The right side edges out the left thanks to a brief downtown Houston view on departure, likely glimpses of the U.S. East Coast (Chesapeake Bay, New York, Cape Cod) during the climb toward the North Atlantic track, and the classic Windsor Castle/Thames approach into Heathrow — landmarks the left side largely misses.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean, crossing near the Grand Banks off Newfoundland with no land visible for several hours
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTIAH departures heading toward the northeast typically bank the aircraft so the right side faces south, giving a brief glimpse of Houston's downtown skyline and the bayous/Lake Houston area before the flat coastal plain takes over. The left side only shows featureless suburban sprawl and farmland.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the standard westerly approach into LHR, aircraft descend from the east and the final turn puts Windsor Castle and the Thames Valley directly off the right (north) side just before touchdown. The left side mostly shows the flatter, less distinctive countryside south of the approach path.
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 Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to London. The right side edges out the left thanks to a brief downtown Houston view on departure, likely glimpses of the U.S. East Coast (Chesapeake Bay, New York, Cape Cod) during the climb toward the North Atlantic track, and the classic Windsor Castle/Thames approach into Heathrow — landmarks the left side largely misses.
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. IAH departures heading toward the northeast typically bank the aircraft so the right side faces south, giving a brief glimpse of Houston's downtown skyline and the bayous/Lake Houston area before the flat coastal plain takes over. The left side only shows featureless suburban sprawl and farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Lake Houston, Houston Ship Channel bayous.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the standard westerly approach into LHR, aircraft descend from the east and the final turn puts Windsor Castle and the Thames Valley directly off the right (north) side just before touchdown. The left side mostly shows the flatter, less distinctive countryside south of the approach path. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames, Runnymede meadows, distant London skyline (Shard/Canary Wharf).
How long is the flight from Houston to London?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 9h 25m.
What does the Houston to London flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, crossing near the Grand Banks off Newfoundland with no land visible for several hours