Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Istanbul. While the left side has a decent Houston departure view, the right side delivers the spectacular Istanbul arrival over the Sea of Marmara and the historic peninsula — one of the most visually dramatic urban approaches in the world. The right side also picks up views of the Atlantic, Mediterranean coastlines, and the Greek islands during the transatlantic and European portions of the route.

During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH typically departs northeast on runway 15R/33L or similar headings. A northeastward departure puts the left side facing northwest toward downtown Houston, with the urban grid and Buffalo Bayou visible before climbing over the suburban sprawl. The right side faces open farmland and industrial areas with little of interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou corridor, Lake Houston to the northeast, Galveston Bay glinting to the southeast in the distance.

When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk airport (now used for cargo/general aviation, but historically and for context) sits on the European side of Istanbul. Arrivals typically come from the west or northwest, meaning the right side faces south toward the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its unmistakable skyline of minarets and domes. The left side faces the relatively featureless northern suburbs. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Historic Peninsula of Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia silhouette), Prince's Islands in the Marmara.

The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 13 to 14 hours nonstop.

The route crosses the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean (passing near the Azores on the northern track), the Iberian Peninsula or southern France depending on routing, the Italian peninsula or Adriatic Sea, the Balkans, and finally the Aegean Sea and Thrace before descending into Istanbul. The Alps may be visible as a distant white ridge if routing passes over central Europe. The Aegean islands are often clearly visible during descent.