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ATL → STL
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally preferred for this route as it provides the most direct views of the St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch during the standard arrival sequence into Lambert International Airport.
Atlanta Skyline
Aerial views of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta shortly after takeoff from Hartsfield-Jackson.
Tennessee River
Dramatic bends of the river as the flight path crosses from Alabama into Tennessee.
Ohio River Crossing
A clear view of the massive Ohio River, marking the transition into the Midwest.
Mississippi River
The flight crosses this legendary waterway just before landing in St. Louis.
Gateway Arch
The iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument is often visible on the descent into STL.
Book a window seat on the left for sunset views during late afternoon flights. Keep your camera ready about 10-15 minutes before landing for the best chance to spot the Gateway Arch. On takeoff from ATL, if the plane departs to the west, you will get an excellent view of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Appalachian Foothills
The rolling green terrain of North Georgia and the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Nashville Basin
The flight often passes just east of Nashville, offering distant views of the Music City skyline.
Land Between the Lakes
A massive national recreation area situated between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Midwestern Prairies
Geometric patterns of Southern Illinois farmland that create a patchwork quilt effect from above.
Missouri River Confluence
Depending on the wind and runway in use, you may see where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. It offers better views of the rural landscapes and the vast lake systems of Kentucky. If the airport is landing from the west, the right side may see the confluence of the two major rivers north of the city.
Distance: 779 km (484 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 18 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Route Type: Domestic
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