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TUS → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Tucson International Airport (Tucson) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of iconic southwestern mountain ranges, including the highest peak in Texas, and avoids the harsh glare of the southern sun during eastbound travel.
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Santa Catalina Mountains
Immediately after takeoff, witness the rugged peaks of Mt. Lemmon rising sharply from the Tucson desert floor.
Guadalupe Peak
Approximately halfway through the flight, spot the dramatic limestone cliffs of El Capitan and the highest point in Texas.
Permian Basin Oil Fields
View the massive industrial landscape of the Midland-Odessa area, characterized by a grid-like pattern of drilling pads.
Brazos River
See the characteristic red-tinted waters of one of Texas's longest rivers winding through the central plains.
Sam Houston National Forest
As you descend into IAH, the desert gives way to the dense, lush Piney Woods of East Texas.
Sit on the left side (North) to avoid the direct southern sun glare. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the western faces of the Guadalupe Mountains. On night flights, the Permian Basin lights up like a massive, glowing grid across the desert.
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El Paso & Juarez
A striking view of the international border where the Rio Grande separates the sprawling urban centers of two nations.
Chihuahuan Desert
Vast stretches of high-altitude desert landscapes featuring unique geological formations and dry lake beds.
Edwards Plateau
The rugged transition zone into the Texas Hill Country, featuring deep canyons and limestone plateaus.
Downtown Houston
Depending on the arrival pattern, you may catch a distant glimpse of the downtown skyscrapers and the Medical Center.
The right side is best for seeing the international border near El Paso. However, be aware that the sun will be on this side for most of the day, which can make it very hot and bright. If flying at sunset, this side offers spectacular orange and purple horizons over the desert.
Book Hotels in HoustonDistance: 1,503 km (934 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs
Departure: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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