While left offers good takeoff scenery over the Appalachians, the right side delivers the more dramatic and visually distinctive landing experience with the volcanic peaks of the Trans-Mexican Belt. The landing views are more spectacular and memorable than the takeoff.
Flown PDK to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Mexico City is 1,348 miles (2,170 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Gulf of Mexico coastline (Texas and Louisiana coast visible during cruise), Yucatan Peninsula, Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, Mexican high plateau terrain
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDK
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley as the aircraft climbs southwestward from PDK. Right side faces toward the Atlantic coastal plain with less dramatic terrain.
Landing at MEX
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Valley of Mexico as the aircraft descends toward MEX. The right bank offers clear sightlines to the snow-capped volcanic peaks (Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl) and the surrounding high-altitude plateau terrain.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Mexico City. While left offers good takeoff scenery over the Appalachians, the right side delivers the more dramatic and visually distinctive landing experience with the volcanic peaks of the Trans-Mexican Belt. The landing views are more spectacular and memorable than the takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from DeKalb Peachtree Airport in Atlanta?
During takeoff from DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley as the aircraft climbs southwestward from PDK. Right side faces toward the Atlantic coastal plain with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Appalachian Mountains (distant ridgelines to the northwest), Tennessee River valley, Lake Allatoona (north of Atlanta), Atlanta skyline and urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Valley of Mexico as the aircraft descends toward MEX. The right bank offers clear sightlines to the snow-capped volcanic peaks (Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl) and the surrounding high-altitude plateau terrain. Notable sights include: Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt peaks (Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl), Valley of Mexico basin, Mexico City urban area, Sierra Madre Oriental foothills.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Mexico City?
The flight from DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,348 miles (2,170 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Mexico City flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico coastline (Texas and Louisiana coast visible during cruise), Yucatan Peninsula, Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, Mexican high plateau terrain