Neither side offers dramatic terrain since this route crosses the flat Midwest and Southeast interior, but the Atlanta-side approach with the Chattahoochee River and Piedmont hills edges out the mostly flat departure views, giving the left side a slight overall advantage.
Flight Path
Flat agricultural plains of Missouri, Arkansas, and northern Mississippi with scattered river valleys including the Missouri and Mississippi tributaries; no major mountain ranges or coastlines on this route.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCI
RIGHTDeparting MCI southbound, the right side gives passing views of the Kansas City downtown skyline and the Missouri River bends before leveling over farmland. It's modest but slightly more visually interesting than the plain fields on the left.
Landing at ATL
LEFTArriving into ATL from the northwest under typical west-flow operations, the left side offers views of suburban Atlanta neighborhoods and the tree-covered Piedmont terrain rolling into the airport, giving a bit more texture than the flatter approach on the right.
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 Kansas City International (MCI) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kansas City to Atlanta. Neither side offers dramatic terrain since this route crosses the flat Midwest and Southeast interior, but the Atlanta-side approach with the Chattahoochee River and Piedmont hills edges out the mostly flat departure views, giving the left side a slight overall advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Kansas City International in Kansas City?
During takeoff from Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MCI southbound, the right side gives passing views of the Kansas City downtown skyline and the Missouri River bends before leveling over farmland. It's modest but slightly more visually interesting than the plain fields on the left. Notable sights include: Missouri River, Kansas City downtown skyline, Kansas City Streetcar corridor, farmland patchwork.
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 Left side for the best views. Arriving into ATL from the northwest under typical west-flow operations, the left side offers views of suburban Atlanta neighborhoods and the tree-covered Piedmont terrain rolling into the airport, giving a bit more texture than the flatter approach on the right. Notable sights include: Atlanta suburban sprawl, Chattahoochee River, Piedmont forest ridges, Hartsfield-Jackson runway complex.
How long is the flight from Kansas City to Atlanta?
The flight from Kansas City International (MCI) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes 1h 55m.
What does the Kansas City to Atlanta flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Missouri, Arkansas, and northern Mississippi with scattered river valleys including the Missouri and Mississippi tributaries; no major mountain ranges or coastlines on this route.