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ATL destination photo
GTR destination photo

ATLGTR

Our Recommendation
7.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior vantage point for the iconic Atlanta skyline upon departure and provides better views of the Appalachian foothills and the intricate Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway during the approach into Columbus.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Atlanta Skyline

Unrivaled views of Downtown, Midtown, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium if the flight departs to the west or circles north.

🌊

Chattahoochee River

The primary water artery of the region, marking the boundary between the urban sprawl of Atlanta and rural Georgia.

⛰️

Appalachian Foothills

On clear days, the northern horizon reveals the blue-tinged rolling start of the Appalachian mountain range.

💧

Lake Wedowee

A large, sprawling reservoir in Alabama with hundreds of miles of jagged shoreline and recreational docks.

🏗️

Tombigbee Waterway

A view of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, including the distinctive locks and dams used for commercial barge traffic.

The right side is best for morning flights as the sun will be behind you, perfectly illuminating the Atlanta skyline. Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff, as the window for the city view is often brief before the plane turns westward. During descent, look for the 'Big V' where the natural river meets the canal.

Left Side Highlights
6.8
✈️

ATL South Complex

A massive overhead view of the world's busiest airport's southern runways and the primary Delta Air Lines maintenance hangars.

🌲

Talladega National Forest

Dense, rolling pine forests of eastern Alabama providing a deep green canopy that stretches to the southern horizon.

🚜

Alabama Farmland

The transition into the Black Belt region, characterized by dark, rich soils and a geometric patchwork of agricultural fields.

🏞️

Noxubee Wildlife Refuge

Distant views of protected wetlands and lakes that serve as a critical habitat for migratory birds and local alligators.

🛶

Tombigbee River Meanders

The natural, winding curves of the river which contrast sharply with the straight lines of the nearby man-made waterway.

Sit on the left for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh southern sun glare. This side is particularly scenic during autumn when the hardwood sections of the Alabama forests change color. Look for the massive industrial complexes near the Alabama-Mississippi border which are highly visible from this side.

Top Activities in Columbus Mississippi
Route Information

Distance: 386 km (240 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 39 min

Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)

Arrival: GTR (33.450298309299995, -88.59140014649999)

Route Type: Domestic

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