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IAH → HSV
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Huntsville International Carl T Jones Field (Huntsville)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more scenic perspective of the winding Tennessee River and the transition from the Texas Piney Woods to the Appalachian foothills.
Lake Conroe
Visible shortly after departure, this massive reservoir provides a stark contrast to the surrounding dense Texas pine forests.
Sam Houston National Forest
A vast canopy of green stretching across the East Texas landscape, particularly vibrant during the spring and autumn months.
Mississippi River Crossing
The flight path typically crosses the mighty Mississippi near the Arkansas-Mississippi border, showcasing its immense scale and oxbow lakes.
Wheeler Lake
During the final descent into Huntsville, the aircraft follows the Tennessee River, offering excellent views of the widened lake and its many inlets.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Tennessee River Valley on approach. For evening flights, this side experiences the sunset, creating stunning reflections off the river systems and reservoirs in East Texas and Louisiana.
Houston Outskirts
Offers views of the sprawling northern suburbs of Houston and the intricate network of highways connecting the metroplex.
Kisatchie National Forest
Located in central Louisiana, this area provides a view of the rolling hills and diverse botanical environments of the Deep South.
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
Spot the complex canal systems and lock structures that connect the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico through Mississippi.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Just before landing, look for the protected wetlands and marshes that host thousands of migrating birds and waterfowl.
Choosing the right side avoids direct sunlight during afternoon northbound flights, making it easier to photograph the landscape. It is also the preferred side for viewing the specific wetlands of the Tennessee River valley just south of the airport.
Distance: 956 km (594 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: HSV (34.637199401855, -86.775100708008)
Route Type: Domestic
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