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IAH → RSW
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Texas coastline upon departure and a spectacular aerial perspective of the world-famous barrier islands like Sanibel and Captiva during the final descent into Fort Myers.
Search flights from IAH to RSW
Houston Ship Channel
One of the world's busiest ports featuring massive tankers and sprawling refineries visible during the climb out.
Galveston Island
Excellent views of the historic seawall, sandy beaches, and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
Gulf Oil Rigs
Look for isolated offshore drilling platforms appearing as small metallic islands in the vast blue expanse of the Gulf.
Sanibel & Captiva
Unparalleled views of these iconic shell-filled barrier islands and the Sanibel Causeway as you prepare for landing.
Cape Coral Canals
The 'Waterfront Wonderland' reveals its massive residential canal system—the largest in the world—just before touchdown.
Choose the right side for spectacular sunset views over the Gulf. On the approach into RSW, planes typically fly south of the airport before turning back north, providing a panoramic view of Pine Island Sound and the beaches. Sit behind the wing to ensure your view of the Florida coastline is unobstructed.
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Northeast Houston
Industrial zones and the dense suburban sprawl of the Humble and Kingwood areas immediately after takeoff.
Louisiana Wetlands
The intricate green maze of marshes and winding bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin along the northern Gulf coast.
Mississippi Delta
A unique view of the massive 'bird's foot' sediment plumes where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Tampa Bay
Distant views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the St. Petersburg skyline as the plane crosses the Florida coast.
Boca Grande
Vibrant turquoise waters and luxury estates on the northern barrier islands during the initial descent phase.
The left side is preferable for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare. Keep an eye out approximately 35-45 minutes into the flight for the Mississippi River Delta, which is best viewed from this side if the flight path remains slightly inland.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,384 km (860 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: RSW (26.53619956970215, -81.75520324707031)
Route Type: Domestic
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