The left side wins both takeoff and landing, combining the Atlanta skyline and Piedmont terrain at departure with the iconic Manhattan skyline and East River approach into LGA, giving it the more consistently scenic and landmark-rich view.
Flight Path
Appalachian foothills of the Carolinas and Virginia, rolling Piedmont terrain, occasional views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west before the route flattens toward the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTDeparting ATL to the north/northeast, the left side offers views over the Atlanta skyline and the Piedmont hills before the route continues toward the Carolinas. The right side mostly shows suburban sprawl with less definition.
Landing at LGA
LEFTOn approach into LGA from the south/southwest, the left side captures the Manhattan skyline and the East River, a classic scenic approach into New York. The right side faces Queens and Long Island Sound with less iconic scenery.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to New York. The left side wins both takeoff and landing, combining the Atlanta skyline and Piedmont terrain at departure with the iconic Manhattan skyline and East River approach into LGA, giving it the more consistently scenic and landmark-rich view.
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 to the north/northeast, the left side offers views over the Atlanta skyline and the Piedmont hills before the route continues toward the Carolinas. The right side mostly shows suburban sprawl with less definition. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain, Piedmont foothills.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into LGA from the south/southwest, the left side captures the Manhattan skyline and the East River, a classic scenic approach into New York. The right side faces Queens and Long Island Sound with less iconic scenery. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Hell Gate Bridge, Central Park.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to New York?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to La Guardia (LGA) takes 2h 10m.
What does the Atlanta to New York flight path pass over?
Appalachian foothills of the Carolinas and Virginia, rolling Piedmont terrain, occasional views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west before the route flattens toward the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain.