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ATL → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the winding Mississippi River, the expansive Atchafalaya Basin swamps, and a much higher probability of seeing the Houston skyline and the Gulf of Mexico during the final approach.
Atlanta Skyline
Panoramic views of downtown Atlanta and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium immediately after departure.
Mississippi Delta
Observe the intricate patterns of the fertile floodplains as the flight crosses the mighty Mississippi River.
Atchafalaya Basin
The largest wetland and swamp in the United States, appearing as a dense, green tapestry of water and cypress.
Gulf Coastline
Occasional views of the Louisiana and Texas coastline meeting the murky green waters of the Gulf.
Downtown Houston
Spectacular views of the skyscrapers in downtown Houston and the Ship Channel during the descent into IAH.
Sit on the left for the best lighting during morning flights to avoid direct glare. As you approach Houston, look for the 'Big Thicket' area. If landing from the east, the left side provides the iconic view of the Houston skyline.
Birmingham Industrial Area
View the rolling hills of Alabama and the industrial outskirts of the 'Magic City' early in the flight.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
A massive lake on the border of Louisiana and Texas, popular for its jagged shoreline and recreation.
Sam Houston National Forest
Vast stretches of the dense 'Piney Woods' of East Texas visible shortly before beginning the final descent.
Lake Livingston
A prominent man-made lake that serves as a key visual marker for pilots approaching the Houston metro area.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you. This side offers better views of the sprawling East Texas forests and the large reservoirs that define the border between Louisiana and Texas.
Distance: 1,108 km (688 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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