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HOU destination photo
BKG destination photo

HOUBKG

Which side of the plane to sit from William P Hobby Airport (Houston) to Branson Airport (Branson)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides an iconic view of the Houston skyline shortly after departure and offers the most dramatic perspective of Table Rock Lake during the final approach into Branson.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Houston Skyline

Excellent views of the Downtown and Medical Center skyscrapers immediately after takeoff from HOU.

🌲

Sam Houston National Forest

A vast expanse of the East Texas Piney Woods visible during the initial climb phase.

⛰️

Ouachita Mountains

The rugged, east-west trending ridges of the Ouachita range provide a textured landscape through Arkansas.

🛶

Arkansas River Valley

The winding path of the Arkansas River as it cuts through the foothills of the Ozarks.

🌊

Table Rock Lake

Stunning aerial views of the sprawling, branched shoreline of Table Rock Lake just before touchdown.

Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is superior for photography of the Houston metro area and the dramatic Ozark lake systems. Look out the window approximately 10 minutes before landing to see the famous Branson Strip landmarks in the distance.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
💧

Lake Livingston

One of the largest reservoirs in Texas, providing a massive blue contrast to the surrounding forests.

♨️

Hot Springs Area

The scenic, densely forested hills surrounding Hot Springs National Park and Lake Hamilton.

🏞️

Buffalo National River

Spot the distinct turquoise waters and massive limestone bluffs of America's first national river.

🚤

Bull Shoals Lake

A massive, clear-water reservoir straddling the border between Arkansas and Missouri.

🎡

Branson Landing

The waterfront shopping and entertainment district along Lake Taneycomo may be visible on certain approach paths.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon or sunset flights to catch the golden hour light reflecting off the Ozark plateaus. Keep an eye out for the unique white-water sections of the Buffalo River near the Missouri border. This side also offers a better view of the massive dams that created the region's famous lakes.

Top Activities in Branson
Route Information

Distance: 790 km (491 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 19 min

Departure: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)

Arrival: BKG (36.532082, -93.200544)

Route Type: Domestic

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