About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International (ZIH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Zihuatanejo. While the left side wins at takeoff for the Houston urban and industrial views, the right side delivers the more dramatic scenery overall: the Gulf of Mexico coastline as you depart Texas, views of the Mexican Pacific coast on approach, and the stunning finale of Zihuatanejo Bay on landing. The right side also gets better views of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains during the descent.
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) head southeast, putting the Houston Ship Channel, downtown Houston skyline, and the sprawling petrochemical complex along the Houston Ship Channel on the left (east) side. The dense urban grid and the glittering reflection of Galveston Bay become visible as the aircraft banks south. Notable sights include: Houston Ship Channel industrial complex, downtown Houston skyline, Galveston Bay, Lake Houston to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International in Zihuatanejo?
When landing at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International (ZIH), sit on the Right side for the best views. ZIH's runway 19 approach comes in from the north heading south, placing the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic rocky headlands of Zihuatanejo Bay on the right (west) side. The turquoise water of Zihuatanejo Bay and the resort beaches of Ixtapa are clearly visible on descent. Notable sights include: Zihuatanejo Bay, Ixtapa resort strip, Pacific Ocean coastline, Sierra Madre del Sur foothills.
How long is the flight from Houston to Zihuatanejo?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International (ZIH) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Houston to Zihuatanejo flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Gulf of Mexico briefly before tracking over the Mexican states of Veracruz and Guerrero. Visible features include the coastal lowlands of Veracruz, the volcanic peaks of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (including Pico de Orizaba at 18,491 ft if routing takes you near it), the rugged ridges of the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero, and the Pacific coastal plain narrowing as you descend toward Zihuatanejo.