The left side captures the most dramatic scenery of the flight: Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee River gorge, and Missionary Ridge on departure. The flight is short and mostly over rolling Georgia Piedmont, but the takeoff views from the left are the clear highlight of this route.
Flown CHA to ATL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chattanooga to Atlanta is 106 miles (171 km), a flight of about 40 minutes.
The flight crosses the southern end of the Ridge and Valley province of northwest Georgia, with parallel forested ridges giving way to the rolling Georgia Piedmont around Rome and Cartersville. Lake Allatoona, a large reservoir on the Etowah River, is visible to the northwest of the flight path as you begin descent. The terrain flattens considerably as you approach the Atlanta basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHA
LEFTChattanooga's runways typically favor departures to the northeast or southwest. On a southwestbound departure toward Atlanta, the left side gives you a clear view of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge rising above the Tennessee River valley. The right side faces away toward the flatter Chickamauga Valley.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTAtlanta's primary arrival corridor from the north typically brings aircraft in from the northwest on final to runways 26L/26R or 27L/27R, meaning the right side faces south and southwest over the Atlanta metro sprawl. You get a broad view of the city grid, Stone Mountain to the east, and the downtown skyline as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lovell Fld (CHA) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chattanooga to Atlanta. The left side captures the most dramatic scenery of the flight: Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee River gorge, and Missionary Ridge on departure. The flight is short and mostly over rolling Georgia Piedmont, but the takeoff views from the left are the clear highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Lovell Fld in Chattanooga?
During takeoff from Lovell Fld (CHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Chattanooga's runways typically favor departures to the northeast or southwest. On a southwestbound departure toward Atlanta, the left side gives you a clear view of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge rising above the Tennessee River valley. The right side faces away toward the flatter Chickamauga Valley. Notable sights include: Lookout Mountain (prominent ridge southwest of downtown), Tennessee River gorge below Moccasin Bend, downtown Chattanooga grid, Missionary Ridge to the east.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Atlanta's primary arrival corridor from the north typically brings aircraft in from the northwest on final to runways 26L/26R or 27L/27R, meaning the right side faces south and southwest over the Atlanta metro sprawl. You get a broad view of the city grid, Stone Mountain to the east, and the downtown skyline as you descend. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Stone Mountain (distinctive granite dome visible to the east), Lake Allatoona to the northwest, Hartsfield-Jackson airport complex coming into view ahead.
How long is the flight from Chattanooga to Atlanta?
The flight from Lovell Fld (CHA) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 106 miles (171 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chattanooga to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the southern end of the Ridge and Valley province of northwest Georgia, with parallel forested ridges giving way to the rolling Georgia Piedmont around Rome and Cartersville. Lake Allatoona, a large reservoir on the Etowah River, is visible to the northwest of the flight path as you begin descent. The terrain flattens considerably as you approach the Atlanta basin.