The left side captures Atlanta's skyline and the Appalachian foothills on departure, then delivers the dramatic Bosphorus and Istanbul cityscape on arrival, while the right side mostly faces open ocean and featureless coastal plain during both phases.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks, crossing near the Azores latitude before continuing over Western Europe and the Balkans toward Thrace
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTDeparting ATL eastbound, the aircraft typically banks north on climb-out, putting downtown Atlanta's skyline and the rolling Piedmont hills on the left before the route bends northeast toward the Appalachians and the Eastern Seaboard.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach to Istanbul Airport from the north under typical wind flow, the aircraft descends over the Black Sea coastline before turning south, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula skyline of Istanbul.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Istanbul. The left side captures Atlanta's skyline and the Appalachian foothills on departure, then delivers the dramatic Bosphorus and Istanbul cityscape on arrival, while the right side mostly faces open ocean and featureless coastal plain during both phases.
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. Departing ATL eastbound, the aircraft typically banks north on climb-out, putting downtown Atlanta's skyline and the rolling Piedmont hills on the left before the route bends northeast toward the Appalachians and the Eastern Seaboard. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Chattahoochee River, Blue Ridge foothills, Piedmont plateau.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Istanbul Airport from the north under typical wind flow, the aircraft descends over the Black Sea coastline before turning south, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula skyline of Istanbul. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area).
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Istanbul?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 10h 35m.
What does the Atlanta to Istanbul flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks, crossing near the Azores latitude before continuing over Western Europe and the Balkans toward Thrace