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MCI destination photo
IAH destination photo

MCIIAH

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the Kansas City skyline immediately after takeoff and provides a better perspective of the lush East Texas lakes and the Trinity River during the descent into Houston.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Kansas City Skyline

Spectacular views of downtown Kansas City and the Power and Light District shortly after departing MCI.

🌊

Missouri River

Watch the winding Missouri River carve through the landscape as you head south out of the KC metro area.

💧

Lake Eufaula

The largest lake in Oklahoma is often visible on the left side, showcasing its intricate, winding shoreline.

🌲

Piney Woods

As you enter Texas, the landscape shifts into the dense, green forests characteristic of the East Texas region.

🚤

Lake Houston

On the final approach to IAH, you will likely fly over or near Lake Houston, a major reservoir for the city.

Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun while enjoying the sunrise over the Missouri and Oklahoma plains. This side is also preferred for the best views of the Kansas City skyline during the initial climb.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🌾

Flint Hills

Early in the flight, catch glimpses of the rolling tallgrass prairie ecosystem of Eastern Kansas.

⛰️

Arbuckle Mountains

Spot the ancient, weathered limestone ridges of south-central Oklahoma near the Texas border.

🍃

Sam Houston National Forest

View the vast expanse of protected pine and hardwood forests just north of the Houston metropolitan area.

🏡

The Woodlands

See the sprawling, master-planned community of The Woodlands during the descent into Intercontinental.

The right side is the best choice for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Great Plains. Keep an eye out for the distinct geological patterns of the Arbuckle Mountains roughly midway through the journey.

Top Activities in Houston
Route Information

Distance: 1,037 km (644 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min

Departure: MCI (39.2976, -94.713898)

Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Route Type: Domestic

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