About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Burbank. The left side has the better Houston departure view, but the right side wins overall because the arrival into Burbank on the right delivers the most dramatic scenery of the flight — the San Gabriel Mountains during cruise descent, the LA Basin panorama, and the approach over the San Fernando Valley. The right side also gets views of the Mojave Desert and the transition into the LA mountains during the final hour.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH typically departs northwest on runways 26L/26R or north on 15L/15R. A northwest departure on the left side gives you a view back over central Houston, the downtown skyline, and the Ship Channel industrial complex. Right side faces open suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Houston downtown skyline, Houston Ship Channel and refineries, Lake Houston to the northeast, Galveston Bay glinting to the south.
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. BUR's primary approach is from the east on runway 08, meaning the aircraft tracks westbound over the San Gabriel Valley before turning final. The right side faces south toward the Los Angeles Basin, the Santa Monica Mountains, and downtown LA. Left side looks north into the less scenic Verdugo Mountains and high desert. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains directly ahead during approach, downtown Los Angeles skyline to the south, Griffith Park and the Santa Monica Mountains, the LA Basin urban grid.
How long is the flight from Houston to Burbank?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Houston to Burbank flight path pass over?
The flight tracks west-northwest over the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, then crosses the Chihuahuan Desert of far west Texas and southern New Mexico. The Rio Grande valley is visible near El Paso. The route then crosses southern Arizona — the Sonoran Desert, the Tucson Basin, and the rugged ranges of the Basin and Range province. Approaching California, the aircraft crosses the Colorado River and the low desert before the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains come into view on the descent into the LA area.