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HOU → FLL
Which side of the plane to sit from William P Hobby Airport (Houston) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (Fort Lauderdale)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a better angle for the Houston skyline and ship channel on departure, the stunning emerald coastline of the Florida Panhandle during the crossing, and a prime view of Lake Okeechobee during the descent.
Houston Skyline & Ship Channel
View the dense skyscrapers of downtown Houston and the sprawling industrial network of the Houston Ship Channel immediately after takeoff.
Galveston Bay
As the plane turns east, look down at the massive expanse of Galveston Bay and the Fred Hartman Bridge.
Florida Panhandle Coast
Flights often hug the coastline near Destin and Panama City, offering views of the famous white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Lake Okeechobee
Cross over the 'Inland Sea' of Florida, the largest freshwater lake in the state, shortly before beginning the final descent.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Depending on the wind, you may see the high-rise hotels and the Atlantic coastline before the final turn into the airport.
Sit on the left (A seats) to avoid the direct glare of the sun, which is typically to the south for this eastbound route. This side is ideal for morning flights to see the Florida coastline illuminated by the rising sun. Watch for the massive sugar cane fields surrounding Lake Okeechobee about 20 minutes before landing.
Galveston Island
A great view of the Galveston seawall and the Pleasure Pier as the aircraft transitions from land to the Gulf of Mexico.
Offshore Oil Platforms
While crossing the Gulf, look for small industrial dots on the water which are the active offshore drilling rigs of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Everglades
A vast view of the 'River of Grass' wetlands, showcasing the unique hydrology and sawgrass marshes of Southern Florida.
Port Everglades
During the final approach, you can often see the massive cruise ships docked at one of the world's busiest cruise ports.
South Florida Suburbs
Observe the intricate canal systems and uniform housing developments characteristic of the Coral Springs and Sunrise areas.
The right side (F seats) offers the best view of the Everglades' unique patterns. Be aware that the sun will be on this side of the aircraft for most of the day, which can cause significant glare and heat. On a clear day, look far to the south during the descent to catch a glimpse of the start of the Florida Keys.
Distance: 1,538 km (956 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 3 min
Departure: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Arrival: FLL (26.072599, -80.152702)
Route Type: Domestic
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