The right side wins because the great-circle route curves far enough north that it passes close to southern Greenland's ice cap and the Labrador coast during cruise, a genuinely dramatic stretch of glacial terrain, plus it gets the better Bosphorus departure view; the left side spends most of the flight over featureless open Atlantic and flat Texas farmland.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean, southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, Labrador coast and Canadian boreal forest
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST, the aircraft typically climbs out over the Bosphorus/Black Sea side before banking west toward the Balkans, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's skyline as the plane turns onto its westbound heading. Left-side passengers mostly see open farmland to the south of the city.
Landing at IAH
LEFTIAH arrivals commonly land on the 33 (northbound) runways during south winds, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south with downtown Houston's skyline visible off to the left before the final turn north into the airport, while the right side faces mostly flat suburban terrain and pine forest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Houston. The right side wins because the great-circle route curves far enough north that it passes close to southern Greenland's ice cap and the Labrador coast during cruise, a genuinely dramatic stretch of glacial terrain, plus it gets the better Bosphorus departure view; the left side spends most of the flight over featureless open Atlantic and flat Texas farmland.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IST, the aircraft typically climbs out over the Bosphorus/Black Sea side before banking west toward the Balkans, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's skyline as the plane turns onto its westbound heading. Left-side passengers mostly see open farmland to the south of the city. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul skyline (Sultanahmet/old city), Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH arrivals commonly land on the 33 (northbound) runways during south winds, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south with downtown Houston's skyline visible off to the left before the final turn north into the airport, while the right side faces mostly flat suburban terrain and pine forest. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, Lake Houston, flat coastal-plain suburbs.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Houston?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes 13h 15m.
What does the Istanbul to Houston flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, Labrador coast and Canadian boreal forest