The westbound flight path from New Orleans to Houston favors right-side seating. Takeoff offers superior views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi delta, and while landing slightly favors the left, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and visually distinctive.
Flown MSY to HOU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Houston is 301 miles (485 km), a flight of about 1 hour.
The flight path crosses the Louisiana-Texas border over the Atchafalaya River basin and swamps, then passes over the coastal plain with scattered small towns and agricultural areas. The Atchafalaya River delta and associated wetlands are visible from altitude as a complex network of waterways and marshland. As you approach Houston, the landscape transitions from natural swamps to increasing industrial development and refineries along the Gulf Coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta as you climb out westward. The left side faces inland swamp and residential areas with less visual interest.
Landing at HOU
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Brazos River, Galveston Bay, and the Texas Gulf Coast as you descend toward Hobby Airport from the east. Right-side faces inland industrial areas and refineries with less scenic value.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to William P Hobby (HOU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Houston. The westbound flight path from New Orleans to Houston favors right-side seating. Takeoff offers superior views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi delta, and while landing slightly favors the left, the takeoff scenery is more dramatic and visually distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta as you climb out westward. The left side faces inland swamp and residential areas with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain (massive shallow lake to the north), Mississippi River meanders and delta distributaries, New Orleans city grid, Cypress swamps to the west.
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. Left-side seats provide views of the Brazos River, Galveston Bay, and the Texas Gulf Coast as you descend toward Hobby Airport from the east. Right-side faces inland industrial areas and refineries with less scenic value. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay (large coastal estuary), Brazos River delta, Houston Ship Channel, refineries and industrial complexes along the coast.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Houston?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to William P Hobby (HOU) takes about 1 hour. The shortest flight path between them is 301 miles (485 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Houston flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Louisiana-Texas border over the Atchafalaya River basin and swamps, then passes over the coastal plain with scattered small towns and agricultural areas. The Atchafalaya River delta and associated wetlands are visible from altitude as a complex network of waterways and marshland. As you approach Houston, the landscape transitions from natural swamps to increasing industrial development and refineries along the Gulf Coast.