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AUS → HRL
Which side of the plane to sit from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (Austin) to Valley International Airport (Harlingen)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most scenic approach, offering views of the Texas coastline and the Laguna Madre as the aircraft descends into the Rio Grande Valley.
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Austin Skyline
A brief view of the downtown skyscrapers and the University of Texas campus shortly after takeoff.
Gulf of Mexico
Distant views of the turquoise Gulf waters and the intracoastal waterway as you head south.
Laguna Madre
The expansive shallow lagoon between mainland Texas and Padre Island visible during the descent.
Coastal Bends
Dramatic views of the shoreline curves and bays near Corpus Christi in the distance.
For the most vibrant colors, choose the left side on morning flights to catch the sunrise reflecting off the Gulf. During descent, look specifically for the thin white line of Padre Island separating the brown land from the blue sea. The view is particularly clear in winter months when humidity is lower.
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King Ranch
Aerial views of the historic and massive King Ranch, showing the scale of South Texas ranching.
San Antonio Horizon
On clear days, the urban sprawl and the Tower of the Americas are visible to the west.
South Texas Brush
The unique texture and geometric patterns of the mesquite-filled ranch lands.
RGV Farmland
The organized grid of citrus groves and agricultural fields as you enter the fertile Valley region.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to witness the iconic South Texas sunset over the horizon. Keep an eye out for the vast, unpopulated stretches of ranch land that illustrate the true size of the state. Use polarized sunglasses to reduce the glare from the harsh Texas sun.
Book Hotels in HarlingenDistance: 441 km (274 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 44 min
Departure: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)
Arrival: HRL (26.228500366210938, -97.65440368652344)
Route Type: Domestic
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