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RDU destination photo
IAH destination photo

RDUIAH

Our Recommendation
7.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the most diverse scenery, including views of the Gulf Coast, the massive Lake Pontchartrain, and a higher likelihood of spotting the Houston skyline during the final descent.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Charlotte Metro

Aerial views of North Carolina's largest city and the bustling suburban corridors shortly after takeoff.

🍑

Northern Georgia

Rolling hills and dense canopy cover south of the Appalachian chain.

🌊

Gulf Coastline

Glimpses of the white sand beaches and blue waters of the Alabama and Mississippi shores.

🌉

Lake Pontchartrain

The massive expanse of the lake and the world's longest continuous bridge over water near New Orleans.

🏢

Houston Skyline

A dramatic view of the downtown skyscrapers as the plane aligns for its southern approach into IAH.

Book a seat in front of the wing for unobstructed views of the Louisiana bayous. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, providing better lighting for photography of the Gulf Coast. Watch for the Mississippi River Delta's intricate patterns about 50 minutes before landing.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
⛰️

Appalachian Piedmont

The scenic transition zone from the coastal plains to the rolling foothills of the mountains.

🏗️

Birmingham Views

A look at the industrial heritage and urban layout of central Alabama.

🌊

Mississippi River

The winding, majestic waterway with its distinctive oxbow lakes and heavy barge traffic.

🌲

East Texas Piney Woods

Vast stretches of evergreen forests that define the landscape as you enter Texas air space.

🚤

Lake Houston

A large reservoir northeast of the city that serves as a final landmark before touchdown.

The right side is the best choice for evening flights to enjoy the sunset over the horizon. Look for the Mississippi River roughly 60-70 minutes into the flight. During the winter, the leafless trees in the Piedmont region make geological features and small river systems more visible.

Top Activities in Houston
Route Information

Distance: 1,675 km (1,041 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 14 min

Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)

Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Route Type: Domestic

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