While the left seat wins at takeoff for the Disney World and lake views, the right seat delivers the more dramatic payoff on landing with Atlanta's skyline and Stone Mountain on approach. For the full flight, right-side passengers also get better views of the Georgia pine forests and the subtle topographic rise as the terrain transitions from Florida flatlands into the Georgia Piedmont.
Flight Path
The flight crosses north-central Florida's flat lake-dotted terrain before entering Georgia near Valdosta. The landscape transitions from Florida's wetlands and pine flatwoods through the Georgia coastal plain, passing over the Okefenokee Swamp region to the east. As the flight progresses north, the terrain gradually rises into the Georgia Piedmont, with increasing forest cover and the first gentle ridgelines appearing in the final 100 miles before Atlanta.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTMCO typically departs northbound on runway 18L/36R or 17L/35R. A northbound departure on the left (west) side gives you a clear view back over the Orlando urban core, Walt Disney World's distinctive resort clusters, and the chain of lakes that define central Florida's landscape. The right side faces east toward less distinctive suburban sprawl.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTATL typically lands from the east on runways 08L/08R or from the southeast, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-northeast. The right (north) side on approach gives a direct view over downtown Atlanta's skyline, Buckhead, and the distinctive urban density of the city. The left side faces south toward less visually interesting suburban sprawl.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Atlanta. While the left seat wins at takeoff for the Disney World and lake views, the right seat delivers the more dramatic payoff on landing with Atlanta's skyline and Stone Mountain on approach. For the full flight, right-side passengers also get better views of the Georgia pine forests and the subtle topographic rise as the terrain transitions from Florida flatlands into the Georgia Piedmont.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. MCO typically departs northbound on runway 18L/36R or 17L/35R. A northbound departure on the left (west) side gives you a clear view back over the Orlando urban core, Walt Disney World's distinctive resort clusters, and the chain of lakes that define central Florida's landscape. The right side faces east toward less distinctive suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Walt Disney World resort complex and its lagoons, Lake Tohopekaliga to the south, the Orlando downtown skyline receding behind, the interconnected lake chains of Osceola County.
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. ATL typically lands from the east on runways 08L/08R or from the southeast, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-northeast. The right (north) side on approach gives a direct view over downtown Atlanta's skyline, Buckhead, and the distinctive urban density of the city. The left side faces south toward less visually interesting suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline including Peachtree Center towers, Midtown Atlanta and the Buckhead district, Stone Mountain visible to the east as a distinctive granite dome, the Chattahoochee River corridor.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Atlanta?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Orlando to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight crosses north-central Florida's flat lake-dotted terrain before entering Georgia near Valdosta. The landscape transitions from Florida's wetlands and pine flatwoods through the Georgia coastal plain, passing over the Okefenokee Swamp region to the east. As the flight progresses north, the terrain gradually rises into the Georgia Piedmont, with increasing forest cover and the first gentle ridgelines appearing in the final 100 miles before Atlanta.