Right-side seats dominate both departure and arrival phases. Westbound flights from Shanghai climb over the Yangtze estuary and East China Sea, then cross the Pacific, and descend into Atlanta with views of the Appalachian foothills and city approach. Right side captures the most visually distinctive geography at both ends.
Flown PVG to ATL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Atlanta is 7,645 miles (12,304 km), a flight of about 14 hours 20 minutes.
Pacific Ocean (vast open water with occasional cloud formations), Aleutian Islands region (if visible during daylight), North American coastline near Alaska or western Canada, Rocky Mountains or Great Plains depending on routing, Mississippi River valley in final approach phase
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs out westward from PVG. The river delta's intricate waterways and tidal patterns are visually distinctive during initial climb.

Landing at ATL
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlanta metropolitan area during descent. The terrain transition from forested ridges to urban sprawl is visually clear and geographically significant.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Atlanta. Right-side seats dominate both departure and arrival phases. Westbound flights from Shanghai climb over the Yangtze estuary and East China Sea, then cross the Pacific, and descend into Atlanta with views of the Appalachian foothills and city approach. Right side captures the most visually distinctive geography at both ends.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs out westward from PVG. The river delta's intricate waterways and tidal patterns are visually distinctive during initial climb. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai urban sprawl to the south.
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. Right-side seats provide views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlanta metropolitan area during descent. The terrain transition from forested ridges to urban sprawl is visually clear and geographically significant. Notable sights include: Appalachian Mountains (Blue Ridge foothills), Atlanta downtown skyline, Chattahoochee River valley, piedmont forest landscape.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Atlanta?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 14 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,645 miles (12,304 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Atlanta flight path pass over?
Pacific Ocean (vast open water with occasional cloud formations), Aleutian Islands region (if visible during daylight), North American coastline near Alaska or western Canada, Rocky Mountains or Great Plains depending on routing, Mississippi River valley in final approach phase