The left side wins overall thanks to the scenic Istanbul departure and the likely daytime crossing of the Adriatic coastline, Italian peninsula, and the southern Alps during the European portion of the great-circle route, offering more terrain variety than the right side's largely flat Balkan and open-ocean views.
Flight Path
Adriatic Sea, Italian Apennines, southern Alps foothills, North Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland coastline
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST on the northwest-bound routing, the initial turn favors a view back toward Istanbul's skyline, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Sea of Marmara on the left side, while the right side shows only the flatter Thrace countryside and Black Sea haze.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTUnder typical west-flow arrivals into ATL, the aircraft descends from the east and banks over the northern suburbs, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Stone Mountain's granite dome and the Atlanta downtown skyline before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 İstanbul Airport (IST) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Atlanta. The left side wins overall thanks to the scenic Istanbul departure and the likely daytime crossing of the Adriatic coastline, Italian peninsula, and the southern Alps during the European portion of the great-circle route, offering more terrain variety than the right side's largely flat Balkan and open-ocean views.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST on the northwest-bound routing, the initial turn favors a view back toward Istanbul's skyline, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Sea of Marmara on the left side, while the right side shows only the flatter Thrace countryside and Black Sea haze. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul city skyline, Prince Islands.
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. Under typical west-flow arrivals into ATL, the aircraft descends from the east and banks over the northern suburbs, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Stone Mountain's granite dome and the Atlanta downtown skyline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Stone Mountain, Atlanta downtown skyline, Chattahoochee River, suburban Atlanta sprawl.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Atlanta?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes 11h 20m.
What does the Istanbul to Atlanta flight path pass over?
Adriatic Sea, Italian Apennines, southern Alps foothills, North Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland coastline