The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Panama City and canal departure, plus a Gulf coast and Houston ship channel arrival, versus mostly open Caribbean water and flat terrain on the right.
Flown PTY to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Houston is 1,775 miles (2,856 km), a flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes.
Coastal Nicaragua and Honduras highlands, Yucatan Peninsula coastline, and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico during cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
LEFTDeparting PTY toward the northeast before turning northwest, left-side passengers get a sweeping view of Panama City's skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal along the Bay of Panama. The right side mostly shows the flatter Caribbean-facing lowlands with less definition.
Landing at IAH
LEFTOn approach into IAH, arrivals typically curve in from the south over the Gulf of Mexico and Houston's outskirts. The left side offers glimpses of the Houston Ship Channel and refinery complexes along Galveston Bay, while the right side faces flat, featureless suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Houston. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Panama City and canal departure, plus a Gulf coast and Houston ship channel arrival, versus mostly open Caribbean water and flat terrain on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PTY toward the northeast before turning northwest, left-side passengers get a sweeping view of Panama City's skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal along the Bay of Panama. The right side mostly shows the flatter Caribbean-facing lowlands with less definition. Notable sights include: Panama City skyline, Bridge of the Americas, Panama Canal Pacific entrance, Bay of Panama.
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. On approach into IAH, arrivals typically curve in from the south over the Gulf of Mexico and Houston's outskirts. The left side offers glimpses of the Houston Ship Channel and refinery complexes along Galveston Bay, while the right side faces flat, featureless suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay, Houston Ship Channel refineries, Gulf of Mexico coastline, downtown Houston skyline in the distance.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Houston?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 4 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,775 miles (2,856 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Houston flight path pass over?
Coastal Nicaragua and Honduras highlands, Yucatan Peninsula coastline, and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico during cruise.