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SJC → ATL
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the dramatic Sierra Nevada range and the most rugged sections of the Colorado Rockies, while benefiting from the sun being positioned on the opposite side of the aircraft for most of the journey.
Sierra Nevada Range
Aerial views of Yosemite National Park and the jagged granite peaks of the high Sierras shortly after departure.
Utah Red Rocks
Stunning vistas of Arches National Park and the deep incisions of the Green River near Moab.
Colorado Rockies
Fly directly over the highest peaks in the continental U.S., including the snow-capped Mount Elbert and Mount Massive.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Spot the iconic silver monument on the banks of the Mississippi River as the flight begins its gradual descent.
Nashville Skyline
Clear views of the 'Music City' skyscraper cluster and the Cumberland River winding through Tennessee.
Sitting on the left side (North) is ideal for eastbound flights as the sun will be on the right side of the plane, reducing glare and cabin heat. Look out about 20-30 minutes after takeoff for the Sierras and approximately 2 hours in for the heart of the Rockies.
Central Valley
The intricate geometric patterns of California's primary agricultural hub immediately after climbing out of San Jose.
Lake Powell
The vivid contrast of deep blue water snaking through the bright red sandstone of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
San Juan Mountains
The rugged and remote volcanic peaks of southwestern Colorado, often covered in snow well into the summer.
Ozark Plateau
Endless rolling green hills and dense forests stretching across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.
Stone Mountain
A massive quartz monzonite dome located just east of Atlanta, often visible during the final landing approach.
While the views are spectacular, passengers on the right side will face direct sunlight for most of the day, which can make the cabin quite warm and photography difficult due to lens flare. This side is preferred for sunset flights to catch the colors over the desert.
Distance: 3,398 km (2,111 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Route Type: Domestic
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