Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery across the full flight: the Blue Ridge Mountains during climb-out and the sustained mountain terrain throughout the northbound flight path. While left offers good landing views, right provides more consistent scenic value for the majority of the flight.
Flown ATL to ROA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Roanoke is 357 miles (575 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Blue Ridge Mountains ridgelines, Appalachian foothills terrain, multiple river valleys including the Chattahoochee and New River systems, forested mountain slopes, scattered small towns in valley settlements
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Appalachian foothills beginning to rise north of Atlanta. The northbound departure corridor from ATL climbs over the northern suburbs and piedmont terrain, with the Blue Ridge Mountains becoming visible on the right as you gain altitude.
Landing at ROA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Roanoke. The approach from the south brings you over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Roanoke Valley, with the distinctive ridge formations and the city nestled in the valley visible on the left side during final descent.
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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 Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Roanoke. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery across the full flight: the Blue Ridge Mountains during climb-out and the sustained mountain terrain throughout the northbound flight path. While left offers good landing views, right provides more consistent scenic value for the majority of the 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 Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Appalachian foothills beginning to rise north of Atlanta. The northbound departure corridor from ATL climbs over the northern suburbs and piedmont terrain, with the Blue Ridge Mountains becoming visible on the right as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Northern Atlanta suburbs and sprawl, Chattahoochee River valley to the northwest, piedmont rolling terrain, distant Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport in Roanoke?
When landing at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Roanoke. The approach from the south brings you over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Roanoke Valley, with the distinctive ridge formations and the city nestled in the valley visible on the left side during final descent. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains ridgelines, Roanoke Valley floor, Smith Mountain Lake to the south, city of Roanoke in valley setting.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Roanoke?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 357 miles (575 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Roanoke flight path pass over?
Blue Ridge Mountains ridgelines, Appalachian foothills terrain, multiple river valleys including the Chattahoochee and New River systems, forested mountain slopes, scattered small towns in valley settlements