The great-circle route north from Houston toward Pyongyang tracks past the Rocky Mountain front in Canada, over the Alaska Range, and along the Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic coastline before curving south into Korea — all of which appear on the left side of the aircraft, giving that side far more dramatic terrain than the largely open Pacific and Bering Sea views on the right.
Flown IAH to FNJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Pyongyang is 6,976 miles (11,227 km), a flight of about 13 hours 40 minutes.
Canadian Rockies, Alaska Range, Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes, Sea of Japan
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs out of IAH turning toward the northwest track needed for this polar-ish routing, downtown Houston's skyline and the Sam Houston Tollway loop are visible off the left wing before the flat coastal plain takes over.
Landing at FNJ
LEFTOn the descent into Pyongyang Sunan, the approach from the north brings the Taedong River and the low Taesong hills into view on the left side, with the city center and river bends visible just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Pyongyang. The great-circle route north from Houston toward Pyongyang tracks past the Rocky Mountain front in Canada, over the Alaska Range, and along the Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic coastline before curving south into Korea — all of which appear on the left side of the aircraft, giving that side far more dramatic terrain than the largely open Pacific and Bering Sea views on the right.
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. As the aircraft climbs out of IAH turning toward the northwest track needed for this polar-ish routing, downtown Houston's skyline and the Sam Houston Tollway loop are visible off the left wing before the flat coastal plain takes over. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, Sam Houston Tollway.
What can I see when landing at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang?
When landing at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Pyongyang Sunan, the approach from the north brings the Taedong River and the low Taesong hills into view on the left side, with the city center and river bends visible just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Taedong River, Taesong hills, Pyongyang city center.
How long is the flight from Houston to Pyongyang?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) takes about 13 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,976 miles (11,227 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Pyongyang flight path pass over?
Canadian Rockies, Alaska Range, Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes, Sea of Japan