The left side captures the most dramatic scenery of the flight: Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada on departure are genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The landing view from the right is good but Atlanta's skyline is modest compared to the Sierra. Left side also tracks the Colorado Rockies in the distance during cruise.
Flown RNO to ATL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reno to Atlanta is 1,989 miles (3,201 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight path crosses the Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, the Colorado Plateau with its canyon country visible in good visibility, the southern Rockies near Albuquerque or Amarillo depending on routing, then the Texas Panhandle flatlands, the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, and the Mississippi River valley before descending into Georgia's piedmont and pine forests.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RNO
LEFTRNO's primary departure runway 16R sends aircraft southeast, putting Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada directly on the left side. You get a clear look at the lake basin and the high Sierra crest before the aircraft turns east.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTATL's primary arrival runways 26L/26R bring aircraft in from the east heading west, placing the Atlanta downtown skyline and Midtown on the right side during final approach. You get a clear view of the city core as you descend over the eastern suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reno to Atlanta. The left side captures the most dramatic scenery of the flight: Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada on departure are genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The landing view from the right is good but Atlanta's skyline is modest compared to the Sierra. Left side also tracks the Colorado Rockies in the distance during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
During takeoff from Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. RNO's primary departure runway 16R sends aircraft southeast, putting Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada directly on the left side. You get a clear look at the lake basin and the high Sierra crest before the aircraft turns east. Notable sights include: Lake Tahoe basin, Sierra Nevada crest, Truckee Meadows valley floor, Carson Range.
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 26L/26R bring aircraft in from the east heading west, placing the Atlanta downtown skyline and Midtown on the right side during final approach. You get a clear view of the city core as you descend over the eastern suburbs. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier (distant), Hartsfield-Jackson airport complex.
How long is the flight from Reno to Atlanta?
The flight from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,989 miles (3,201 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reno to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, the Colorado Plateau with its canyon country visible in good visibility, the southern Rockies near Albuquerque or Amarillo depending on routing, then the Texas Panhandle flatlands, the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, and the Mississippi River valley before descending into Georgia's piedmont and pine forests.