The right side captures the only two moments of real visual interest on this route - Atlanta's skyline during the departure turn and Johannesburg's skyline with its mine dumps on final approach - while the ten-plus hours of South Atlantic Ocean in between are identical from either side.
Flown ATL to JNB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Johannesburg is 8,440 miles (13,583 km), a flight of about 15 hours 5 minutes.
The route's midpoint lies deep in the South Atlantic Ocean with no land visible for many hours; further along, the flight crosses the Namibian coast near the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast, then passes over the Kalahari Desert of Botswana before descending onto South Africa's Highveld plateau near Johannesburg.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTATL typically departs to the west before turning onto the southeast track toward Africa, and during that turn passengers on the right get a brief look at downtown Atlanta's skyline to the north. The left side only shows flat Piedmont suburbs and highways with nothing distinctive.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTOn final approach into OR Tambo, the aircraft typically turns to align with the northeast-southwest runways, bringing the Johannesburg CBD and Sandton skyline into view on the right along with the distinctive yellow mine dumps that ring the city. The left side mostly shows open Highveld grassland with little to distinguish it.
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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 O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Johannesburg. The right side captures the only two moments of real visual interest on this route - Atlanta's skyline during the departure turn and Johannesburg's skyline with its mine dumps on final approach - while the ten-plus hours of South Atlantic Ocean in between are identical from either side.
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 typically departs to the west before turning onto the southeast track toward Africa, and during that turn passengers on the right get a brief look at downtown Atlanta's skyline to the north. The left side only shows flat Piedmont suburbs and highways with nothing distinctive. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Hartsfield-Jackson terminal complex, Chattahoochee River valley, Piedmont suburban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into OR Tambo, the aircraft typically turns to align with the northeast-southwest runways, bringing the Johannesburg CBD and Sandton skyline into view on the right along with the distinctive yellow mine dumps that ring the city. The left side mostly shows open Highveld grassland with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Sandton and Johannesburg CBD skyline, Witwatersrand gold mine dumps, Highveld grassland plateau, Ekurhuleni industrial belt.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 15 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,440 miles (13,583 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint lies deep in the South Atlantic Ocean with no land visible for many hours; further along, the flight crosses the Namibian coast near the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast, then passes over the Kalahari Desert of Botswana before descending onto South Africa's Highveld plateau near Johannesburg.