The left (south-facing) side offers glimpses of Florida's lake country at departure and Galveston Bay's coastline and industrial waterways at arrival, while the right side traces mostly featureless inland terrain across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Flown MCO to HOU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Houston is 847 miles (1,364 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Gulf Coast lowlands of the Florida Panhandle, coastal Alabama and Mississippi pine flats, and the marshy delta country of southeastern Louisiana near Lake Pontchartrain
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTDeparting MCO, the initial climb and turn onto a westerly heading puts the chain of central Florida lakes and the Kissimmee/Disney lake district on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat pine flatwoods with little variation.
Landing at HOU
LEFTOn approach into HOU from the northwest toward runway 13R, the final turn and descent bring Galveston Bay and the industrial/ship-channel waterways into view on the left side, giving a bit of coastal and urban texture the right side lacks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to William P Hobby (HOU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Houston. The left (south-facing) side offers glimpses of Florida's lake country at departure and Galveston Bay's coastline and industrial waterways at arrival, while the right side traces mostly featureless inland terrain across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MCO, the initial climb and turn onto a westerly heading puts the chain of central Florida lakes and the Kissimmee/Disney lake district on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat pine flatwoods with little variation. Notable sights include: Lake Tohopekaliga, Orlando's downtown lake cluster, Kissimmee lake chain, flat Florida scrubland.
What can I see when landing at William P Hobby in Houston?
When landing at William P Hobby (HOU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into HOU from the northwest toward runway 13R, the final turn and descent bring Galveston Bay and the industrial/ship-channel waterways into view on the left side, giving a bit of coastal and urban texture the right side lacks. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay, Houston Ship Channel, refinery complexes, Clear Lake.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Houston?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to William P Hobby (HOU) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 847 miles (1,364 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Houston flight path pass over?
Gulf Coast lowlands of the Florida Panhandle, coastal Alabama and Mississippi pine flats, and the marshy delta country of southeastern Louisiana near Lake Pontchartrain