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PHX → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic geological transitions from the Sonoran Desert into the high-altitude forests of the Mogollon Rim and the rugged Gila Wilderness.
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Superstition Mountains
Dramatic volcanic peaks and jagged ridges visible immediately after departing Phoenix to the east.
Mogollon Rim
A massive limestone and sandstone cliff marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau with deep green forests.
Gila Wilderness
The first designated wilderness area in the US, featuring rugged canyons and the Black Range in New Mexico.
Caprock Escarpment
The sharp geographical transition where the high plains of the Llano Estacado drop off into the lower rolling plains.
Sam Houston National Forest
A vast expanse of loblolly pines that signals your arrival into the humid subtropical climate of East Texas.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun glare. The first 45 minutes of the flight offer the most dramatic terrain changes. Look for the transition from desert browns to alpine greens as you cross the Arizona-New Mexico border.
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Sonoran Desert Vistas
Expansive views of the diverse desert floor and distant mountain ranges of Southern Arizona.
El Paso & Juarez
A clear view of the international border where the Rio Grande separates these two massive desert cities.
Franklin Mountains
The southernmost tip of the Rockies, standing as a stark rocky spine through the middle of El Paso.
Edwards Plateau
Rugged limestone landscapes and savanna that characterize the start of the Texas Hill Country region.
Greater Houston Sprawl
As you descend into IAH, enjoy views of the winding bayous and the massive infrastructure of North Houston.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset reflecting off the desert landscape. Keep your camera ready over West Texas to spot the distinct line of the US-Mexico border and the meandering Rio Grande.
Book Hotels in HoustonDistance: 1,621 km (1,007 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 10 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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