Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography: the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal features during departure are visually distinctive. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff scenery from Istanbul is more striking and memorable than the gradual suburban approach to Atlanta.
Flown SAW to ATL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Atlanta is 5,785 miles (9,310 km), a flight of about 12 hours.
The flight crosses the Mediterranean Sea, southern Europe (Greece, possibly southern Italy or Sicily depending on routing), then the Atlantic Ocean. Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the Azores islands if the flight path passes near them. Upon approaching North America, the flight crosses the Appalachian Mountains and enters the southeastern United States, passing over Tennessee, Georgia, and the foothills before reaching Atlanta.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and Pendik district receding beneath the wing.
Landing at ATL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Appalachian foothills and the Atlanta metropolitan area during descent into Hartsfield-Jackson. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, so left-side passengers see the terrain rising gradually from the coastal plains into low mountains, then the sprawling city grid.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Atlanta. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography: the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal features during departure are visually distinctive. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff scenery from Istanbul is more striking and memorable than the gradual suburban approach to Atlanta.
What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and Pendik district receding beneath the wing. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront, Bosphorus strait (distant), Asian Istanbul coastline.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Appalachian foothills and the Atlanta metropolitan area during descent into Hartsfield-Jackson. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, so left-side passengers see the terrain rising gradually from the coastal plains into low mountains, then the sprawling city grid. Notable sights include: Appalachian foothills, Chattahoochee River valley, Atlanta skyline, suburban sprawl of greater Atlanta.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Atlanta?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 12 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,785 miles (9,310 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mediterranean Sea, southern Europe (Greece, possibly southern Italy or Sicily depending on routing), then the Atlantic Ocean. Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the Azores islands if the flight path passes near them. Upon approaching North America, the flight crosses the Appalachian Mountains and enters the southeastern United States, passing over Tennessee, Georgia, and the foothills before reaching Atlanta.