The right side wins because it captures the Manhattan skyline at takeoff, the Appalachian ridgelines during cruise, and a partial view of downtown Houston on arrival, while the left side offers mostly flat coastal plain and featureless terrain for most of the flight.
Flown LGA to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Houston is 1,415 miles (2,277 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains near the Virginia-Tennessee border, then continues over the rolling hills of northern Georgia and Alabama before flattening into the Mississippi and Louisiana coastal plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
RIGHTDepartures on LGA's runway 22 climb out on a southwest heading that keeps Manhattan's skyline in view off the right side before the aircraft turns onto its southwest course toward the Appalachians. The East River, Central Park, and the Hudson corridor are all briefly visible before the city gives way to the New Jersey suburbs.
Landing at IAH
RIGHTOn approach into IAH, arriving traffic from the northeast is typically vectored south before turning back to land, giving right-side passengers a glimpse of downtown Houston's skyline and the sprawling suburbs before the final turn onto the runway. The left side mostly faces the flatter, less distinct pine forests east of the airport.
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 La Guardia (LGA) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Houston. The right side wins because it captures the Manhattan skyline at takeoff, the Appalachian ridgelines during cruise, and a partial view of downtown Houston on arrival, while the left side offers mostly flat coastal plain and featureless terrain for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures on LGA's runway 22 climb out on a southwest heading that keeps Manhattan's skyline in view off the right side before the aircraft turns onto its southwest course toward the Appalachians. The East River, Central Park, and the Hudson corridor are all briefly visible before the city gives way to the New Jersey suburbs. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Central Park, Hudson River.
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. On approach into IAH, arriving traffic from the northeast is typically vectored south before turning back to land, giving right-side passengers a glimpse of downtown Houston's skyline and the sprawling suburbs before the final turn onto the runway. The left side mostly faces the flatter, less distinct pine forests east of the airport. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Sam Houston Tollway loop, Addicks/Barker reservoir area, flat Gulf Coastal Plain.
How long is the flight from New York to Houston?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,415 miles (2,277 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Houston flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains near the Virginia-Tennessee border, then continues over the rolling hills of northern Georgia and Alabama before flattening into the Mississippi and Louisiana coastal plain.