While the Atlanta departure offers a decent Appalachian foothill view, the Heathrow arrival's loop over London delivers more iconic, easily recognizable landmarks (the Thames, Canary Wharf, the London Eye), giving the right side the edge for the full flight.
Flight Path
Hours of open North Atlantic Ocean, with the route passing south of Newfoundland's Grand Banks before making landfall over southern Ireland's Kerry/Cork coastline, then continuing over Wales and southern England toward London.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTDeparting ATL on a northeasterly track, the left side faces the North Georgia foothills and the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with Lake Lanier's shoreline visible during the initial climb. The right side only shows the flat Piedmont and coastal plain stretching toward South Carolina.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTUnder Heathrow's typical westerly operations, transatlantic arrivals loop around to approach from the east, flying back over London before turning onto final. This puts the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye in view on the right side just before the runway comes into sight near Windsor.
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 Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to London. While the Atlanta departure offers a decent Appalachian foothill view, the Heathrow arrival's loop over London delivers more iconic, easily recognizable landmarks (the Thames, Canary Wharf, the London Eye), giving the right side the edge for the full flight.
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 on a northeasterly track, the left side faces the North Georgia foothills and the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with Lake Lanier's shoreline visible during the initial climb. The right side only shows the flat Piedmont and coastal plain stretching toward South Carolina. Notable sights include: North Georgia foothills / southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lanier, Chattahoochee River, receding Atlanta skyline.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Under Heathrow's typical westerly operations, transatlantic arrivals loop around to approach from the east, flying back over London before turning onto final. This puts the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye in view on the right side just before the runway comes into sight near Windsor. Notable sights include: River Thames bends, Canary Wharf towers, London Eye, Windsor Castle near final approach.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to London?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 8h 15m.
What does the Atlanta to London flight path pass over?
Hours of open North Atlantic Ocean, with the route passing south of Newfoundland's Grand Banks before making landfall over southern Ireland's Kerry/Cork coastline, then continuing over Wales and southern England toward London.