Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise phase heading northeast, left-side passengers also get better views of the Mississippi River crossing in Louisiana/Mississippi, the Tennessee River valley, and the Appalachian ridgelines as the route crosses into the northeastern US before entering Quebec.
Flown IAH to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Montreal is 1,584 miles (2,549 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Mississippi River crossing near Baton Rouge or Natchez, Tennessee River valley and Cumberland Plateau ridges over Tennessee/Kentucky, the Appalachian Mountains crossing over West Virginia or Pennsylvania (visible as parallel forested ridgelines), Lake Champlain on the US-Canada border approach, and the St. Lawrence Lowlands entering Quebec
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH's primary departure runways (15L/R southbound or 27 westbound) mean a left-seat passenger looking east or north gets the Houston skyline and the ship channel industrial complex as the aircraft climbs and turns northeast toward Montreal. The downtown Houston cluster is clearly visible to the left as the plane banks north.
Landing at YUL
LEFTYUL primarily uses runways 06/24 or 10/28. On a typical approach from the southwest on runway 24, the aircraft tracks northeast over the St. Lawrence River valley. Left-side passengers get the broad St. Lawrence River, the Montreal island, and Mount Royal's distinctive wooded hill rising above the city grid — the most visually striking feature of the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Montreal. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise phase heading northeast, left-side passengers also get better views of the Mississippi River crossing in Louisiana/Mississippi, the Tennessee River valley, and the Appalachian ridgelines as the route crosses into the northeastern US before entering Quebec.
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/R southbound or 27 westbound) mean a left-seat passenger looking east or north gets the Houston skyline and the ship channel industrial complex as the aircraft climbs and turns northeast toward Montreal. The downtown Houston cluster is clearly visible to the left as the plane banks north. Notable sights include: Houston downtown skyline, Houston Ship Channel and refinery complex, Lake Houston to the northeast, Buffalo Bayou corridor.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. YUL primarily uses runways 06/24 or 10/28. On a typical approach from the southwest on runway 24, the aircraft tracks northeast over the St. Lawrence River valley. Left-side passengers get the broad St. Lawrence River, the Montreal island, and Mount Royal's distinctive wooded hill rising above the city grid — the most visually striking feature of the approach. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal (233m wooded hill), Montreal downtown skyline, Île de Montréal urban grid.
How long is the flight from Houston to Montreal?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,584 miles (2,549 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Montreal flight path pass over?
Mississippi River crossing near Baton Rouge or Natchez, Tennessee River valley and Cumberland Plateau ridges over Tennessee/Kentucky, the Appalachian Mountains crossing over West Virginia or Pennsylvania (visible as parallel forested ridgelines), Lake Champlain on the US-Canada border approach, and the St. Lawrence Lowlands entering Quebec