The takeoff from MSY offers more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain—two major water features with clear visual character. While the landing approach to PDK provides decent views of Atlanta's sprawl and the Chattahoochee River, the delta and lake views are more geographically striking and memorable.
Flown MSY to PDK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Atlanta is 441 miles (709 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Alabama, passing east of Montgomery. Notable features include the Tallapoosa River valley, the transition from Gulf Coastal Plain to Piedmont terrain around central Georgia, and scattered lakes in the Alabama-Georgia border region. The landscape gradually shifts from flat delta terrain to rolling hills with increasing forest coverage as the aircraft approaches Atlanta.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain as the aircraft climbs northeast from MSY. The river's distinctive meandering channels and the broad expanse of the lake dominate the initial climb-out view.
Landing at PDK
LEFTLeft-side seats on approach to PDK offer views of the Chattahoochee River valley and Atlanta's northern suburbs as the aircraft descends from the northwest. The river's course and the city's sprawl become increasingly visible during the final approach.
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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 DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Atlanta. The takeoff from MSY offers more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain—two major water features with clear visual character. While the landing approach to PDK provides decent views of Atlanta's sprawl and the Chattahoochee River, the delta and lake views are more geographically striking and memorable.
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 Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain as the aircraft climbs northeast from MSY. The river's distinctive meandering channels and the broad expanse of the lake dominate the initial climb-out view. Notable sights include: Mississippi River delta with oxbow bends, Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans urban grid, Atchafalaya Basin wetlands to the west.
What can I see when landing at DeKalb Peachtree Airport in Atlanta?
When landing at DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats on approach to PDK offer views of the Chattahoochee River valley and Atlanta's northern suburbs as the aircraft descends from the northwest. The river's course and the city's sprawl become increasingly visible during the final approach. Notable sights include: Chattahoochee River, Atlanta metropolitan sprawl, Piedmont terrain with rolling hills, DeKalb County residential areas.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Atlanta?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 441 miles (709 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Alabama, passing east of Montgomery. Notable features include the Tallapoosa River valley, the transition from Gulf Coastal Plain to Piedmont terrain around central Georgia, and scattered lakes in the Alabama-Georgia border region. The landscape gradually shifts from flat delta terrain to rolling hills with increasing forest coverage as the aircraft approaches Atlanta.