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IAH destination photo
MSY destination photo

IAHMSY

Our Recommendation
7.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline, the intricate network of the Louisiana bayous, and the dramatic curves of the Mississippi River delta during the descent into New Orleans.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

Houston Ship Channel

A massive industrial complex and one of the world's busiest ports, visible just after departure.

🏖️

Galveston Bay & Gulf Coast

The sweeping curve of the Texas coastline meeting the murky green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

🦀

Louisiana Wetlands

An incredible mosaic of salt marshes, oil platforms, and winding 'pirogue' trails through the grass.

🚢

Mississippi River Meanders

The iconic, tight oxbow bends of the river as it nears the Crescent City, filled with cargo ships and barges.

🏟️

New Orleans Skyline

Views of the Caesars Superdome and the high-rises of the Central Business District during the final descent.

Sit on the right for afternoon flights to get the best lighting on the Mississippi River. Look for the distinct 'line' in the water where the silt-heavy river water meets the Gulf. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Atchafalaya Basin for unique geological patterns.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🌲

East Texas Piney Woods

Dense evergreen forests stretching across the Texas-Louisiana border shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Lake Livingston

One of the largest reservoirs in Texas, visible as a vast blue expanse to the northeast of Houston.

🐊

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

The upper reaches of the largest river swamp in the United States, featuring deep green canopies and hidden waterways.

🌉

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

The world's longest bridge over water, visible as a thin line cutting across the massive lake north of MSY.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is particularly scenic during the final approach when the aircraft often banks over Lake Pontchartrain, providing a clear view of the Causeway and the Northshore area.

Top Activities in New Orleans
Route Information

Distance: 490 km (304 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 49 min

Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Arrival: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)

Route Type: Domestic

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