About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Athinai (HEW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Athens. The left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left side also picks up the southern coast of Ireland and Cornwall during the European approach, and then the Mediterranean coastline and Greek islands on descent. The right side has little advantage at any stage.
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 left-side seat gives you the Atlanta skyline to the north during the initial climb and turn. Departures heading northeast toward Europe typically bank left, swinging the left side toward downtown Atlanta's cluster of towers and Stone Mountain to the east. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain (the massive granite dome 16 miles east of downtown), Lake Lanier to the north, Chattahoochee River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Athinai in Athens?
When landing at Athinai (HEW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport sits east of Athens. Arrivals typically come in from the east or northeast, meaning a left-side seat faces north toward the city of Athens, the Acropolis hill, and the Saronic Gulf. The right side faces mostly open Aegean Sea and the flat Mesogeia plain. Notable sights include: Athens urban basin and Acropolis hill, Saronic Gulf with its islands (Aegina, Salamis), Mount Hymettus ridge east of the city, Piraeus port district.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Athens?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Athinai (HEW) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the Atlanta to Athens flight path pass over?
After crossing the Appalachians, the flight tracks northeast over the Atlantic. Mid-flight passes south of Iceland and over the UK, with possible views of the Irish coastline and Cornwall. Crossing into Europe, the route passes over France or northern Italy depending on routing, then down the Adriatic or over the Balkans before descending into Greece. The Ionian and Aegean seas are visible on descent.