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IAH → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic final approach into San Diego, featuring iconic views of Balboa Park and the downtown skyline, along with stunning desert geology across the Southwest.
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Guadalupe Mountains
The highest peaks in Texas, including the limestone cliff of El Capitan, visible shortly after crossing the Pecos River.
White Sands
The shimmering white gypsum dunes of New Mexico are often visible to the north as the flight passes Las Cruces.
Phoenix Skyline
Clear views of the sprawling Phoenix metropolitan area and the distinctive shape of Camelback Mountain.
Salton Sea
A massive, reflective saline lake sitting below sea level in the Colorado Desert of California.
Balboa Park
One of the world's most unique landing experiences, flying directly over the park's museums and the California Tower.
Downtown San Diego
Incredible, eye-level views of skyscrapers as the plane descends steeply into one of America's most urban airports.
The right side is essential for the famous 'downtown approach.' Sit behind the wing for unobstructed photos of the skyscrapers. For afternoon flights, be prepared for direct sunlight; however, the sunset views over the Pacific as you land can be spectacular. Watch for the dramatic transition from the brown desert to the lush coastal mountains just before descent.
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Chihuahuan Desert
Expansive views of the high-altitude desert crossing West Texas and southern New Mexico.
Imperial Valley
A checkerboard of emerald-green agricultural fields creating a sharp contrast against the California desert.
San Diego Bay
Excellent views of the Pacific Ocean, Coronado Bridge, and Naval Base San Diego during the final descent.
Sonoran Desert
Rugged mountainous terrain and arid plains throughout southern Arizona.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. On the final approach, look for the distinctive curve of the Coronado Bridge and the fleet of ships in the harbor. This side is generally quieter visually until the final minutes of the flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,093 km (1,301 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 47 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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