About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Istanbul. While the left side wins at takeoff for the Atlanta skyline, the right side delivers the more spectacular payoff at landing with the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the unmistakable Istanbul Old City panorama. During the transatlantic portion the right side also faces south toward the Mediterranean as the route crosses over the Aegean, offering more water and coastal views.
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 downtown skyline to the north as you climb out. The city's dense cluster of skyscrapers including the Westin Peachtree and Bank of America Plaza are clearly visible from the left side during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline to the north, Stone Mountain (distinctive granite dome 16 miles east of downtown), Lake Lanier reservoir to the northeast, Chattahoochee River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk Airport sits on the European side of the city on the Marmara coast. Aircraft typically approach from the west on runway 06, meaning a right-side seat faces south toward the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the historic peninsula with the Old City skyline including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque clearly visible across the water. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait, Istanbul Old City peninsula with Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque silhouettes, Princes Islands in the Marmara, Bosphorus bridges.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Istanbul?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Atlanta to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over the US Eastern Seaboard, crossing the North Atlantic near Newfoundland and the Labrador Sea, then over Ireland and the UK, across France and the Alps (the Mont Blanc massif and Swiss Alps are visible on clear days), northern Italy, the Adriatic Sea, and finally the Aegean Sea and Greek island chains before descending into Istanbul.