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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over the North Atlantic, neither side has a decisive advantage over open ocean, but the left side picks up the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's volcanic coastline as the route arcs northeast, plus the superior London approach views clinch it.
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 departures heading northeast on runway 27/9 axis or northward on 15/33 axis typically bank left over the Houston metro area. The left side gives a clear view back over downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex stretching southeast toward Galveston Bay. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, Lake Houston reservoir to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's primary landing runways 27L/27R bring aircraft in from the east over central London. The left side of the aircraft faces south, giving a clear view of the Thames snaking through central London, with the City of London, Tower Bridge, and the South Bank visible before touchdown. Right side faces north toward suburban Middlesex with less to see. Notable sights include: River Thames through central London, City of London skyline with The Shard and Canary Wharf, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the west, Wembley Stadium arch.
How long is the flight from Houston to London?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 9 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes westbound headwinds considered; eastbound typically 9 to 9.5 hours.
What does the Houston to London flight path pass over?
The great circle route from IAH to LHR tracks northeast over the Gulf of Mexico briefly, then across the southeastern US states, exits North America near Newfoundland or Nova Scotia, crosses the North Atlantic passing south of Greenland with possible views of the Greenland ice sheet edge and icebergs, may pass near or south of Iceland depending on routing, then crosses Ireland before entering UK airspace over Wales or southwest England