Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During cruise at 35,000 feet heading northeast, the left side also faces generally north-northwest, which on this routing keeps the Ohio River valley and Kentucky terrain in view during descent. Right side offers little of note along the full route.
Flown IAH to CMH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Columbus is 986 miles (1,586 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the piney woods of east Texas, then the Mississippi River near Memphis Tennessee which is a dramatic wide braided river visible from altitude, followed by the rolling terrain of western Tennessee and Kentucky, the Ohio River valley near the Kentucky-Ohio border, and then the flat glaciated till plains of central Ohio on approach to Columbus
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH's primary departure runways (15L/15R) head southeast, meaning a left-side seat faces northeast toward downtown Houston. You get a clear view of the Houston skyline, the Ship Channel industrial complex, and the sprawling suburban grid as you climb out. The right side faces southwest over largely featureless suburban sprawl.
Landing at CMH
LEFTCMH runways 10L/10R have aircraft approaching from the west, so on final approach the left side looks south toward downtown Columbus and the Scioto River corridor. The right side faces north over less distinctive suburban and rural terrain. Left-side passengers also get views of the Scioto and Olentangy river valleys during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Port Columbus International (CMH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Columbus. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During cruise at 35,000 feet heading northeast, the left side also faces generally north-northwest, which on this routing keeps the Ohio River valley and Kentucky terrain in view during descent. Right side offers little of note along the full route.
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's primary departure runways (15L/15R) head southeast, meaning a left-side seat faces northeast toward downtown Houston. You get a clear view of the Houston skyline, the Ship Channel industrial complex, and the sprawling suburban grid as you climb out. The right side faces southwest over largely featureless suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel and port facilities, Lake Houston to the northeast, I-45 corridor cutting through the urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Port Columbus International in Columbus?
When landing at Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CMH runways 10L/10R have aircraft approaching from the west, so on final approach the left side looks south toward downtown Columbus and the Scioto River corridor. The right side faces north over less distinctive suburban and rural terrain. Left-side passengers also get views of the Scioto and Olentangy river valleys during descent. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline along the Scioto River, Scioto River and Olentangy River confluence, Ohio State University campus (large oval stadium visible), Hoover Reservoir to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Houston to Columbus?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 986 miles (1,586 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Columbus flight path pass over?
The route crosses the piney woods of east Texas, then the Mississippi River near Memphis Tennessee which is a dramatic wide braided river visible from altitude, followed by the rolling terrain of western Tennessee and Kentucky, the Ohio River valley near the Kentucky-Ohio border, and then the flat glaciated till plains of central Ohio on approach to Columbus