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HOU → HRL
Which side of the plane to sit from William P Hobby Airport (Houston) to Valley International Airport (Harlingen)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic meeting of the Texas mainland and the Gulf of Mexico, featuring a continuous chain of barrier islands and turquoise lagoons.
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Houston Ship Channel
View the massive industrial complex and busy shipping lanes of one of the world's busiest ports shortly after departure.
Matagorda Island
Observe the long, narrow strip of undeveloped barrier island protecting the coastal mainland from the Gulf.
Corpus Christi Bay
Look for the cityscape of Corpus Christi and the iconic Harbor Bridge visible near the flight's midpoint.
Padre Island National Seashore
The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, appearing as a thin ribbon of sand against the blue water.
Laguna Madre
The shallow, vibrant waters of this hypersaline lagoon create stunning color contrasts between the island and the mainland.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the afternoon sun reflecting off the Gulf water. The turquoise hues of the Laguna Madre are most vibrant during midday when the sun is overhead. Watch for the 'cut' at Mansfield Pass, which is a distinct break in the barrier island.
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Houston Suburbs
See the sprawling residential developments and highway interchanges of the Greater Houston area during the initial climb.
Texas Coastal Plain
Vast stretches of agricultural land and flat prairies that define the geography of South Texas.
The King Ranch
Fly over portions of one of the largest and most historic ranches in the world, covering over 800,000 acres.
Wind Farms
Large clusters of wind turbines near Sarita and Kenedy County, appearing as white dots against the brushland.
Rio Grande Valley Grid
The transition into the irrigated agricultural grid and citrus groves as the plane descends into Harlingen.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Texas horizon without sun glare. During the winter months, look for migratory birds over the inland ponds and wetlands. Keep an eye out for the distinct geometric patterns of the irrigation canals as you enter the Rio Grande Valley.
Book Hotels in HarlingenDistance: 446 km (277 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Arrival: HRL (26.228500366210938, -97.65440368652344)
Route Type: Domestic
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