While takeoff favors the left with the Welsh and Cornish coastlines, the right side offers the more memorable Houston skyline and lake views on final approach, giving it a slight edge over the flight as a whole.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland, Gulf of St. Lawrence, and eastern Canadian coastline before the route continues over the northeastern United States and central Mississippi basin toward Texas.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTDeparting Heathrow on a westerly heading, the aircraft typically turns onto a track toward Wales and the Celtic Sea, putting the Bristol Channel, the Gower Peninsula, and the Cornish coastline on the left. The right side mostly shows the flatter English Midlands with fewer distinct features.
Landing at IAH
RIGHTOn approach into IAH from the north, arrivals often bank to align with the runways, bringing the Houston downtown skyline and Lake Houston into view on the right side. The left side typically shows only flat pine forest and suburban sprawl with no strong landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Houston. While takeoff favors the left with the Welsh and Cornish coastlines, the right side offers the more memorable Houston skyline and lake views on final approach, giving it a slight edge over the flight as a whole.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Heathrow on a westerly heading, the aircraft typically turns onto a track toward Wales and the Celtic Sea, putting the Bristol Channel, the Gower Peninsula, and the Cornish coastline on the left. The right side mostly shows the flatter English Midlands with fewer distinct features. Notable sights include: Bristol Channel, Gower Peninsula coastline, Exmoor uplands, Lundy Island.
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 from the north, arrivals often bank to align with the runways, bringing the Houston downtown skyline and Lake Houston into view on the right side. The left side typically shows only flat pine forest and suburban sprawl with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake Houston, Houston downtown skyline, San Jacinto River, suburban Houston sprawl.
How long is the flight from London to Houston?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes 10h 15m.
What does the London to Houston flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland, Gulf of St. Lawrence, and eastern Canadian coastline before the route continues over the northeastern United States and central Mississippi basin toward Texas.