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ELP → HOU
Which side of the plane to sit from El Paso International Airport (El Paso) to William P Hobby Airport (Houston)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for viewing the winding Rio Grande border, the turquoise waters of the Amistad Reservoir, and a scenic approach over the Texas coast into Houston.
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Rio Grande
Follow the international boundary river as it meanders through the stark Chihuahuan Desert.
Amistad Reservoir
A massive, deep blue lake on the border that provides a stunning contrast to the surrounding arid terrain.
San Antonio Skyline
Identify the Tower of the Americas and the urban sprawl of the historic Alamo City during mid-flight.
Galveston Bay
As the plane descends into Hobby, look for the coastal marshes and the shimmering waters of the Gulf.
Houston Ship Channel
A bird's-eye view of one of the world's busiest ports, filled with massive tankers and industrial infrastructure.
The right side is unbeatable for evening flights, offering spectacular sunsets over the desert floor. During the descent into HOU, this side typically offers better views of the water features and the industrial scale of the ship channel. Watch for the 'Big Bend' area in the far distance shortly after takeoff.
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Guadalupe Peak
The highest point in Texas is often visible shortly after departure from El Paso to the northeast.
Davis Mountains
View the rugged volcanic peaks that house the famous McDonald Observatory.
Permian Basin
Vast stretches of oil rigs and industrial grid patterns characteristic of West Texas energy production.
Texas Hill Country
The landscape shifts from desert to rolling limestone hills and lush greenery west of Austin.
Downtown Houston
On many approaches, the left side provides a clear view of the iconic Houston skyscraper cluster.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. This side is ideal for spotting the transition from the high desert of the Trans-Pecos to the humid Gulf Coastal Plains. Keep an eye out for the distinctive white domes of the McDonald Observatory early in the flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,087 km (675 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: ELP (31.80719948, -106.37799840000002)
Arrival: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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