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IAH → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the American West's most dramatic landmarks, including the Rocky Mountain foothills, the Grand Canyon, and the High Sierra.
Search flights from IAH to SMF
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southernmost subrange of the Rockies, providing jagged, snow-capped vistas in Northern New Mexico.
Monument Valley
Iconic red sandstone buttes and the unique geology of the Four Corners region.
Grand Canyon
A spectacular aerial perspective of the world's most famous canyon system in Northern Arizona.
Lake Mead
The massive turquoise reservoir and the surrounding desert plateaus near the Nevada border.
Sierra Nevada Range
Stunning views of the high peaks, including glimpses of Yosemite and the Lake Tahoe basin.
Tahoe National Forest
Dense evergreen forests and alpine terrain as the flight transitions into the Sacramento Valley.
This is the premier side for photography. Aim for a mid-day flight to see the vibrant reds and oranges of the Grand Canyon. Keep your camera ready about 2.5 to 3 hours into the flight for the best canyon views.
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Chihuahuan Desert
Vast stretches of arid landscape across West Texas and Southern New Mexico.
El Paso/Juárez
The sprawling international metro area and the Franklin Mountains are often visible to the south.
Sonoran Desert Peaks
Unique volcanic formations and rugged terrain throughout Southern Arizona.
California Central Valley
The geometric patterns of one of the world's most productive agricultural regions during descent.
Sit on this side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh direct glare of the sun. This side is excellent for seeing the desert sunrise on early morning departures from IAH.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,586 km (1,607 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 27 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
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