About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Brussels. The left side wins overall because the Atlanta departure views are more dramatic and distinctive — Stone Mountain and the city skyline are genuinely striking from altitude. The transatlantic cruise over the North Atlantic offers little from either side, and the Brussels approach views are relatively modest on both sides given the flat terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Left side for the best views. ATL's primary departure runways (8L/8R heading east, or 26L/26R heading west) mean a northbound transatlantic routing takes the aircraft over the northern Atlanta metro. Left side gives you the downtown Atlanta skyline and Stone Mountain to the northeast as you climb out heading north. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain (granite dome ~16 miles east of downtown), Lake Lanier to the north, Chattahoochee River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?
When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. BRU's main arrival runway 25L/25R brings aircraft in from the east over the Belgian countryside. The right side faces south, giving views of central Brussels including the Grand Place area and the Atomium structure, plus the flat patchwork of Flemish farmland on approach. Notable sights include: Brussels city center and Grand Place district, the Atomium structure in Laeken, the flat Flemish agricultural patchwork, the Senne river valley.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Brussels?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes Approximately 9 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours.
What does the Atlanta to Brussels flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Appalachians in Virginia and Pennsylvania, then over New England and Nova Scotia, crosses the North Atlantic near Newfoundland, passes south of Greenland and Iceland at cruise altitude, then crosses Ireland and southern England before descending over the English Channel and into Belgium. The North Atlantic crossing offers occasional views of sea ice near Greenland if routing goes far north, and the Irish and English coastlines are visible on descent.