While the left seat wins at takeoff for Houston's skyline, the right seat delivers the more dramatic experience overall. Over the Gulf of Mexico and Central America the views are comparable, but the right-side arrival into Quito with Volcán Pichincha filling the window is one of the most spectacular airport approaches in the world and tips the balance decisively.
Flown IAH to UIO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Quito is 2,362 miles (3,801 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Gulf of Mexico open water crossing, Yucatan Peninsula coastline and jungle, Guatemala and El Salvador's Pacific volcanic chain (Sierra Madre de Chiapas volcanoes visible as a line of cones), Colombian Andes entry near Bogotá, then the high Andean corridor south into Ecuador with the Avenue of the Volcanoes including Cayambe visible before descent into Quito
Great circle distance and headings ›
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 south toward the Gulf, the left side tracks over the urban core before the city gives way to the flat coastal plain.
Landing at UIO
RIGHTQuito's runway 18/36 runs north-south in a narrow Andean valley. Aircraft approaching from the north on runway 36 descend from the east, giving right-side passengers a dramatic view of the Pichincha volcano massif directly to the west and the dense urban grid of Quito below. The left side faces east toward lower Andean ridges.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Quito. While the left seat wins at takeoff for Houston's skyline, the right seat delivers the more dramatic experience overall. Over the Gulf of Mexico and Central America the views are comparable, but the right-side arrival into Quito with Volcán Pichincha filling the window is one of the most spectacular airport approaches in the world and tips the balance decisively.
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 south toward the Gulf, the left side tracks over the urban core before the city gives way to the flat coastal plain. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel and refineries, Galveston Bay, Texas Gulf Coast barrier islands.
What can I see when landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito?
When landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Quito's runway 18/36 runs north-south in a narrow Andean valley. Aircraft approaching from the north on runway 36 descend from the east, giving right-side passengers a dramatic view of the Pichincha volcano massif directly to the west and the dense urban grid of Quito below. The left side faces east toward lower Andean ridges. Notable sights include: Volcán Pichincha (4,784m), Quito's historic colonial center and urban grid, Andean valley ridgelines, Cotopaxi volcano on the distant southern horizon.
How long is the flight from Houston to Quito?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,362 miles (3,801 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Quito flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico open water crossing, Yucatan Peninsula coastline and jungle, Guatemala and El Salvador's Pacific volcanic chain (Sierra Madre de Chiapas volcanoes visible as a line of cones), Colombian Andes entry near Bogotá, then the high Andean corridor south into Ecuador with the Avenue of the Volcanoes including Cayambe visible before descent into Quito