The left side captures the Rocky Mountains crossing during cruise over Colorado and Wyoming, plus the dramatic Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge scenery on final approach into Portland, far outweighing the brief Houston skyline glimpse on departure.
Flown IAH to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Portland is 1,823 miles (2,934 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountains (Colorado Front Range), Wyoming Basin, Snake River Plain in Idaho
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTDeparting IAH, the initial southbound roll and westward turn briefly exposes downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel refineries on the right side before the aircraft settles onto its northwest heading over flat Texas farmland.
Landing at PDX
LEFTOn the westbound approach into PDX, the descent tracks along the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood's snow-capped cone visible to the south, along with the braided Columbia River and forested Cascade foothills.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Portland. The left side captures the Rocky Mountains crossing during cruise over Colorado and Wyoming, plus the dramatic Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge scenery on final approach into Portland, far outweighing the brief Houston skyline glimpse on departure.
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, the initial southbound roll and westward turn briefly exposes downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel refineries on the right side before the aircraft settles onto its northwest heading over flat Texas farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Sam Houston Tollway loop.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the westbound approach into PDX, the descent tracks along the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood's snow-capped cone visible to the south, along with the braided Columbia River and forested Cascade foothills. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Columbia River, Cascade foothills, Portland's West Hills.
How long is the flight from Houston to Portland?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,823 miles (2,934 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Portland flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains (Colorado Front Range), Wyoming Basin, Snake River Plain in Idaho