The left side wins overall because the Atlanta departure offers the more dramatic and visually interesting content — a major city skyline, the Chattahoochee River, and the sprawling airport complex. The cruise portion over Indiana and Illinois farmland is largely featureless on both sides, and the Des Moines arrival is modest scenically. Left side captures the best moment of the flight.
Flown ATL to DSM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Des Moines is 743 miles (1,195 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the Tennessee River valley near Chattanooga, then crosses the Cumberland Plateau and western Kentucky farmland. Over southern Illinois the Ohio River may be visible as a broad dark ribbon. The route then crosses central Illinois and Iowa — largely flat agricultural land with a grid of county roads and small towns. The Mississippi River crossing near Quincy, Illinois or Keokuk, Iowa is the most visually distinctive midpoint feature, appearing as a wide, meandering silver band cutting through the flat Midwest landscape.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTATL's primary departure runways (8L/8R heading east, or 26L/26R heading west) mean a northbound climb toward DSM will bank left, putting the left side over downtown Atlanta's skyline and the Chattahoochee River corridor. Left-seat passengers get a clear look at the city grid and Midtown before the aircraft tracks northwest.
Landing at DSM
RIGHTDSM typically uses runways 13/31 or 05/23. On a southerly approach from the northeast (runway 31 or 13), the right side faces south and west over the Des Moines River valley and the downtown Des Moines skyline, which sits just northeast of the airport. Right-seat passengers get the clearest view of the city and the river confluence as the aircraft descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Des Moines International (DSM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Des Moines. The left side wins overall because the Atlanta departure offers the more dramatic and visually interesting content — a major city skyline, the Chattahoochee River, and the sprawling airport complex. The cruise portion over Indiana and Illinois farmland is largely featureless on both sides, and the Des Moines arrival is modest scenically. Left side captures the best moment of the flight.
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 climb toward DSM will bank left, putting the left side over downtown Atlanta's skyline and the Chattahoochee River corridor. Left-seat passengers get a clear look at the city grid and Midtown before the aircraft tracks northwest. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Chattahoochee River, Stone Mountain (distant to the east on left turns), Hartsfield-Jackson airport complex receding behind.
What can I see when landing at Des Moines International in Des Moines?
When landing at Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. DSM typically uses runways 13/31 or 05/23. On a southerly approach from the northeast (runway 31 or 13), the right side faces south and west over the Des Moines River valley and the downtown Des Moines skyline, which sits just northeast of the airport. Right-seat passengers get the clearest view of the city and the river confluence as the aircraft descends. Notable sights include: Downtown Des Moines skyline, Des Moines River, Raccoon River confluence, Iowa State Capitol dome.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Des Moines?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Des Moines International (DSM) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 743 miles (1,195 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Des Moines flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Tennessee River valley near Chattanooga, then crosses the Cumberland Plateau and western Kentucky farmland. Over southern Illinois the Ohio River may be visible as a broad dark ribbon. The route then crosses central Illinois and Iowa — largely flat agricultural land with a grid of county roads and small towns. The Mississippi River crossing near Quincy, Illinois or Keokuk, Iowa is the most visually distinctive midpoint feature, appearing as a wide, meandering silver band cutting through the flat Midwest landscape.