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IAH → BHM
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Birmingham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route as it offers the best perspective of the Houston skyline during departure and the historic industrial landscape and downtown core of Birmingham upon arrival.
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Houston Skyline
A clear view of the downtown skyscrapers and the sprawl of the fourth-largest city in the U.S. shortly after takeoff.
Black Warrior River
A winding waterway in Alabama that serves as a major navigation route through the heart of the state.
Downtown Birmingham
Direct views of the Birmingham city center, including Regions Field and the 'Magic City' sign during the final descent.
Sloss Furnaces
The historic blast furnaces of Birmingham's industrial past are visible just before touchdown at BHM.
The right side is the prime choice for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Gulf Coastal Plain. For the best view of the Birmingham skyline and the Vulcan Statue on Red Mountain, ensure your window is clear as the plane enters the landing pattern, as these landmarks appear quickly.
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Lake Livingston
One of the largest reservoirs in Texas, visible shortly after departure from IAH.
Kisatchie National Forest
Expansive views of Louisiana's only national forest, characterized by rolling hills and pine trees.
Mississippi River Meanders
Observation of the wide, looping bends of the Mississippi River near the border of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Bankhead National Forest
Dense forest canopies and canyons visible to the north as the plane enters Alabama airspace.
Sit on the left for morning departures to keep the sun behind you. This side is ideal for spotting the complex geography of the Mississippi Delta's oxbow lakes. During winter, look for the stark contrast between the deciduous forests and the evergreen pines of the deep south.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 904 km (562 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 30 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: BHM (33.56290054, -86.75350189)
Route Type: Domestic
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