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MSP → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the Mississippi River after takeoff, the sprawling Lake of the Ozarks, and a higher probability of seeing the Houston skyline during the standard descent pattern into IAH.
Search flights from MSP to IAH
Mississippi River
Dramatic views of the river's winding path and the industrial riverfront immediately after departing MSP.
Des Moines
A clear view of the Iowa state capital and the surrounding geometric patterns of the Midwest Corn Belt.
Lake of the Ozarks
Spot the 'Dragon' shape of this massive Missouri reservoir with its countless branching coves.
Ouachita Mountains
The unique east-west running ridges of the Ouachita National Forest as the plane crosses into Arkansas.
Lake Livingston
One of the largest reservoirs in Texas, signaling the start of the final approach into the Houston metro area.
Houston Skyline
Excellent views of downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center during the downwind leg of the landing sequence.
On morning flights, the left side will face the sun, so keep your window shade partially closed until reaching cruising altitude. This side is the best for spotting the downtown Houston skyline if the plane lands toward the west, which is common during standard wind conditions. Look for the seasonal change in the Ozarks; fall colors are spectacular from 35,000 feet.
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Midwestern Heartland
Vast stretches of high-productivity farmland displaying a patchwork quilt of green and gold across Iowa.
Kansas City Metro
The sprawling suburban landscape and the Missouri River often appear on the western horizon during central flight paths.
Arkansas River Valley
Views of the wide river valley and the transitioning terrain from plains to forested highlands.
Sam Houston National Forest
A dense canopy of the Texas Piney Woods that stretches for miles just north of the IAH airport.
Texas Oil Infrastructure
As you descend, look for the numerous oil refineries and storage tanks that define the regional industry.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare, providing better conditions for photography. Keep an eye out for the Arkansas River; its wide, sandy banks are a major landmark. During the winter, the transition from snow-covered Iowa fields to the green forests of East Texas is visually striking.
Book Hotels in HoustonDistance: 1,667 km (1,036 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 13 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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