While takeoff slightly favors the right side with a Houston skyline glimpse, the left side's dramatic Manhattan skyline and Hudson River approach into EWR is far more visually striking and memorable, tipping the overall balance in its favor.
Flown IAH to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Newark is 1,398 miles (2,250 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
Mississippi River crossing near Louisiana/Mississippi border, rolling hills of Alabama and Tennessee, the southern Appalachian ridges of Virginia and West Virginia beneath the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTDeparting IAH to the northeast, the right side offers a brief glimpse of downtown Houston's skyline and the Houston Ship Channel/Galveston Bay area as the aircraft climbs out before leveling over flat coastal plain. The left side just shows featureless suburban sprawl and farmland.
Landing at EWR
LEFTOn approach into EWR from the south or west, the left side typically faces east toward Manhattan, giving passengers a striking view of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and Newark Bay just before touchdown. This is one of the most iconic urban approach views in US commercial aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Newark. While takeoff slightly favors the right side with a Houston skyline glimpse, the left side's dramatic Manhattan skyline and Hudson River approach into EWR is far more visually striking and memorable, tipping the overall balance in its favor.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IAH to the northeast, the right side offers a brief glimpse of downtown Houston's skyline and the Houston Ship Channel/Galveston Bay area as the aircraft climbs out before leveling over flat coastal plain. The left side just shows featureless suburban sprawl and farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay glimpse, flat coastal plain.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into EWR from the south or west, the left side typically faces east toward Manhattan, giving passengers a striking view of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and Newark Bay just before touchdown. This is one of the most iconic urban approach views in US commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Newark Bay, Statue of Liberty.
How long is the flight from Houston to Newark?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,398 miles (2,250 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Newark flight path pass over?
Mississippi River crossing near Louisiana/Mississippi border, rolling hills of Alabama and Tennessee, the southern Appalachian ridges of Virginia and West Virginia beneath the flight path