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IAH → LOS
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)?
Right Side of the Plane
While the flight involves a lengthy Atlantic crossing, the right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the vast Sahara Desert to the lush Niger River basin before descending over the sprawling Lagos metropolis.
Sahara Sands
As the flight crosses Mauritania and Mali, witness the mesmerizing orange sand dunes and 'Richat Structure' (Eye of the Sahara) geological formations.
The Sahel Belt
Observe the ecological transition zone as the arid desert slowly transforms into semi-arid grasslands and savannas.
Niger River Bends
See the massive, winding Niger River as it snakes through West Africa, providing a sharp green contrast to the surrounding terrain.
Lagos Mainland & Port
During the final approach, the right side offers views of the Apapa Port, the Third Mainland Bridge, and the dense urban sprawl of Lagos.
Expect the best views over Africa between 8 and 11 hours into the flight. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight Atlantic crossing to sleep, but open it as you enter Mali/Mauritania airspace for incredible desert landscapes. Be aware that seasonal Harmattan haze (December to February) can sometimes obscure ground visibility over West Africa.
Mississippi River Delta
Shortly after takeoff from Houston, catch the intricate, bird-foot shaped distributaries where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico.
East Coast Lights
If departing in the evening, you may see the distant glow of the Carolinas and the Virginia coastline before heading out over the open ocean.
Cap-Vert Peninsula
Upon reaching the African continent, view the westernmost point of Africa including the city of Dakar, Senegal, jutting into the Atlantic.
Bissagos Archipelago
A stunning group of about 88 islands and islets off the coast of Guinea-Bissau known for their rich biodiversity and turquoise waters.
The left side is ideal for catching the first glimpse of Africa after the ocean crossing. Since this flight usually arrives in Lagos in the afternoon, the sun will be on the right side of the plane during the final leg, making the left side better for glare-free photography of the coastline.
Distance: 10,469 km (6,505 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 19 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: LOS (6.5773701667785645, 3.321160078048706)
Route Type: International
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