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CUN → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Cancún International Airport (Cancun) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic contrast between the vibrant turquoise waters of the Caribbean upon departure and the complex industrial and coastal landscapes of the Texas Gulf Coast during arrival.
Isla Mujeres
A stunning bird's-eye view of the narrow island and its surrounding coral reefs immediately after takeoff.
Caribbean Shelf
See the dramatic color change where the shallow turquoise shelf drops into the deep indigo of the Caribbean Sea.
Galveston Island
Observe the long stretch of the seawall, the Pleasure Pier, and the historic Strand area as you enter Texas airspace.
Port of Houston
A fascinating look at the intricate network of canals, tankers, and refineries along the Houston Ship Channel.
Offshore Oil Rigs
Spot the numerous industrial platforms and support vessels scattered across the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Choose the right side for spectacular sunset views during late afternoon arrivals into Houston. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff from CUN for the best water clarity and color saturation.
Nichupté Lagoon
Aerial view of the massive lagoon system that separates Cancun's hotel zone from the mainland.
Yucatan Peninsula
Extensive views of the dense Mayan jungle stretching toward the horizon west of Cancun.
Houston Skyline
On clear days during a southerly approach, get a direct view of the downtown skyscrapers and the Medical Center.
Gulf Weather
Watch for towering cumulus cloud formations and tropical storm cells over the open Gulf waters.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun over the Gulf. This side is also preferred if the flight path tracks directly over the city for a view of the Buffalo Bayou.
Distance: 1,307 km (812 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 45 min
Departure: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: International
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