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HRL → HOU
Which side of the plane to sit from Valley International Airport (Harlingen) to William P Hobby Airport (Houston)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the stunning Texas Gulf Coast, featuring barrier islands, expansive bays, and the bustling maritime activity of the Houston Ship Channel.
Padre Island National Seashore
Marvel at the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, with white sands and turquoise Gulf waters.
Corpus Christi Bay
Look down upon the Port of Corpus Christi, the Lexington Museum, and the iconic Harbor Bridge as you fly north.
Laguna Madre
Observe the shallow, hyper-saline lagoon between the mainland and Padre Island, known for its vibrant shades of blue and green.
Matagorda Bay
Fly over the complex system of estuaries and the slender Matagorda Island, a haven for migratory birds and marine life.
Galveston Bay & Ship Channel
See the massive container ships and tankers navigating the narrow channels toward the Port of Houston, one of the world's busiest ports.
The right side is the scenic winner. For the best experience, choose an afternoon flight to see the coastline illuminated by the western sun. Keep an eye out for offshore oil platforms dotted along the Gulf horizon. During approach, look for the San Jacinto Monument, which is slightly taller than the Washington Monument.
The King Ranch
View the massive stretches of one of the world's largest ranches, spanning over 800,000 acres of South Texas plains.
Brazos River Meanders
Watch the winding, snake-like path of the Brazos River as it flows through the coastal prairies toward the Gulf.
Houston Skyline
On approach to HOU, the left side often provides a clear view of the Downtown Houston and Texas Medical Center skyscrapers.
South Texas Brush Country
Observe the unique, arid landscape and geometric patterns of agricultural fields transitioning into the coastal bend.
Sit on the left if you want a chance to see the Downtown Houston skyline during the final approach. Morning flights are ideal for the left side as the sun will be behind you, providing better clarity for ground details and photos without glare.
Distance: 446 km (277 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: HRL (26.228500366210938, -97.65440368652344)
Arrival: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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