Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico the views are largely open water, but the reef departure and Houston arrival both favor the left. The left side also gives slightly better angles on the Yucatan Peninsula coastline as the flight tracks northwest.
Flown RTB to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Roatan to Houston is 1,097 miles (1,765 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the western Caribbean, crossing the Gulf of Honduras, then over the Yucatan Peninsula or its northern tip, before crossing the Gulf of Mexico toward the Texas coast. The Yucatan's flat limestone interior may be visible, and the Gulf of Mexico dominates the second half of the flight as a vast expanse of blue-green water before the low Texas coastline appears.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RTB
LEFTRoatan's runway runs roughly east-west. Departing westbound toward IAH, the left (south) side gives you views back over the island's reef-fringed southern coast and the deep blue Caribbean waters. You'll see the island's spine of green hills and the turquoise shallows of the barrier reef clearly.
Landing at IAH
LEFTIAH typically uses runways oriented roughly north-south. On approach from the south, the left (east) side gives a view over Houston's downtown skyline and the urban grid spreading across the flat Gulf Coastal Plain. You can clearly see the downtown cluster of skyscrapers and the vast suburban sprawl.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Roatan (RTB) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Roatan to Houston. Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico the views are largely open water, but the reef departure and Houston arrival both favor the left. The left side also gives slightly better angles on the Yucatan Peninsula coastline as the flight tracks northwest.
What can I see during takeoff from Roatan in Roatan?
During takeoff from Roatan (RTB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Roatan's runway runs roughly east-west. Departing westbound toward IAH, the left (south) side gives you views back over the island's reef-fringed southern coast and the deep blue Caribbean waters. You'll see the island's spine of green hills and the turquoise shallows of the barrier reef clearly. Notable sights include: Roatan's southern barrier reef, the island's central ridge, the Bay Islands archipelago to the east, Caribbean deep water channels.
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. IAH typically uses runways oriented roughly north-south. On approach from the south, the left (east) side gives a view over Houston's downtown skyline and the urban grid spreading across the flat Gulf Coastal Plain. You can clearly see the downtown cluster of skyscrapers and the vast suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Houston downtown skyline, Lake Houston to the northeast, the flat Gulf Coastal Plain urban grid, Bush Intercontinental's multiple parallel runways.
How long is the flight from Roatan to Houston?
The flight from Roatan (RTB) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,097 miles (1,765 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Roatan to Houston flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the western Caribbean, crossing the Gulf of Honduras, then over the Yucatan Peninsula or its northern tip, before crossing the Gulf of Mexico toward the Texas coast. The Yucatan's flat limestone interior may be visible, and the Gulf of Mexico dominates the second half of the flight as a vast expanse of blue-green water before the low Texas coastline appears.