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PTY → ATL
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the Panama Canal immediately after departure and provides scenic views of the Florida Panhandle's emerald waters and the Atlanta skyline during the final approach.
Panama Canal Locks
Unmatched views of the Miraflores Locks and the Culebra Cut shortly after takeoff from PTY.
Western Caribbean
Vistas of the open Caribbean Sea and occasional glimpses of the Cuban coastline.
Emerald Coast
The stark white sands and turquoise waters of the Florida Panhandle and Alabama coast.
Atlanta Skyline
Panoramic views of downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the final approach.
Sit on the right for the best chance to see the Panama Canal engineering marvels right after takeoff. For afternoon flights, the sun will be on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for photos of the Florida coast and the Atlanta city skyline during the landing sequence.
Caribbean Coastline
Lush tropical shorelines of Costa Rica and Nicaragua as the flight heads north.
Gatun Lake
A massive man-made lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal system.
Mississippi River Delta
The intricate, branching patterns of the Mississippi River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Deep South Forests
Dense pine forests and rolling hills of Alabama and Georgia during the descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun. This side is particularly rewarding when passing over the Gulf of Mexico, as it offers the best views of the Mississippi River's unique 'bird's foot' delta near New Orleans.
Distance: 2,780 km (1,727 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Route Type: International
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