The left side wins narrowly thanks to Atlanta's skyline view during departure, since the long mid-Atlantic crossing offers no scenery on either side and the Manchester approach view is relatively brief by comparison.
Flown ATL to MAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Manchester is 4,089 miles (6,581 km), a flight of about 8 hours 5 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean crossing, with possible glimpses of the Newfoundland coast and the west coast of Ireland near the end of the transatlantic segment
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTDeparting ATL, flights heading northeast toward the Atlantic typically climb out with a right turn, putting downtown Atlanta's skyline and the wooded Piedmont terrain on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with fewer distinguishing features.
Landing at MAN
RIGHTOn approach to Manchester's runway 23 from the northeast, the aircraft banks southwest with Manchester's city center and the Cheshire Plain visible off the right side, while the left side faces the open Pennine hills further away. The right side offers a clearer, closer view of the urban landing sequence.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Manchester (MAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Manchester. The left side wins narrowly thanks to Atlanta's skyline view during departure, since the long mid-Atlantic crossing offers no scenery on either side and the Manchester approach view is relatively brief by comparison.
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, flights heading northeast toward the Atlantic typically climb out with a right turn, putting downtown Atlanta's skyline and the wooded Piedmont terrain on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Chattahoochee River, Piedmont forest belt, Atlanta suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Manchester in Manchester?
When landing at Manchester (MAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Manchester's runway 23 from the northeast, the aircraft banks southwest with Manchester's city center and the Cheshire Plain visible off the right side, while the left side faces the open Pennine hills further away. The right side offers a clearer, closer view of the urban landing sequence. Notable sights include: Manchester city center towers, Manchester Ship Canal, Cheshire Plain farmland, distant Peak District hills.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Manchester?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Manchester (MAN) takes about 8 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,089 miles (6,581 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Manchester flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean crossing, with possible glimpses of the Newfoundland coast and the west coast of Ireland near the end of the transatlantic segment