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MSY β HOU
Which side of the plane to sit from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans) to William P Hobby Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the intricate Louisiana coastline, the vast Gulf of Mexico, and the high-density industrial landscape of the Houston Ship Channel during the final descent.
Barataria Preserve
Aerial views of the dense marshes, bayous, and winding waterways south of New Orleans.
Gulf of Mexico Coastline
Continuous views of where the coastal wetlands meet the open turquoise and navy waters of the Gulf.
Sabine Pass
The massive LNG terminals and industrial infrastructure at the border of Louisiana and Texas.
Houston Ship Channel
A spectacular view of tankers and refineries as you descend into the heart of Houston's industrial sector.
Downtown Houston Skyline
Depending on the wind direction, a clear view of the central business district skyscrapers during approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to have the sun behind you, illuminating the coast. On the final approach to HOU, this side provides an incredible look at the sheer scale of the energy industry infrastructure along the ship channel. In the evening, you'll catch a beautiful reflection of the sunset on the water.
Mississippi River Meanders
Watch the dramatic, snake-like curves of the Mississippi River immediately after takeoff from MSY.
Bonnet CarrΓ© Spillway
A massive flood control structure located between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain.
Atchafalaya Basin
The largest river swamp in the United States, appearing as a vast, emerald-green wilderness.
Cajun Farmlands
A geometric patchwork of crawfish ponds and rice fields stretching across southern Louisiana.
Texas Medical Center
The world's largest medical complex is often visible to the north during the landing pattern.
The right side is ideal for passengers interested in the unique geography of the river systems and swamp basins. Avoid this side on late afternoon flights as the sun will be directly in your window. Keep a close eye out early in the flight for the I-10 'Swamp Expressway' bridge cutting through the Atchafalaya wilderness.
Distance: 486 km (302 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 49 min
Departure: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Arrival: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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