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IAH destination photo
DSM destination photo

IAHDSM

Our Recommendation
7.6

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a scenic transition from the dense pine forests of East Texas to the rolling Ozark plateau foothills and the perfectly gridded agricultural patterns of the Midwest.

Right Side Highlights
7.6
🌲

Piney Woods

Dense evergreen forests and the Sam Houston National Forest dominate the view during the initial climb out of Houston.

🛶

Lake Eufaula

Oklahoma's largest lake is visible mid-flight, featuring a deeply indented shoreline and numerous bridge crossings.

⛰️

Ozark Foothills

As the plane crosses into Missouri, the landscape shifts to the rolling green hills and deep valleys of the western Ozarks.

🌽

Iowa Agricultural Grid

During the descent into DSM, observe the meticulously organized 'section' lines and farmsteads that define the Iowa landscape.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sunlight hitting the Ozark hills. Watch for the winding Missouri River bends about 30 minutes before landing. In winter, the geometric snow patterns on the Iowa fields are especially photogenic from this side.

Left Side Highlights
7.3
🏙️

Downtown Houston

On a northbound departure, the skyline and the sprawling energy corridor are visible to the west shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Lake Texoma

A massive reservoir on the Texas-Oklahoma border, providing a stark blue contrast to the red-tinted soil of the region.

🏙️

Kansas City Metro

The flight path often passes just east of the city, offering a panoramic view of the Missouri River and the downtown skyline.

🌅

Great Plains Sunset

For evening flights, this side provides unobstructed views of the sunset over the flat horizon of the American heartland.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid direct sun glare while getting clear views of Kansas City. It is also the best side for viewing the sprawl of the DFW metroplex if the flight path deviates slightly west.

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Route Information

Distance: 1,293 km (803 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min

Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Arrival: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)

Route Type: Domestic

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