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SAN → ATL
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the premier view of San Diego's skyline and harbor upon departure, followed by the dramatic geological formations of the Arizona rim country and the best angle for the Atlanta skyline on landing.
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San Diego Harbor and Skyline
Watch the Gaslamp Quarter, downtown towers, and Balboa Park disappear as the plane banks east after takeoff.
Mogollon Rim
View the striking 2,000-foot escarpment in central Arizona that marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau.
Painted Desert
Observe the vibrant, multi-colored siltstone and mudstone layers of the high desert in Northern Arizona.
Mississippi River
Cross the continent's largest river near Memphis, often appearing as a massive silver ribbon winding through the floodplains.
Atlanta Midtown and Downtown
During the standard westward approach, the left side provides a panoramic view of the city's growing skyscraper clusters.
Choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine exhaust distortion. On morning flights (which are common for this route), the left side is shielded from the harshest direct sunlight when traveling east, allowing for better photography of the desert landscapes. During the descent into Atlanta, the pilot often makes a northern loop that positions the skyline perfectly for those on the left.
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Salton Sea
A massive, reflective saline lake sitting 236 feet below sea level in the California desert.
Sonoran Desert Peaks
Rugged, ancient mountain ranges and vast cactus-filled valleys across southern Arizona and New Mexico.
White Sands National Park
The world's largest gypsum dunefield appears as a bright, snowy patch in the middle of the New Mexico desert.
Texas Panhandle
The geometric perfection of center-pivot irrigation circles creates a mesmerizing green and gold patchwork.
Stone Mountain
A giant quartz monzonite dome located just east of Atlanta, clearly visible during the final descent phases.
The right side is excellent for catching the high-contrast shadows of the desert floor during late afternoon flights. Keep an eye out for White Sands National Park approximately two hours into the flight; it is one of the most distinct landmarks from 35,000 feet. If landing to the west, you may get a close-up view of the busy airport terminal infrastructure.
Book Hotels in AtlantaDistance: 3,038 km (1,888 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 34 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Route Type: Domestic
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