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ABE destination photo
ATL destination photo

ABEATL

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic geological folds of the Appalachian Mountains and typically offers the best angle for the Atlanta skyline during landing.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Appalachian Ridges

Fly parallel to the striking, linear mountain ridges of the Ridge-and-Valley Province through Virginia.

🌳

Shenandoah National Park

Look down upon the dense forest canopy of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the winding path of Skyline Drive.

🌄

Smoky Mountain Silhouettes

On clear days, the high peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains are visible in the distance to the west.

🏗️

Atlanta Skyline

As the plane turns toward the airport, this side often yields spectacular views of Midtown and Downtown skyscrapers.

🏟️

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Spot the unique, pinwheel-style roof of the iconic stadium located in the heart of Atlanta.

Sit on the right for morning flights to enjoy soft lighting on the mountain ridges. During the 'Standard Terminal Arrival' into ATL, the right side usually faces the city center; however, be aware that heavy cloud cover is common over the Appalachians in winter.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Mid-Atlantic Corridor

Distant views of the urban sprawl stretching between Baltimore and Washington D.C. on the eastern horizon.

🚜

Piedmont Farmland

Watch the transition from Pennsylvania greenery to the distinct red clay soil and patchwork farms of the Carolinas.

🌊

Lake Lanier

A massive, sprawling reservoir northeast of Atlanta that serves as a major landmark during the descent phase.

✈️

ATL Concourse Layout

Get a bird's-eye view of the world's busiest airport's parallel terminal structure as you bank for arrival.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is also excellent for spotting the shimmering waters of the Savannah River basin and various recreational lakes in Georgia.

Top Activities in Atlanta
Route Information

Distance: 1,114 km (692 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min

Departure: ABE (40.652099609375, -75.44080352783203)

Arrival: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)

Route Type: Domestic

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