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ATL → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic shift from the red rocks of the Southwest to the iconic deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe during the final descent.
The Mississippi River
Witness the massive, winding silver ribbon of the Mississippi River shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Painted Desert
Vibrant hues of orange and red stretch across the New Mexico and Arizona landscape as you head west.
Lake Powell
Glimpse the intricate, winding blue waters of Lake Powell tucked between towering sandstone canyons.
Lake Tahoe
The absolute highlight of the flight; a stunning aerial view of the alpine lake just before the descent into Sacramento.
Sierra National Forest
Lush evergreen canopies and granite peaks mark the transition into the California border region.
Book a window seat on the left for the best view of Lake Tahoe. For optimal photography of the desert colors, choose a mid-morning departure to have the sun behind you. During winter, look for the stark contrast of snow on the Sierra Nevada peaks against the valley floor.
Great Plains Grids
See the fascinating geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles across the Midwest heartland.
Southern Rockies
View the northern reach of the high Rockies, often featuring snow-capped summits well into late spring.
Great Salt Lake
The northern edge of the massive salt lake and the surrounding white crust of the salt flats are visible to the north.
Lassen Peak
On clear days, the southern-most volcano in the Cascade Range can be spotted in the distance to the north.
Central Valley Orchards
The perfectly aligned rows of almond and walnut orchards provide a green quilt-like appearance upon arrival.
The right side is ideal for seeing the Great Salt Lake. On summer afternoon flights, this side will be shaded, which helps reduce cabin heat and window glare. Keep an eye out for the Pyramid Lake area in Nevada, which often glows with an ethereal turquoise hue.
Distance: 3,360 km (2,088 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 57 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
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