Loading map...
ATL → SJC
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the iconic Grand Canyon and the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the High Sierra as you approach Northern California.
Search flights from ATL to SJC
Ozark Plateau
Rolling green hills and dense forests across Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Grand Canyon
The northern horizon often reveals the massive, multi-hued scale of the Grand Canyon's South Rim.
Lake Powell & Lake Mead
Stunning blue waters contrasting against the stark red rock canyons of the Colorado River.
Sierra Nevada
Jagged, snow-dusted peaks including the southern reaches of Yosemite National Park.
Lick Observatory
Perched atop Mount Hamilton, the white domes are clearly visible as the plane crosses the Diablo Range.
The right side is ideal for photography on this route as it faces north, away from the sun, providing consistent lighting for the desert landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled roughly 3.5 to 4 hours into the flight for the Grand Canyon. During the descent into San Jose, you will pass directly over the golden hills of the Diablo Range, offering a great perspective of the Silicon Valley valley floor.
Book Hotels in San Jose
Mississippi River
View the massive, winding waterway that marks the transition from the humid East to the Great Plains.
Sandia Mountains
A prominent mountain range located just east of Albuquerque, providing a rugged desert backdrop.
Meteor Crater
A perfectly preserved impact site in the Arizona desert, clearly visible as a massive circular depression.
Mojave Desert
Vast stretches of arid landscape dotted with dry lake beds and solar power installations.
Bay Area Salt Ponds
Vibrantly colored evaporation ponds ranging from neon green to deep red on the final descent into SJC.
For a westward flight, the left side will face south, meaning direct sun exposure for most of the day. If flying in the afternoon, expect heavy glare and high cabin heat; keep your window shade partially closed until reaching the Arizona border to catch the Meteor Crater. The salt ponds during the final 5 minutes of the flight are a highlight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,398 km (2,111 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.