While the Pacific coastline makes for a strong departure view on the right, the left side wins out over the full flight because the cruise phase tracks along the northern edge of the direct path, keeping the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, the Mojave Desert, and the mountain ranges of southern New Mexico and the Texas Hill Country in view for hours, versus the flatter, less distinct desert scenery on the south side.
Flown LAX to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Houston is 1,376 miles (2,215 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains near departure, Mojave Desert and Colorado River near the Arizona border, Sonoran Desert mountain ranges around Tucson, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, and the Permian Basin and Texas Hill Country approaching Houston
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX's westerly departure sends the aircraft out over Santa Monica Bay before curving south along the coast, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Pacific, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island on a clear day. Left-side passengers mostly see the hazy LA basin and skyline from a distance during this brief turn.
Landing at IAH
LEFTOn the typical arrival into IAH from the west, aircraft curve south of the city before turning north for final approach, briefly putting the Houston skyline and Buffalo Bayou into view on the left side. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl and reservoirs with no defined landmarks.
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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 Los Angeles International (LAX) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Houston. While the Pacific coastline makes for a strong departure view on the right, the left side wins out over the full flight because the cruise phase tracks along the northern edge of the direct path, keeping the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, the Mojave Desert, and the mountain ranges of southern New Mexico and the Texas Hill Country in view for hours, versus the flatter, less distinct desert scenery on the south side.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX's westerly departure sends the aircraft out over Santa Monica Bay before curving south along the coast, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Pacific, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island on a clear day. Left-side passengers mostly see the hazy LA basin and skyline from a distance during this brief turn. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island, Long Beach Harbor.
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. On the typical arrival into IAH from the west, aircraft curve south of the city before turning north for final approach, briefly putting the Houston skyline and Buffalo Bayou into view on the left side. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl and reservoirs with no defined landmarks. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, Addicks Reservoir, Houston Ship Channel industrial corridor.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Houston?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,376 miles (2,215 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Houston flight path pass over?
San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains near departure, Mojave Desert and Colorado River near the Arizona border, Sonoran Desert mountain ranges around Tucson, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, and the Permian Basin and Texas Hill Country approaching Houston