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ATL → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the Florida Gulf Coast, the vibrant turquoise waters of the Caribbean, and most importantly, the iconic approach over the Panama Canal and Panama City's massive skyline.
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Atlanta Skyline
Aerial view of downtown and midtown Atlanta shortly after takeoff from Hartsfield-Jackson.
Florida Gulf Coast
Clear views of the white sands of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the expansive Tampa Bay.
The Florida Keys
As the plane exits the US mainland, the string of islands and the Seven Mile Bridge are often visible.
Caribbean Reefs
Striking contrasts of deep blue and bright turquoise water near the coast of Cuba or the Yucatan.
Panama Canal
The best view of the Miraflores Locks and the long line of cargo ships waiting in the Pacific.
Panama City Skyline
The dense cluster of modern skyscrapers along the Avenida Balboa as you descend into PTY.
Book a seat in the front or mid-cabin to avoid the wing blocking the view of the Panama Canal. On morning flights, you will have the sun behind you for much of the journey, which is ideal for photography. Pay close attention during the last 20 minutes of flight as the approach usually circles over the Pacific entrance of the Canal.
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Southern Pine Forests
The lush green landscapes of southern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle during the initial climb.
Gulf of Mexico
Expansive views of the open ocean and occasional sightings of deep-sea oil platforms.
Central American Peaks
Distant views of the volcanic mountain ranges of Nicaragua and Costa Rica to the west.
Pearl Islands
The beautiful archipelago in the Gulf of Panama visible during the final descent loop.
While the views are more sparse, the right side is excellent for sunset flights heading south to avoid direct glare. If the flight path takes a more westerly route over the Yucatan, you might catch distant views of Cozumel and the Mayan Riviera.
Book Hotels in Panama CityDistance: 2,780 km (1,727 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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