The right side misses the best of the Houston departure but wins the flight overall. Once airborne and tracking southeast, the right side picks up views of Galveston Bay and the Gulf Coast. More importantly, the right side delivers the dramatic FLL arrival over Fort Lauderdale Beach and Port Everglades, which is the most visually rewarding part of this route.
Flown IAH to FLL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Fort Lauderdale is 964 miles (1,552 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast over the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain, crossing the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast marshlands and barrier islands. Over the Gulf itself, the shallow green waters of the continental shelf are visible before the deeper blue of open Gulf. The Florida peninsula is entered over the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades, with the vast flat sawgrass marshes and tree islands of the Everglades clearly visible on descent before reaching the dense South Florida urban corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH's primary departure runways (15L/15R heading southeast, or 27 heading west) mean a left-side seat gives you views over downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex. Departing southeast on 15L/15R, the left side tracks over the urban core before heading toward Galveston Bay.
Landing at FLL
RIGHTFLL's primary arrival runways (10L/10R heading east, or 28L/28R heading west) mean eastbound approaches on 10L/10R put the right side over the Atlantic coastline, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway. You get a clear view of the barrier island beaches and Port Everglades cruise terminal on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Fort Lauderdale. The right side misses the best of the Houston departure but wins the flight overall. Once airborne and tracking southeast, the right side picks up views of Galveston Bay and the Gulf Coast. More importantly, the right side delivers the dramatic FLL arrival over Fort Lauderdale Beach and Port Everglades, which is the most visually rewarding part of this 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 heading southeast, or 27 heading west) mean a left-side seat gives you views over downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex. Departing southeast on 15L/15R, the left side tracks over the urban core before heading toward Galveston Bay. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel and refineries, Galveston Bay, Texas City industrial waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
When landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Right side for the best views. FLL's primary arrival runways (10L/10R heading east, or 28L/28R heading west) mean eastbound approaches on 10L/10R put the right side over the Atlantic coastline, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway. You get a clear view of the barrier island beaches and Port Everglades cruise terminal on final approach. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale Beach and barrier island, Port Everglades cruise terminal, Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from Houston to Fort Lauderdale?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 964 miles (1,552 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Fort Lauderdale flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain, crossing the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast marshlands and barrier islands. Over the Gulf itself, the shallow green waters of the continental shelf are visible before the deeper blue of open Gulf. The Florida peninsula is entered over the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades, with the vast flat sawgrass marshes and tree islands of the Everglades clearly visible on descent before reaching the dense South Florida urban corridor.