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ATL → TUS
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Tucson International Airport (Tucson)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of the dramatic New Mexico desert geography, including the striking white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park and the rugged peak of El Capitan in the Guadalupe Mountains.
Lake Texoma
Visible as you cross the Red River, this massive reservoir on the Texas-Oklahoma border stands out against the plains.
Guadalupe Mountains
Spot El Capitan, a massive limestone cliff and the highest point in Texas, visible as you cross the Permian Basin.
White Sands National Park
A stunning highlight where vast fields of bright white gypsum sand dunes create a surreal landscape in New Mexico.
Santa Catalina Mountains
Enjoy a close-up view of the rugged peaks and canyons north of Tucson during the final descent into TUS.
The right side is essential for viewing White Sands National Park, which is usually visible about 45 minutes before landing. Sit here for the best views of the mountain ranges north of Tucson. For late afternoon flights, be prepared for some glare as the sun sets in the west.
Mississippi River Delta
Observe the massive winding curves and oxbow lakes of the Mississippi River near the Louisiana-Mississippi border.
East Texas Piney Woods
Fly over the dense coniferous forests that mark the transition between the humid South and the arid West.
Chiricahua National Monument
As you enter Arizona, look for the 'Sky Islands' and unique rhyolite rock pinnacles rising from the desert floor.
Choose this side for views of the rolling hills of the South and the southern approach into Tucson, which often provides a great look at the Rincon Mountains. In the morning, this side will be shaded from the harsh southern sun, making photography easier.
Distance: 2,475 km (1,538 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 18 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Route Type: Domestic
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