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IAH → GDL
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Don Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla International Airport (Guadalajara)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior as it offers a front-row seat to the dramatic transition from the Gulf Coast plains to the jagged peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental and the shimmering waters of Lake Chapala on final approach.
Gulf Coast Departure
View the sprawling Texas coastline and the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico shortly after taking off from IAH.
Sierra Madre Oriental
Witness the dramatic rising peaks and lush green ridges of the eastern mountain range as you enter Mexican airspace.
Huasteca Potosina
Fly over the vibrant, subtropical landscapes of the San Luis Potosí region, known for its deep canyons and dense forests.
San Luis Potosí City
A clear view of the colonial and industrial layout of this major high-altitude plateau city.
Lake Chapala
On the descent into GDL, see Mexico's largest freshwater lake glistening to the south of the flight path.
Book an early morning flight to see the sun illuminate the eastern faces of the Sierra Madre mountains. The contrast between the coastal plains and the sudden mountain wall is most dramatic within the first hour of flight. Keep your window shade open during the final 20 minutes to catch the reflection of the sun on Lake Chapala.
Rio Grande Crossing
Spot the winding river that marks the international border between Texas and the state of Tamaulipas.
Chihuahuan Desert
Observe the vast, arid beauty of the northern Mexican plateau with its unique geological formations.
Real de Catorce Area
Look down upon the rugged high-desert terrain near this historic 'ghost town' mining region.
Barranca de Huentitán
As you bank for landing, you may catch a glimpse of this massive canyon located on the edge of Guadalajara.
Guadalajara Metro Area
Enjoy an expansive view of the 'Pearl of the West' as the plane aligns with the runway at Miguel Hidalgo Airport.
Choose the right side for afternoon or sunset flights to avoid direct glare while watching the desert colors turn to deep oranges and purples. This side offers a better view of the desert's vastness and the industrial outskirts of Guadalajara during the landing sequence.
Distance: 1,322 km (821 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 46 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: GDL (20.521799087524418, -103.31099700927734)
Route Type: International
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