New Orleans to Atlanta is 425 miles (684 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The left seat wins overall primarily because of the spectacular Lake Pontchartrain view on departure — one of the most visually striking geographic features on any short-haul route in the Southeast. During cruise the flight tracks northeast over central Mississippi and Alabama, where neither side offers dramatic scenery. The right seat has a slight edge on landing into ATL, but the departure view from the left is the highlight of this flight.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast over the Mississippi-Alabama state line region, crossing the flat pine forests and agricultural land of central Mississippi near Hattiesburg and Meridian, then over the rolling Piedmont of west-central Alabama. No dramatic terrain — this is low-relief country throughout cruise. The Talladega National Forest and the low ridges of the southern Appalachian foothills become faintly visible as you approach the Georgia border on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
LEFTMSY typically departs eastbound on runway 10R/10L. A left (north) seat gives you a clear view of Lake Pontchartrain as you climb out — the lake is massive and unmistakable, stretching roughly 40 miles across. You'll also see the causeway bridges and the city of New Orleans to your southeast.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTATL predominantly lands from the east on runways 08L/08R/09L/09R, meaning the approach comes in from the west-southwest. A right (north) seat on final approach gives you a view over the northern Atlanta suburbs — Buckhead, Midtown, and downtown Atlanta's skyline are visible to the north as you descend. The left seat looks south over flat suburban sprawl with less to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Atlanta. The left seat wins overall primarily because of the spectacular Lake Pontchartrain view on departure — one of the most visually striking geographic features on any short-haul route in the Southeast. During cruise the flight tracks northeast over central Mississippi and Alabama, where neither side offers dramatic scenery. The right seat has a slight edge on landing into ATL, but the departure view from the left is the highlight of this flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSY typically departs eastbound on runway 10R/10L. A left (north) seat gives you a clear view of Lake Pontchartrain as you climb out — the lake is massive and unmistakable, stretching roughly 40 miles across. You'll also see the causeway bridges and the city of New Orleans to your southeast. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, New Orleans city grid and French Quarter bend in the Mississippi River, Mississippi River meanders.
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 predominantly lands from the east on runways 08L/08R/09L/09R, meaning the approach comes in from the west-southwest. A right (north) seat on final approach gives you a view over the northern Atlanta suburbs — Buckhead, Midtown, and downtown Atlanta's skyline are visible to the north as you descend. The left seat looks south over flat suburban sprawl with less to see. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain (visible to the northeast as a distinctive granite dome), Midtown Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson airport complex.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Atlanta?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 425 miles (684 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Mississippi-Alabama state line region, crossing the flat pine forests and agricultural land of central Mississippi near Hattiesburg and Meridian, then over the rolling Piedmont of west-central Alabama. No dramatic terrain — this is low-relief country throughout cruise. The Talladega National Forest and the low ridges of the southern Appalachian foothills become faintly visible as you approach the Georgia border on descent.