The left side captures the most visually interesting departure sequence over the St. Lawrence River and Montreal island, and through the flight the left side tracks closer to the Mississippi River valley and the Ozark Plateau terrain in Missouri and Arkansas, offering more geographic variety than the featureless Gulf Coast plain on the right.
Flown YUL to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Houston is 1,584 miles (2,549 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight tracks southwest over upstate New York, crossing the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania at altitude where they appear as parallel forested folds. Over Kentucky and Tennessee the terrain flattens into the Interior Lowlands. The Mississippi River is crossable near Memphis and is clearly visible as a wide meandering brown ribbon. Southern Arkansas and Louisiana are flat agricultural land and bayou country before the Gulf Coastal Plain approaches Houston.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTYUL's primary departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest, putting the left side over the Montreal island and the St. Lawrence River. You get a clear view of the river's width, the south shore suburbs, and the city grid of Montreal receding behind you.
Landing at IAH
RIGHTIAH's primary arrival on runway 27 brings aircraft in from the east heading west, placing the right side with a view over the northern Houston suburbs and eventually the dense freeway interchanges and urban sprawl of the metro core. Lake Houston is visible to the right on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Houston. The left side captures the most visually interesting departure sequence over the St. Lawrence River and Montreal island, and through the flight the left side tracks closer to the Mississippi River valley and the Ozark Plateau terrain in Missouri and Arkansas, offering more geographic variety than the featureless Gulf Coast plain on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. YUL's primary departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest, putting the left side over the Montreal island and the St. Lawrence River. You get a clear view of the river's width, the south shore suburbs, and the city grid of Montreal receding behind you. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River broadening to the south, Montreal island urban grid, South Shore suburbs of Longueuil and Brossard, Lake Saint-Louis to the west.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. IAH's primary arrival on runway 27 brings aircraft in from the east heading west, placing the right side with a view over the northern Houston suburbs and eventually the dense freeway interchanges and urban sprawl of the metro core. Lake Houston is visible to the right on final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Houston to the north, Houston suburban freeway grid, George Bush Intercontinental airport perimeter and taxiways, flat Gulf Coastal Plain stretching to the horizon.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Houston?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,584 miles (2,549 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Houston flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over upstate New York, crossing the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania at altitude where they appear as parallel forested folds. Over Kentucky and Tennessee the terrain flattens into the Interior Lowlands. The Mississippi River is crossable near Memphis and is clearly visible as a wide meandering brown ribbon. Southern Arkansas and Louisiana are flat agricultural land and bayou country before the Gulf Coastal Plain approaches Houston.