The right side edges out thanks to the dramatic bay and skyline departure from San Diego plus better sightlines over the mountainous terrain of southern Arizona and the Rio Grande valley during cruise, giving more varied scenery across the whole flight than the mostly flat approach into Houston.
Flown SAN to HOU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Houston is 1,310 miles (2,109 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
Sonoran Desert mountain ranges near Tucson, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, and the flat plains of West Texas leading into the Texas Hill Country
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting Runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over San Diego Bay before banking south and east toward Houston, putting Coronado Island, the bay, and downtown San Diego's skyline in view on the right side during the turn.
Landing at HOU
LEFTOn final approach to Runway 13R, the aircraft descends on a southeast heading, placing downtown Houston's skyline and the Houston Ship Channel area off to the left before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to William P Hobby (HOU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Houston. The right side edges out thanks to the dramatic bay and skyline departure from San Diego plus better sightlines over the mountainous terrain of southern Arizona and the Rio Grande valley during cruise, giving more varied scenery across the whole flight than the mostly flat approach into Houston.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over San Diego Bay before banking south and east toward Houston, putting Coronado Island, the bay, and downtown San Diego's skyline in view on the right side during the turn. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma peninsula.
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 final approach to Runway 13R, the aircraft descends on a southeast heading, placing downtown Houston's skyline and the Houston Ship Channel area off to the left before touchdown. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, Houston Ship Channel industrial complexes.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Houston?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to William P Hobby (HOU) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,310 miles (2,109 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Houston flight path pass over?
Sonoran Desert mountain ranges near Tucson, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, and the flat plains of West Texas leading into the Texas Hill Country