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IAH → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer expansive ocean views, the right side is generally superior for the approach into Panama City, providing iconic views of the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, the Bridge of the Americas, and the modern skyline.
Search flights from IAH to PTY
Galveston Island
Clear views of the Galveston seawall, historic district, and the narrow barrier island beaches.
Central American Coastline
Intermittent views of the rugged coastlines of Honduras and Nicaragua depending on the specific flight corridor.
Panama City Skyline
The 'Dubai of Latin America' features a dramatic wall of skyscrapers reflecting off the Pacific Ocean.
Panama Canal Entrance
The Pacific mouth of the canal, including the Bridge of the Americas and the line of ships waiting to transit.
Bay of Panama
An incredible view of dozens of massive cargo ships anchored in the bay, creating an industrial constellation on the water.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. Aim for an afternoon arrival to see the Panama City skyline illuminated by the setting sun. Request a seat behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the Canal entrance during the final banking turns into PTY.
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East Texas Marshlands
Aerial views of the complex bayous and coastal wetlands east of Houston immediately after takeoff.
Gulf of Mexico
Deep blue waters of the Gulf, often dotted with oil platforms and cargo vessels in the shipping lanes.
San Blas Islands
If the flight path hugs the eastern coast, you may spot the tiny coral atolls of the Guna Yala archipelago.
Port of Colón
The massive Atlantic container terminals and the northern start of the Panama Canal during the descent.
Sit on the left if you prefer a morning flight where the sun is behind you, reducing glare. During the final descent, look for the Gatun Lake and the lush rainforests of the Caribbean side. Watch for the massive breakwaters protecting the Atlantic entrance.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 2,856 km (1,775 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 48 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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