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ATL → PNS
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Pensacola Regional Airport (Pensacola)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic reveal of the Florida Emerald Coast, featuring the brilliant white sands of Santa Rosa Island and the historic naval complex during the final approach.
Atlanta Southside
Aerial views of the sprawling South Atlanta metro area and the complex runway systems of the world's busiest airport upon departure.
Walter F. George Lake
Also known as Lake Eufaula, this massive reservoir creates a jagged blue border between Alabama and Georgia.
Santa Rosa Island
A stunning view of the narrow barrier island with its signature sugar-white sand dunes and turquoise Gulf waters.
NAS Pensacola
The 'Cradle of Naval Aviation' and home base of the Blue Angels is often visible on the descent into the airfield.
Book a window seat on the left to capture the transition from the red clay of the Piedmont to the emerald waters of the Gulf. For the best photography of the coastline, opt for a mid-morning flight when the sun is high enough to illuminate the shallow sandbars without causing glare on the window.
Downtown Atlanta
If departing to the west or north, you will see the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the dense skyline of the city center.
Chattahoochee River
Watch the serpentine path of the river as it flows southwest toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Montgomery Skyline
The Alabama State Capitol and downtown Montgomery are frequently visible mid-route depending on the specific air traffic corridor.
Perdido Key
As the plane enters the Pensacola area from the west, you get a bird's-eye view of the Alabama-Florida state line at the coast.
The right side is excellent for sunset flights, as you will have a front-row seat to the orange and pink hues over the Alabama delta. Keep an eye out for the distinct transition from dense pine forests to the marshy bayous near the Mobile Bay area as you begin your descent.
Distance: 437 km (272 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 44 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: PNS (30.473400115967003, -87.18659973144501)
Route Type: Domestic
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