While takeoff favors the right side with Houston's skyline and Gulf coastline, the left side's approach into Istanbul over the Bosphorus and historic peninsula is the more dramatic and memorable sequence, tipping the overall balance in its favor.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland, with the flight path passing near the Irish coast and over the British Isles before crossing continental Europe toward the Balkans
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTDeparting IAH toward the northeast, the right side of the aircraft faces south, giving passengers a view of Houston's downtown skyline and the bayous leading toward Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico coastline as the plane climbs out. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with little visual interest.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the north, arriving aircraft using the 35 runways typically bank over the Sea of Marmara before turning inland, putting the historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the city's dense skyline on the left side of the cabin. The right side mostly shows the less distinctive northern suburbs and forested hills.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Istanbul. While takeoff favors the right side with Houston's skyline and Gulf coastline, the left side's approach into Istanbul over the Bosphorus and historic peninsula is the more dramatic and memorable sequence, 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 toward the northeast, the right side of the aircraft faces south, giving passengers a view of Houston's downtown skyline and the bayous leading toward Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico coastline as the plane climbs out. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, Galveston Bay, Gulf of Mexico coastline.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Istanbul Airport from the north, arriving aircraft using the 35 runways typically bank over the Sea of Marmara before turning inland, putting the historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the city's dense skyline on the left side of the cabin. The right side mostly shows the less distinctive northern suburbs and forested hills. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Golden Horn.
How long is the flight from Houston to Istanbul?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 11h 40m.
What does the Houston to Istanbul flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland, with the flight path passing near the Irish coast and over the British Isles before crossing continental Europe toward the Balkans