While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side delivers the more dramatic payoff at landing with the iconic Hong Kong harbour approach. Over the Pacific and across China the views are largely similar on both sides, so optimizing for the Hong Kong arrival gives the left seat the edge for the full journey.
Flown ATL to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Hong Kong is 8,387 miles (13,498 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northwest across the continental US over the Appalachians and Great Plains, then crosses Alaska's southern coast and the Aleutian Island chain before crossing the North Pacific. Over Asia it descends across the Russian Far East, northeastern China, and the Korean Peninsula before crossing the East China Sea and approaching Hong Kong from the northeast. The Aleutian Islands, the vast Siberian taiga, and the Yellow Sea are the most visually distinctive geographic features along the great circle path.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTATL's primary departure runways (8L/8R/9L/9R heading east, or 26L/26R/27L/27R heading west) mean a right-side seat gives you views over downtown Atlanta's skyline and the northern suburbs. Departing eastbound, the right side looks north toward Buckhead and the Chattahoochee River corridor; departing westbound, the right side sweeps over the southern metro and eventually Stone Mountain to the east.
Landing at HKG
LEFTHong Kong International sits on Lantau Island, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast over the South China Sea. A left-side seat gives you the best view of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Island skyline, and Kowloon as you descend, while the right side faces mostly open water or the western Pearl River Delta.
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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 Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Hong Kong. While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side delivers the more dramatic payoff at landing with the iconic Hong Kong harbour approach. Over the Pacific and across China the views are largely similar on both sides, so optimizing for the Hong Kong arrival gives the left seat the edge for the full journey.
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 Right side for the best views. ATL's primary departure runways (8L/8R/9L/9R heading east, or 26L/26R/27L/27R heading west) mean a right-side seat gives you views over downtown Atlanta's skyline and the northern suburbs. Departing eastbound, the right side looks north toward Buckhead and the Chattahoochee River corridor; departing westbound, the right side sweeps over the southern metro and eventually Stone Mountain to the east. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain (visible to the northeast as a distinctive granite dome), Chattahoochee River, Lake Lanier (to the north during climb-out).
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Hong Kong International sits on Lantau Island, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast over the South China Sea. A left-side seat gives you the best view of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Island skyline, and Kowloon as you descend, while the right side faces mostly open water or the western Pearl River Delta. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon Peninsula, Lantau Island and the Tsing Ma Bridge, Pearl River Delta estuary to the west.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Hong Kong?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,387 miles (13,498 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest across the continental US over the Appalachians and Great Plains, then crosses Alaska's southern coast and the Aleutian Island chain before crossing the North Pacific. Over Asia it descends across the Russian Far East, northeastern China, and the Korean Peninsula before crossing the East China Sea and approaching Hong Kong from the northeast. The Aleutian Islands, the vast Siberian taiga, and the Yellow Sea are the most visually distinctive geographic features along the great circle path.