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COS → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (Colorado Springs) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular departure with views of the southern Rocky Mountains and the Front Range, followed by expansive views of the Texas landscape and potential views of the Houston skyline on arrival.
Pikes Peak
Immediate, breathtaking views of the 14,115-foot summit looming over Colorado Springs right after takeoff.
Spanish Peaks
Two prominent volcanic peaks in southern Colorado that serve as a landmark for the transition to the plains.
Caprock Canyon
The edge of the Llano Estacado where the flat plains drop off into colorful, eroded red rock escarpments.
Houston Skyline
Depending on the landing direction, you may see the impressive skyscrapers of Downtown and the Uptown District.
Lake Conroe
A large reservoir popular for recreation, indicating the final stages of the flight approach.
Sit on the right for the best mountain views during the first 15 minutes of the flight. For late afternoon arrivals, be prepared for some sun glare. If the plane approaches IAH from the north, this side provides the most dramatic views of the sprawling Houston metropolitan area and its distinctive high-rises.
The High Plains
Vast stretches of agricultural land and geometric crop circles throughout southeastern Colorado.
Oklahoma Panhandle
The narrow strip of Oklahoma featuring rugged ranch lands and rural settlements.
Sam Houston National Forest
Lush pine forests appearing as a deep green carpet just before the descent into IAH.
The left side is preferable for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. As you approach Houston, look for the Trinity River winding through the dense vegetation of East Texas. This side also offers a quieter visual experience of the Great Plains' vastness.
Distance: 1,302 km (809 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min
Departure: COS (38.805801, -104.700996)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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