Philadelphia to Atlanta is 666 miles (1,072 km), a flight of about 2 hours.
The Right side wins overall because while Left is better at PHL departure, the Right side captures the Blue Ridge foothills and Appalachian ridgelines of northern Georgia and the Carolinas during cruise, plus the Atlanta skyline on approach. The midpoint scenery over the Carolinas and Georgia Piedmont slightly favors the right (north-facing) side.
Flight Path
The flight tracks southwest over Delaware, Maryland, and into the Carolinas. Notable features include the Chesapeake Bay visible early in the flight, the broad flat Piedmont of the Carolinas in the middle portion, the transition from Piedmont to the foothills of the Blue Ridge in upstate South Carolina and northern Georgia, and the increasing suburban sprawl of metro Atlanta on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTPHL's primary departure runway 27L/27R sends aircraft westbound, putting the Left side facing south toward Center City Philadelphia, the Delaware River, and the New Jersey shoreline. You get a clear view of the city skyline and the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers during climb-out.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTATL's primary arrival runways from the northeast (runways 26L/26R or 28) bring aircraft in from the northeast, putting the Right side facing north and northwest toward downtown Atlanta. You get a prolonged view of the Atlanta skyline and Piedmont terrain on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Atlanta. The Right side wins overall because while Left is better at PHL departure, the Right side captures the Blue Ridge foothills and Appalachian ridgelines of northern Georgia and the Carolinas during cruise, plus the Atlanta skyline on approach. The midpoint scenery over the Carolinas and Georgia Piedmont slightly favors the right (north-facing) side.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHL's primary departure runway 27L/27R sends aircraft westbound, putting the Left side facing south toward Center City Philadelphia, the Delaware River, and the New Jersey shoreline. You get a clear view of the city skyline and the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers during climb-out. Notable sights include: Center City Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River, Schuylkill River confluence, Philadelphia Sports Complex stadiums.
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's primary arrival runways from the northeast (runways 26L/26R or 28) bring aircraft in from the northeast, putting the Right side facing north and northwest toward downtown Atlanta. You get a prolonged view of the Atlanta skyline and Piedmont terrain on final approach. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain (distant to the northeast), Lake Lanier (distant on approach), Chattahoochee River.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Atlanta?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 666 miles (1,072 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over Delaware, Maryland, and into the Carolinas. Notable features include the Chesapeake Bay visible early in the flight, the broad flat Piedmont of the Carolinas in the middle portion, the transition from Piedmont to the foothills of the Blue Ridge in upstate South Carolina and northern Georgia, and the increasing suburban sprawl of metro Atlanta on descent.