The left side offers a more varied and scenic departure sequence over the Thames Valley, English Channel, and Irish coastline, while the right side's advantage is limited to a brief skyline glimpse on arrival; both sides otherwise face many hours of featureless North Atlantic during cruise.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean, roughly south of Newfoundland and east of the Grand Banks, with no land visible for several hours
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTWesterly departures off 27L/27R typically track southwest over Surrey and Hampshire before heading out toward the south coast, giving left-side passengers a view of the Thames Valley, Windsor, and eventually the Channel coast near Southampton and the Isle of Wight before the route continues over Cornwall and southern Ireland.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTArrivals into Atlanta from the northeast typically descend over the north Georgia foothills before turning onto final for the west-facing runways, putting the Atlanta downtown skyline and the wooded ridgelines north of the airport on the right side of the aircraft during the approach turn.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Atlanta. The left side offers a more varied and scenic departure sequence over the Thames Valley, English Channel, and Irish coastline, while the right side's advantage is limited to a brief skyline glimpse on arrival; both sides otherwise face many hours of featureless North Atlantic during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Westerly departures off 27L/27R typically track southwest over Surrey and Hampshire before heading out toward the south coast, giving left-side passengers a view of the Thames Valley, Windsor, and eventually the Channel coast near Southampton and the Isle of Wight before the route continues over Cornwall and southern Ireland. Notable sights include: River Thames and Windsor Castle, Surrey/Hampshire countryside, Solent and Isle of Wight, Cornish coastline.
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. Arrivals into Atlanta from the northeast typically descend over the north Georgia foothills before turning onto final for the west-facing runways, putting the Atlanta downtown skyline and the wooded ridgelines north of the airport on the right side of the aircraft during the approach turn. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown and Midtown skyline, north Georgia foothills near Kennesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, suburban sprawl of north Fulton County.
How long is the flight from London to Atlanta?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes 9h 50m.
What does the London to Atlanta flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, roughly south of Newfoundland and east of the Grand Banks, with no land visible for several hours