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ATL → ILM
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Wilmington International Airport (Wilmington)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer diverse views, the Right Side is superior for its stunning reveal of the Atlantic coastline, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the barrier islands surrounding Wilmington upon arrival.
Augusta National
Glance south near the Georgia-South Carolina border to spot the iconic greens of the world-famous golf course.
Carolina Coastal Plain
Expansive views of the dense pine forests and agricultural grids that define the terrain of the inner coastal region.
Wrightsville Beach
Stunning views of the white sand beaches and the Atlantic Ocean as the aircraft turns toward the runway.
Intracoastal Waterway
The winding blue channel separating the mainland from the barrier islands is clearly visible during the descent.
Masonboro Island
A long, undeveloped barrier island that showcases the natural beauty of the North Carolina coast.
The Right Side is the best choice for late afternoon flights to avoid glare. It offers the most 'vacation' vibes by providing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the barrier islands during the arrival sequence. Watch for the sudden transition from rural forest to blue water as you approach the coast.
Atlanta Skyline
Panoramic views of Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead high-rises shortly after departure from ATL.
Stone Mountain
The massive quartz monadnock is a prominent landmark visible on the northern outskirts of the city.
Lake Murray
A sprawling reservoir in South Carolina providing a distinct landmark during the mid-flight cruise.
USS North Carolina
On final approach, look for the historic battleship docked on the Cape Fear River across from downtown.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun at your back. This side is ideal for spotting the Cape Fear River's unique geography and the historic downtown district as the plane descends into ILM. Window seats forward of the wing offer the best photographic angles of the Atlanta skyline during climb-out.
Distance: 606 km (377 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 1 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: ILM (34.27059936523437, -77.90260314941406)
Route Type: Domestic
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