Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get Atlanta's skyline and the Chattahoochee, and on approach into Madison the left side delivers the iconic twin-lakes isthmus view with the Capitol dome — the most visually rewarding moment of the whole route.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest over the Tennessee River valley near Chattanooga, crosses the Cumberland Plateau, then passes over Nashville and the broad Tennessee farmland. North of Nashville the route crosses the Ohio River into southern Indiana, then over flat Indiana and Illinois agricultural plains before descending into southern Wisconsin. The Illinois-Wisconsin border region shows the transition from corn and soybean fields to dairy farm country with more rolling terrain near the Wisconsin Dells area.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTATL's primary departure runways (8L/8R heading east, or 27L/27R heading west) mean a northbound climb toward MSN will bank left, putting the left side over downtown Atlanta's skyline and the Chattahoochee River corridor. Left-side passengers get a clear look at the city grid and Midtown before the aircraft tracks northwest.
Landing at MSN
LEFTMSN's primary landing runway 36 (heading north) or runway 18 (heading south) means approaches from the south track over Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, which flank the Madison isthmus. Left-side seats on a southerly approach get the Capitol dome on the isthmus between the two lakes, one of the most distinctive urban aerial views in the Midwest.
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 Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Madison. Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get Atlanta's skyline and the Chattahoochee, and on approach into Madison the left side delivers the iconic twin-lakes isthmus view with the Capitol dome — the most visually rewarding moment of the whole route.
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. ATL's primary departure runways (8L/8R heading east, or 27L/27R heading west) mean a northbound climb toward MSN will bank left, putting the left side over downtown Atlanta's skyline and the Chattahoochee River corridor. Left-side passengers get a clear look at the city grid and Midtown before the aircraft tracks northwest. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Midtown Atlanta towers, Chattahoochee River, Stone Mountain (distant, to the east on climb-out).
What can I see when landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
When landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSN's primary landing runway 36 (heading north) or runway 18 (heading south) means approaches from the south track over Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, which flank the Madison isthmus. Left-side seats on a southerly approach get the Capitol dome on the isthmus between the two lakes, one of the most distinctive urban aerial views in the Midwest. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Madison isthmus with Wisconsin State Capitol dome, University of Wisconsin-Madison campus on Lake Mendota's south shore.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Madison?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Atlanta to Madison flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Tennessee River valley near Chattanooga, crosses the Cumberland Plateau, then passes over Nashville and the broad Tennessee farmland. North of Nashville the route crosses the Ohio River into southern Indiana, then over flat Indiana and Illinois agricultural plains before descending into southern Wisconsin. The Illinois-Wisconsin border region shows the transition from corn and soybean fields to dairy farm country with more rolling terrain near the Wisconsin Dells area.