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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Houston. Left side wins both ends of the flight. The New York departure offers one of the most dramatic urban aerial views in the world, and the Houston approach gives the better city and industrial waterway views on landing. The mid-flight cruise over the Appalachian foothills, Mississippi River crossing, and Louisiana bayou country is relatively equal on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA typically departs southwest on runway 13/31 or east on runway 04/22. On a southwest departure, the left side gets Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty in clear view. Even on eastward departures, the left side captures the East River, Brooklyn, and Lower Manhattan as the aircraft banks south. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, East River bridges (Williamsburg, Manhattan, Brooklyn).
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 typically lands from the east or northeast on runways oriented roughly east-west. On approach from the northeast, the left side looks south and southeast over downtown Houston's skyline, the Ship Channel, and the sprawling urban grid. The right side sees mostly flat suburban development with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Lake Houston (northeast of city), Galveston Bay (distant on clear days).
How long is the flight from New York to Houston?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.
What does the New York to Houston flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over New Jersey and Pennsylvania, crossing the Appalachian ridges (visible as parallel forested folds at cruise altitude), then over the Tennessee and Alabama foothills. The Mississippi River crossing near Memphis or Baton Rouge is a distinctive wide brown ribbon visible from 35,000 feet. Over Louisiana the landscape flattens into bayou country and wetlands before the Texas coastal plain takes over approaching Houston.