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JAX destination photo
IAH destination photo

JAXIAH

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is superior for this westward coastal route, offering sweeping views of the white-sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle, the vast Gulf of Mexico, and the unique bird-foot delta of the Mississippi River.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏖️

Emerald Coast

Stunning views of the bright white sands and turquoise waters stretching from Destin to Pensacola.

⚓

Mobile Bay

The expansive mouth of the bay featuring Dauphin Island and the industrial shipping lanes of Alabama.

🐊

Mississippi River Delta

The intricate network of marshlands and sediment plumes where the river drains into the Gulf.

🏗️

Offshore Oil Rigs

Visible as tiny industrial structures scattered across the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

🌊

Galveston Bay

A massive estuary system and the Bolivar Peninsula visible during the final descent into Houston.

Sit on the left (Side A/F depending on the jet) for the best coastal views. In winter, the sun will be to the south, potentially causing glare during mid-day flights; morning flights offer the best lighting for the Emerald Coast. Keep an eye out for the distinct line where the brown Mississippi river water meets the blue Gulf.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🌲

Okefenokee Swamp

A vast, dark-water wilderness area visible shortly after takeoff near the FL/GA border.

🌉

Lake Pontchartrain

Look for the world's longest continuous bridge over water, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

🚢

Winding Mississippi

The heavy industrial corridor and sharp 'S' curves of the river north of New Orleans.

🪵

East Texas Piney Woods

Dense evergreen forests that characterize the landscape as you cross the Louisiana-Texas border.

🌃

Houston Suburban Sprawl

Extensive views of the massive highway interchanges and residential grids of the Greater Houston area.

The right side is better for seeing the sheer length of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bridge. On clear days, you may catch a distant glimpse of the New Orleans skyline. This side is generally better for late afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare.

Top Activities in Houston
Route Information

Distance: 1,312 km (815 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 45 min

Departure: JAX (30.49410057067871, -81.68789672851562)

Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Route Type: Domestic

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