coastal refineries and industrial areas along the Houston Ship Channel.
What can I see when landing at Cyril E King in St. Thomas?
When landing at Cyril E King (STT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during descent into St. Thomas. You'll see the US Virgin Islands archipelago, including Water Island, St. John, and the Sir Francis Drake Channel with its distinctive deep blue water separating the islands. Notable sights include: Water Island, St. John Island, Sir Francis Drake Channel, Magens Bay on St. Thomas's north shore.
How long is the flight from Houston to St. Thomas?
The flight from William P Hobby (HOU) to Cyril E King (STT) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,058 miles (3,312 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to St. Thomas flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Channel. Midway through the flight, you'll be over open water with no major landmarks visible—just the deep blue Gulf and Caribbean waters. As you approach the Lesser Antilles, you may see the northern coast of Puerto Rico (if the flight path carries you slightly west of direct routing) or the smaller islands of the Virgin Islands chain becoming visible on the horizon approximately 30-40 minutes before landing at St. Thomas.