The left side wins both the departure and arrival phases — Appalachian terrain on climb-out from Atlanta and Alpine views on the descent into Zurich — while the cruise phase is dominated by several hours of open North Atlantic on both sides, capping the overall differential but favoring left for its bookend scenery.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland coastline, southern tip of Ireland, English Channel approach toward continental Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTDeparting ATL in west-flow conditions, the aircraft climbs out and turns northeast toward the Atlantic corridor, putting the Blue Ridge foothills of north Georgia and the southern Appalachians on the left side of the cabin. The right side mostly shows the flat Piedmont and suburban sprawl south of Atlanta.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTOn the standard runway 28 approach into Zurich, the aircraft descends westbound from the east, and the northern rim of the Alps sits to the south — on the left side of the cabin — offering a dramatic backdrop as the plane crosses into the Swiss Plateau. The right side faces north toward the flatter Jura foothills and less dramatic terrain.
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 Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Zurich. The left side wins both the departure and arrival phases — Appalachian terrain on climb-out from Atlanta and Alpine views on the descent into Zurich — while the cruise phase is dominated by several hours of open North Atlantic on both sides, capping the overall differential but favoring left for its bookend scenery.
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 in west-flow conditions, the aircraft climbs out and turns northeast toward the Atlantic corridor, putting the Blue Ridge foothills of north Georgia and the southern Appalachians on the left side of the cabin. The right side mostly shows the flat Piedmont and suburban sprawl south of Atlanta. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, Chattahoochee River valley, north Georgia forests.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard runway 28 approach into Zurich, the aircraft descends westbound from the east, and the northern rim of the Alps sits to the south — on the left side of the cabin — offering a dramatic backdrop as the plane crosses into the Swiss Plateau. The right side faces north toward the flatter Jura foothills and less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Northern Alps peaks, Lake Zurich, Swiss Plateau farmland, Uetliberg ridge.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Zurich?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 9h 10m.
What does the Atlanta to Zurich flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland coastline, southern tip of Ireland, English Channel approach toward continental Europe