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PTY → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for this route as it offers breathtaking views of the Central American Volcanic Arc, the rugged Pacific coastline, and a more direct perspective of the Panama Canal upon departure.
Panama Canal
Aerial view of the Pacific entrance and the Miraflores Locks shortly after takeoff from PTY.
Central American Volcanic Arc
Dramatic peaks including Momotombo and Izalco visible across Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
Nicoya Peninsula
The rugged and lush coastline of Costa Rica's Pacific side with its hidden coves and beaches.
Sierra Madre de Chiapas
High-altitude mountain ridges and cloud forests spanning southern Mexico and Guatemala.
Houston Skyline
Clear views of the Downtown and Uptown skylines during the northern approach into IAH.
Book a window seat forward of the wing to maximize views of the volcanic chain. Morning flights are ideal as the sun rises on the opposite side, providing perfect front-lit conditions for photography of the mountains and the Canal. During the descent into Houston, keep your camera ready for the urban landscape.
Guna Yala Archipelago
Dozens of tiny coral islands and turquoise waters of the San Blas region visible right after takeoff.
Lake Nicaragua
Views of the largest lake in Central America and the twin volcanoes of Ometepe Island in the distance.
Yucatan Peninsula
The edge of the Mexican Caribbean coast and the flat, forested expanse of the Yucatan during the transit.
Gulf of Mexico
Vast ocean views with the occasional sight of cargo ships and deep-water oil platforms.
Port of Houston
Extensive industrial views of the ship channel and storage facilities during the final approach.
The right side is excellent for early morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. It offers the best views of the San Blas islands immediately after departing Panama. However, much of the mid-flight is over open water, so focus your viewing on the first and last hours of the journey.
Distance: 2,856 km (1,775 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 48 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: International
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