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IAH → FRA
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side (facing North) is generally preferred for this transatlantic route because it provides the best chance to see the rugged coastline of Newfoundland, potential glimpses of Greenland's ice caps, and the best angle for viewing the Aurora Borealis during the night crossing.
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Appalachian Mountains
Aerial views of the long, forested ridges of the Appalachian chain shortly after leaving the US Gulf region.
Newfoundland Coast
Dramatic views of the jagged, rocky coastline of Eastern Canada before the plane begins its oceanic crossing.
Greenland Ice Cap
Depending on the jet stream, the flight path often skirts the southern tip of Greenland, offering views of massive glaciers and icebergs.
Aurora Borealis
On this north-facing side during the dark overnight hours, passengers have a high probability of spotting the Northern Lights.
Irish Coastline
The first sight of Europe often features the lush green cliffs and rolling hills of Ireland or Northern Scotland.
German Countryside
Neat, geometric patterns of German farmland and dense forests as the aircraft descends toward Frankfurt.
The left side faces North, which is essential for seeing the Northern Lights during the night portion of the flight. Since this is an eastbound overnight flight, the left side also avoids the direct, harsh glare of the morning sun during the breakfast service, allowing for better visibility of the European coastline upon arrival. Try to book a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the terrain and sky.
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Atlantic Sunrise
A front-row seat to a spectacular sunrise over the open ocean as the flight nears the European continent.
East Coast Glow
Distant views of the illuminated metropolitan areas of the US East Coast (DC to Boston) during the early night hours.
English Channel
On more southerly tracks, views of the busy shipping lanes of the Channel and the coastline of Northern France.
Rhine Valley
Scenic views of the Rhine River and its surrounding vineyards during the final approach into Frankfurt.
Frankfurt Skyline
A clear view of the 'Mainhattan' skyscrapers if the aircraft approaches Frankfurt Airport from the west.
The right side is ideal for sunrise lovers, but be prepared for intense light as the sun rises over the Atlantic. While you might miss the Aurora Borealis, the right side often provides better views of the Rhine River valley and the city of Frankfurt's high-rise district during the landing sequence, especially when landing on runways 07L or 07R. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to avoid waking other passengers as the sun rises early in the eastern time zones.
Book Hotels in FrankfurtDistance: 8,403 km (5,221 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 53 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Route Type: International
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