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DSM → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the transition from the structured Midwest agricultural grids to the massive urban sprawl of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and scenic reservoirs north of Houston.
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Midwest Heartland
Perfectly geometric crop circles and grid-patterned farmland across Iowa and Missouri.
Dallas-Fort Worth
On many flight paths, the massive urban footprint and skyscrapers of the DFW metroplex are visible to the west.
Lake Conroe
A large, beautiful reservoir that serves as a primary landmark for the final approach into IAH.
The Woodlands
The distinctive forested suburban layout of The Woodlands community just north of the airport.
Western Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the Great Plains stretching toward the horizon, perfect for sunset flights.
Choose the right side for afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset. It also provides the best perspective of the Dallas area and the prominent water features north of Houston during the standard landing patterns.
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Des Moines Capitol
View the golden dome of the Iowa State Capitol building immediately after takeoff from DSM.
Ozark Plateau
The rugged, forested terrain of the western Ozarks provides a green contrast to the northern plains.
Arkansas River
The wide, meandering path of the Arkansas River as it cuts through the landscape near the Oklahoma border.
Sam Houston Forest
Dense clusters of the East Texas Piney Woods visible during the descent into the Houston area.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Mississippi Valley to the east. This side is also better for spotting the dense greenery of the Ozarks if the flight path stays on a more easterly corridor.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,293 km (803 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min
Departure: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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