The right side edges ahead because it captures the Alps and Adriatic coastline glimpsed early over Italy, the Newfoundland/Nova Scotia coast where the great-circle track curves back toward North America, and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the descent into Charlotte — giving it more varied land-based scenery than the left side, which is dominated by open ocean for most of the flight.
Flown ATH to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Charlotte is 5,466 miles (8,796 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
The great-circle route bows up to roughly 50°N over the open North Atlantic, passing well south of Iceland and Greenland and north of the Azores; this stretch is several hours of featureless ocean with no land visible before the coast of Atlantic Canada comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTDeparting ATH, the aircraft typically climbs out over Attica and banks toward the west to begin its transatlantic track. That turn puts Athens itself, the Saronic Gulf, and the Peloponnese coastline on the left side, while the right side shows mostly open Aegean water toward Evia.
Landing at CLT
RIGHTOn approach into CLT the aircraft usually tracks in from the northeast and turns south to land, putting the western horizon on the right side of the cabin. On a clear day the distant blue ridgelines of the Appalachians are visible there, while the left side only shows the flat Piedmont farmland and suburbs of Charlotte.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Charlotte. The right side edges ahead because it captures the Alps and Adriatic coastline glimpsed early over Italy, the Newfoundland/Nova Scotia coast where the great-circle track curves back toward North America, and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the descent into Charlotte — giving it more varied land-based scenery than the left side, which is dominated by open ocean for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ATH, the aircraft typically climbs out over Attica and banks toward the west to begin its transatlantic track. That turn puts Athens itself, the Saronic Gulf, and the Peloponnese coastline on the left side, while the right side shows mostly open Aegean water toward Evia. Notable sights include: Acropolis and central Athens skyline, Piraeus harbor, Saronic Gulf islands, Peloponnese mountains in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into CLT the aircraft usually tracks in from the northeast and turns south to land, putting the western horizon on the right side of the cabin. On a clear day the distant blue ridgelines of the Appalachians are visible there, while the left side only shows the flat Piedmont farmland and suburbs of Charlotte. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains foothills on the horizon, Catawba River/Lake Norman area, rolling Piedmont farmland, Charlotte's outer suburbs.
How long is the flight from Athens to Charlotte?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,466 miles (8,796 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Charlotte flight path pass over?
The great-circle route bows up to roughly 50°N over the open North Atlantic, passing well south of Iceland and Greenland and north of the Azores; this stretch is several hours of featureless ocean with no land visible before the coast of Atlantic Canada comes into view.