Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely ocean regardless of side, but the left side also tracks closer to the southern coast of Greenland's ice sheet during the great circle routing, offering occasional glimpses of sea ice and icebergs on clear days. The Paris approach clinches it.
Flown IAH to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Paris is 5,016 miles (8,072 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route from Houston to Paris crosses the Gulf of Mexico briefly, then the southeastern US coast near the Carolinas, then out over the North Atlantic. The routing typically passes south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, then arcs northeast over the open North Atlantic. At the midpoint the aircraft is over the central North Atlantic roughly south of Iceland. On clear days the southern tip of Greenland and its ice cap may be visible on the left side in the northern portion of the route. The British Isles appear on descent, with Ireland and then England visible before crossing the English Channel into France.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH typically departs northeast on runway 15R/33L or 9/27. On a transatlantic routing heading northeast, the left side gives a view back over central Houston, the downtown skyline, and the Ship Channel industrial complex. The right side faces suburban sprawl with little of interest.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG typically lands from the west on runways 26L/26R or from the east on 08L/08R. On a transatlantic approach from the west, the left side offers a clear view of Paris city center including the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense Haussmann urban fabric. The right side faces north toward less distinctive suburban and rural terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Paris. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely ocean regardless of side, but the left side also tracks closer to the southern coast of Greenland's ice sheet during the great circle routing, offering occasional glimpses of sea ice and icebergs on clear days. The Paris approach clinches it.
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 northeast on runway 15R/33L or 9/27. On a transatlantic routing heading northeast, the left side gives a view back over central Houston, the downtown skyline, and the Ship Channel industrial complex. The right side faces suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Houston downtown skyline, Houston Ship Channel and port facilities, Lake Houston to the northeast, Galveston Bay visible to the southeast on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically lands from the west on runways 26L/26R or from the east on 08L/08R. On a transatlantic approach from the west, the left side offers a clear view of Paris city center including the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense Haussmann urban fabric. The right side faces north toward less distinctive suburban and rural terrain. Notable sights include: Seine River and its distinctive meanders through Paris, La Défense business district tower cluster, Eiffel Tower visible as a slender spire, Bois de Boulogne as a large green rectangle west of the city.
How long is the flight from Houston to Paris?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,016 miles (8,072 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Paris flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Houston to Paris crosses the Gulf of Mexico briefly, then the southeastern US coast near the Carolinas, then out over the North Atlantic. The routing typically passes south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, then arcs northeast over the open North Atlantic. At the midpoint the aircraft is over the central North Atlantic roughly south of Iceland. On clear days the southern tip of Greenland and its ice cap may be visible on the left side in the northern portion of the route. The British Isles appear on descent, with Ireland and then England visible before crossing the English Channel into France.