While the left side offers dramatic volcanic scenery during takeoff from Iceland, the right side provides superior views during the longer, more visually rewarding descent into Houston over Galveston Bay and the Texas coast. The landing approach is more visually distinctive than the takeoff climb.
Flown KEF to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Keflavik to Houston is 3,856 miles (6,206 km), a flight of about 6 hours.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet). Midpoint scenery is limited—open ocean with occasional cloud formations. The aircraft passes south of Greenland and over the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) at distance. No major landmarks are distinctly visible during the mid-Atlantic crossing due to altitude and typical cloud cover. The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from the cold North Atlantic to the warmer waters approaching the continental US coast, visible as a subtle color change in the water if conditions are clear.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out westbound before turning southwest toward Houston. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at IAH
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent approach into Houston, showing the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston Bay, and the Houston metropolitan sprawl. Left side faces over the Gulf of Mexico with less distinctive landmarks.
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 Keflavik Nas (KEF) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to Houston. While the left side offers dramatic volcanic scenery during takeoff from Iceland, the right side provides superior views during the longer, more visually rewarding descent into Houston over Galveston Bay and the Texas coast. The landing approach is more visually distinctive than the takeoff climb.
What can I see during takeoff from Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
During takeoff from Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out westbound before turning southwest toward Houston. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, Kleifarvatn lake, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Keflavik town.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during the descent approach into Houston, showing the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston Bay, and the Houston metropolitan sprawl. Left side faces over the Gulf of Mexico with less distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay, Trinity River delta, Houston skyline and urban grid, Galveston Island barrier island.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to Houston?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 6 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,856 miles (6,206 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Keflavik to Houston flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet). Midpoint scenery is limited—open ocean with occasional cloud formations. The aircraft passes south of Greenland and over the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) at distance. No major landmarks are distinctly visible during the mid-Atlantic crossing due to altitude and typical cloud cover. The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from the cold North Atlantic to the warmer waters approaching the continental US coast, visible as a subtle color change in the water if conditions are clear.