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IAH → ELP
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to El Paso International Airport (El Paso)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the international border and the striking urban contrast between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez during the final approach.
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Houston Skyline
Aerial views of the Energy Corridor and downtown skyscrapers shortly after departure.
Amistad Reservoir
A massive blue reservoir on the Rio Grande providing a sharp contrast to the desert.
Rio Grande Meanders
The winding river marking the international boundary between the United States and Mexico.
Sierra Vieja
Rugged, arid mountain ranges typical of the Trans-Pecos geological region.
Ciudad Juárez
The dense urban grid of Mexico's border city visible just across the river upon descent.
Sit on the left for a sunset flight to witness the Rio Grande reflecting the golden hour light. This side is also best for seeing the stark geographic and urban divide between the US and Mexico. During winter, look for rare dustings of snow on the high desert plateaus.
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Sam Houston Forest
The lush Piney Woods of East Texas visible during the initial climb out of IAH.
Texas Hill Country
The rolling limestone hills and green plateaus of Central Texas.
Permian Basin Oil Fields
A vast, geometric network of oil rigs and access roads near Midland and Odessa.
Monahans Sandhills
Striking white gypsum-like sand dunes that stand out against the brown desert floor.
Guadalupe Peak
The highest point in Texas, visible in the distance as a prominent limestone massif.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare while viewing the Permian Basin's industrial landscape. Keep your eyes peeled roughly 25 minutes before landing for the Guadalupe Mountains and the white salt flats that precede them.
Book Hotels in El PasoDistance: 1,072 km (666 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: ELP (31.80719948, -106.37799840000002)
Route Type: Domestic
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