The landing approach into Florence on the right side is the standout moment of this flight — a direct low-altitude view of one of the world's most recognizable historic cityscapes. The takeoff left-side view of Houston is solid but less dramatic by comparison.
Flown IAH to FLR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Firenze is 5,550 miles (8,932 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northeast from Houston across the Gulf of Mexico, then over the southeastern US coastline near the Carolinas, then out over the North Atlantic following the NATL tracks. Mid-ocean there is little to see. As you approach Europe the southern tip of Ireland or Cornwall may be visible, then the flight crosses France — the Loire Valley and central French plateau are visible in good weather — before descending over the Alps' southern foothills into the Po Valley and then into Tuscany.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH typically departs northeast on runways 15L/R or 27, and a left-side seat gives you a view back over downtown Houston's skyline as you climb out. You'll also see the Ship Channel and Galveston Bay to the southeast as the aircraft turns toward the Atlantic.
Landing at FLR
RIGHTFlorence's Peretola airport sits just northwest of the city and typically lands on runway 05 heading northeast, meaning a right-side seat faces southeast toward Florence itself and the Arno valley. You get a direct view of the city center, the Duomo, and the surrounding Tuscan hills as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Peretola (FLR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Firenze. The landing approach into Florence on the right side is the standout moment of this flight — a direct low-altitude view of one of the world's most recognizable historic cityscapes. The takeoff left-side view of Houston is solid but less dramatic by comparison.
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 runways 15L/R or 27, and a left-side seat gives you a view back over downtown Houston's skyline as you climb out. You'll also see the Ship Channel and Galveston Bay to the southeast as the aircraft turns toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, Lake Houston to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Peretola in Firenze?
When landing at Peretola (FLR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Florence's Peretola airport sits just northwest of the city and typically lands on runway 05 heading northeast, meaning a right-side seat faces southeast toward Florence itself and the Arno valley. You get a direct view of the city center, the Duomo, and the surrounding Tuscan hills as you descend. Notable sights include: Florence city center and the Duomo, Arno River valley, Chianti hills to the south, Apennine foothills to the north.
How long is the flight from Houston to Firenze?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Peretola (FLR) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,550 miles (8,932 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Firenze flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from Houston across the Gulf of Mexico, then over the southeastern US coastline near the Carolinas, then out over the North Atlantic following the NATL tracks. Mid-ocean there is little to see. As you approach Europe the southern tip of Ireland or Cornwall may be visible, then the flight crosses France — the Loire Valley and central French plateau are visible in good weather — before descending over the Alps' southern foothills into the Po Valley and then into Tuscany.