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IAH → ABQ
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Caprock Escarpment and a breathtaking close-up of the Sandia Mountains during the descent into the Rio Grande Valley.
Search flights from IAH to ABQ
Brazos River Meanders
The winding, silt-heavy waters of the Brazos River cutting through the Texas countryside.
Caprock Escarpment
The sudden geographic rise where the rolling plains meet the flat High Plains of the Llano Estacado.
Route 66 Corridor
Views of the historic Mother Road and I-40 as the route tracks toward the Santa Rosa area.
Sandia Crest
An incredible view of the 10,678-foot limestone cliffs and the Sandia Peak Tramway during the descent.
Rio Grande Valley
A panoramic view of Albuquerque and the lush river bosque as the plane turns for its final landing sequence.
This is the 'scenic side' for the arrival. For the best experience, book a morning flight when the sun illuminates the western face of the Sandia Mountains, highlighting the pink granite and limestone layers. On the descent, watch for the transition from the red rocks of eastern New Mexico to the high-altitude alpine terrain of the Sandias.
Book Hotels in AlbuquerqueNorthwest Houston
Aerial views of the sprawling Cy-Fair and Woodlands suburbs shortly after takeoff from IAH.
Permian Basin Grids
The unique geometric patterns of oil derrick pads and access roads across the West Texas desert.
Guadalupe Peak
Distant views of the highest point in Texas visible to the southwest on exceptionally clear days.
Manzano Mountains
Rugged ridges and canyons south of the flight path as the plane begins its final approach into ABQ.
On afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side of the aircraft, which can cause significant glare and heat. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight cruise over the Texas panhandle to avoid the harsh desert sun, but open it as you cross the Pecos River for the New Mexico landscape.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,196 km (743 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)
Route Type: Domestic
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