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IAH → MAF
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Midland International Airport (Midland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the transition from the lush piney woods and reservoirs of East Texas to the stark, geometric industrial beauty of the Permian Basin oil fields.
Sam Houston National Forest
A deep green expanse of loblolly pines visible immediately north of the airport during initial climb.
College Station
Spot the massive structure of Kyle Field at Texas A&M University nestled in the Brazos Valley.
Lake Buchanan
The largest of the Highland Lakes, appearing as a bright blue gem against the dry central terrain.
Wind Farm Corridors
Hundreds of white wind turbines spinning atop the mesas near the edge of the Edwards Plateau.
Permian Basin Grids
The mesmerizing, infinite grid of white caliche roads and oil pump jacks that define the region's economy.
The Tall City
The cluster of skyscrapers in downtown Midland rising suddenly from the flat desert floor on descent.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the Texas sun. This side provides the most interesting views of the industrial 'patchwork' of the oil fields which are best seen from high altitudes as you approach Midland-Odessa.
Houston Cityscape
A sweeping view of the downtown skyline and the sprawling Energy Corridor shortly after takeoff.
Brazos River
The winding, silt-heavy curves of the longest river in Texas cutting through the coastal plains.
Texas Hill Country
Rugged limestone plateaus and dense cedar brakes that define the central Texas landscape.
Enchanted Rock
The massive pink granite pluton batholith rising prominently from the surrounding Llano Uplift.
West Texas Horizon
Stunning, unobstructed views of the sunset if traveling on an evening flight toward the desert.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. Keep an eye out for the Twin Buttes Reservoir near San Angelo as a major navigation landmark halfway through the flight.
Distance: 689 km (428 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 9 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: MAF (31.9424991607666, -102.2020034790039)
Route Type: Domestic
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