While takeoff on the left offers superior coastal scenery, the landing sequence on the right side—featuring Galveston Bay, the Houston Ship Channel, and the downtown skyline—provides more visually distinctive and recognizable landmarks. The right side's landing experience outweighs the left side's takeoff advantage, making the overall flight experience slightly better from the right window.
Flown PVR to HOU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Puerto Vallarta to Houston is 878 miles (1,414 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Gulf of Mexico open water (approximately 1 hour of cruise over featureless ocean), Louisiana-Texas coastline with Mississippi River delta visible on approach to Houston, Matagorda Bay and coastal marshlands
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVR
LEFTLeft side captures Bahía de Banderas and the Pacific coastline during the typical southwest departure on runway 22, offering immediate ocean and coastal mountain views. Right side sees inland terrain and the Sierra Madre foothills, which are less visually dramatic from low altitude.
Landing at HOU
RIGHTRight side offers views of Galveston Bay, industrial Houston skyline, and the coastal landscape during the typical approach on runway 13R from the southeast. Left side sees inland flat terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) to William P Hobby (HOU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Puerto Vallarta to Houston. While takeoff on the left offers superior coastal scenery, the landing sequence on the right side—featuring Galveston Bay, the Houston Ship Channel, and the downtown skyline—provides more visually distinctive and recognizable landmarks. The right side's landing experience outweighs the left side's takeoff advantage, making the overall flight experience slightly better from the right window.
What can I see during takeoff from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International in Puerto Vallarta?
During takeoff from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Bahía de Banderas and the Pacific coastline during the typical southwest departure on runway 22, offering immediate ocean and coastal mountain views. Right side sees inland terrain and the Sierra Madre foothills, which are less visually dramatic from low altitude. Notable sights include: Bahía de Banderas (turquoise bay immediately below), Sierra Madre Occidental ridgeline to the east, Punta de Mita peninsula to the north.
What can I see when landing at William P Hobby in Houston?
When landing at William P Hobby (HOU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Galveston Bay, industrial Houston skyline, and the coastal landscape during the typical approach on runway 13R from the southeast. Left side sees inland flat terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during descent. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay (large water body with barrier islands), Houston Ship Channel and port facilities, downtown Houston skyline, Bolivar Flats marshland.
How long is the flight from Puerto Vallarta to Houston?
The flight from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) to William P Hobby (HOU) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 878 miles (1,414 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Puerto Vallarta to Houston flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico open water (approximately 1 hour of cruise over featureless ocean), Louisiana-Texas coastline with Mississippi River delta visible on approach to Houston, Matagorda Bay and coastal marshlands