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ATL → SXM
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the turquoise Bahamian archipelagos and the Turks and Caicos before providing the best angle for the world-famous approach into Sint Maarten.
Bahamian Archipelagos
Witness the stunning contrast of neon-turquoise shallow waters and deep blue trenches over the Exuma Cays.
Turks and Caicos
Fly over the spectacular coral reefs and sandbars surrounding Providenciales and the Caicos Bank.
Virgin Islands
On clear days, catch the silhouettes of the mountainous British and US Virgin Islands to the south.
Simpson Bay
Get a perfect view of the luxury yachts anchored in the lagoon just moments before touchdown.
Maho Beach Approach
The iconic low-altitude flyover of the beach and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea right before the runway.
This is the 'money' side for this route. Request a seat forward of the wing to capture the Bahamian water colors without engine heat distortion. The most vibrant reef colors are usually visible mid-flight between 1.5 to 2.5 hours after takeoff. Ensure your camera is ready for the final 60 seconds of the flight for the Maho Beach approach.
Atlanta Skyline
Catch a glimpse of the sprawling downtown Atlanta area and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium shortly after departure.
Atlantic Seaboard
Watch the transition from the lush green Georgia coastline to the deep, vast blue of the open Atlantic Ocean.
Anguilla Coast
During the final descent, look out for the white sandy beaches and flat limestone terrain of neighboring Anguilla.
Philipsburg Port
View the cruise ship terminal and the capital city of the Dutch side as the plane banks for its final approach.
Sit toward the front to avoid the wing for the best photos of the Atlanta departure. On the final descent, this side is ideal for seeing the cruise ships docked in Great Bay, though you will be facing away from the famous Maho Beach.
Distance: 2,739 km (1,702 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 39 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Route Type: International
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