Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Houston. The right side wins overall due to the spectacular LA basin and San Gabriel Mountain views on departure, which are far more visually dramatic than the flat Texas coastal plain on arrival. Mid-flight over West Texas and the Edwards Plateau, the right (south) side also offers slightly more terrain interest including the Hill Country and the Guadalupe Mountains area on the horizon.

During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX departures heading east typically use runways 24L/24R departing westward over the ocean before turning east, or runways 06L/06R heading east. On an eastbound departure, the right side gives you the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, and downtown LA's skyline as you climb out over the basin. The left side faces south toward the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the Pacific. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Mountains and Griffith Observatory ridge, San Gabriel Mountains (including Mt. Baldy at 10,064 ft), Long Beach Harbor and port cranes to the south.

When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH arrivals from the west typically approach on runways heading east or southeast. On approach from the west, the left side faces north and gives you a clear view of the Houston urban core, the downtown skyline, and the sprawling suburban grid of northwest Houston. The right side looks south toward less distinctive flat Gulf coastal plain. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Lake Houston to the northeast, the Houston Ship Channel and industrial corridor, Bush Intercontinental airport's distinctive parallel runway layout visible just before touchdown.

The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes.

The flight crosses the Mojave Desert and then the lower Colorado River near Blythe, followed by the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona. Over New Mexico and West Texas the route crosses the Chihuahuan Desert and the Guadalupe Mountains. The Edwards Plateau of central Texas gives way to the flat Gulf Coastal Plain as you descend into Houston. The Rio Grande valley may be visible to the south depending on exact routing.