Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Pacific the views are largely open ocean regardless of side, but the left side also gets better angles on the Japanese archipelago if the route tracks north of the great circle, with coastal views of Kyushu or the Ryukyu Islands possible on the left during descent toward Taiwan.
Flown IAH to TPE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Taipei is 7,926 miles (12,756 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
The route follows a great circle arc tracking northwest across the Gulf of Mexico, then over the Baja California Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. The flight crosses the vast open North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian arc. Depending on routing, the Japanese island of Kyushu or the Ryukyu Island chain (Okinawa) may be visible before descent into Taiwan. The Central Mountain Range of Taiwan is visible during approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH's primary departure runways (15L/15R heading southeast, or 27 heading west) mean a left-seat passenger gets views over downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex. Departing southeast on 15L/15R, the left side faces northeast toward the city core and Galveston Bay.
Landing at TPE
LEFTTPE's Taoyuan airport primarily uses runways oriented roughly northeast-southwest (05/23 and 06/24). On approach from the east or northeast, the left side faces south toward Taipei Basin, giving views of the dense urban core of Taipei, the Tamsui River, and the surrounding mountain ridges of the Central Mountain Range 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 Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Taipei. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Pacific the views are largely open ocean regardless of side, but the left side also gets better angles on the Japanese archipelago if the route tracks north of the great circle, with coastal views of Kyushu or the Ryukyu Islands possible on the left during descent toward Taiwan.
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's primary departure runways (15L/15R heading southeast, or 27 heading west) mean a left-seat passenger gets views over downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex. Departing southeast on 15L/15R, the left side faces northeast toward the city core and Galveston Bay. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel and refineries, Galveston Bay, Lake Houston to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. TPE's Taoyuan airport primarily uses runways oriented roughly northeast-southwest (05/23 and 06/24). On approach from the east or northeast, the left side faces south toward Taipei Basin, giving views of the dense urban core of Taipei, the Tamsui River, and the surrounding mountain ridges of the Central Mountain Range foothills. Notable sights include: Taipei Basin urban core, Tamsui River winding through the basin, Guanyin Mountain to the northwest, foothills of the Central Mountain Range to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Houston to Taipei?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,926 miles (12,756 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Taipei flight path pass over?
The route follows a great circle arc tracking northwest across the Gulf of Mexico, then over the Baja California Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. The flight crosses the vast open North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian arc. Depending on routing, the Japanese island of Kyushu or the Ryukyu Island chain (Okinawa) may be visible before descent into Taiwan. The Central Mountain Range of Taiwan is visible during approach.