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SJO → ATL
Which side of the plane to sit from Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose) to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the volcanic backbone of Central America, including stunning views of Lake Nicaragua and the Ometepe volcanoes, followed by a direct crossing of the northern Gulf Coast.
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Poás Volcano
Immediately after takeoff, witness the active crater of Poás rising from the clouds of the Central Valley.
Lake Nicaragua
The massive expanse of 'Mar Dulce' featuring the perfectly conical Ometepe twin volcanoes.
Cordillera Maribios
A dramatic chain of Nicaraguan volcanoes stretching toward the Gulf of Fonseca.
Mississippi Sound
The entry point to the US mainland, offering views of the barrier islands and the port of Mobile.
Alabama Heartland
The transitioning landscape from coastal wetlands to the dense pine forests and rolling hills of the South.
Sit in an 'A' seat for the best perspective of the volcanoes. Morning flights (before 10:00 AM) are ideal to avoid the dense afternoon cloud cover common in the Costa Rican mountains. As you approach the US coast, keep your camera ready for the contrast between the deep blue Gulf and the white sand bars of the barrier islands.
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San José Metro
Views of the urban sprawl of the capital city and the surrounding Heredia coffee plantations.
Yucatán Channel
On eastern flight tracks, you can spot the distant turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the tip of Mexico.
Gulf Shipping Lanes
Watch for massive cargo ships and oil tankers navigating the deep waters toward New Orleans and Mobile.
Emerald Coast
Stunning views of the Florida Panhandle's famous white-quartz sand beaches near Pensacola.
Atlanta Perimeter
During the descent, views of the dense suburban canopy and the growing skyline of the 'City in a Forest'.
The right side (seat 'F' or 'K') is generally better for evening flights to avoid the direct glare of the setting sun. During the winter months, this side offers a more consistent light for photography. If the plane approaches ATL from the east, you may catch a glimpse of the Stone Mountain monadnock in the distance.
Book Hotels in AtlantaDistance: 2,629 km (1,634 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 30 min
Departure: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Arrival: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Route Type: International
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