While takeoff offers good Nashville views on the right, the landing approach into Bradley on the left provides more sustained scenic interest with the Connecticut River valley, Hartford area, and New England landscape features. The left side captures the more visually distinctive terrain during final descent.
Flown BNA to BDL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to Windsor Locks is 850 miles (1,368 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, then transitions into the ridge-and-valley terrain of Virginia and West Virginia. Notable features include the Great Smoky Mountains visible to the south (but typically not directly on route), the New River valley in southern West Virginia, and the transition into the Atlantic coastal plain as you approach Connecticut. The Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains run roughly parallel to the northern portion of the route. Most of the flight crosses forested Appalachian terrain with limited major cities visible until approaching the Northeast corridor.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Cumberland River winding through Nashville and the city's downtown skyline as you climb out. The river's distinctive curves are clearly visible during initial ascent, and you'll see the urban grid spreading eastward across the Nashville basin.
Landing at BDL
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views during descent into Bradley. You'll see the Connecticut River valley, the distinctive landscape of central Connecticut with its river corridors and small towns, and the approach path gives clear views of the Hartford area and surrounding terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to Bradley International (BDL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Windsor Locks. While takeoff offers good Nashville views on the right, the landing approach into Bradley on the left provides more sustained scenic interest with the Connecticut River valley, Hartford area, and New England landscape features. The left side captures the more visually distinctive terrain during final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Nashville International in Nashville?
During takeoff from Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Cumberland River winding through Nashville and the city's downtown skyline as you climb out. The river's distinctive curves are clearly visible during initial ascent, and you'll see the urban grid spreading eastward across the Nashville basin. Notable sights include: Cumberland River, Nashville downtown skyline, Percy Priest Lake (southeast), Tennessee rolling hills.
What can I see when landing at Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
When landing at Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views during descent into Bradley. You'll see the Connecticut River valley, the distinctive landscape of central Connecticut with its river corridors and small towns, and the approach path gives clear views of the Hartford area and surrounding terrain. Notable sights include: Connecticut River, Hartford skyline, Mount Higby ridge, central Connecticut farmland and forests.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Windsor Locks?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Bradley International (BDL) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 850 miles (1,368 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to Windsor Locks flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, then transitions into the ridge-and-valley terrain of Virginia and West Virginia. Notable features include the Great Smoky Mountains visible to the south (but typically not directly on route), the New River valley in southern West Virginia, and the transition into the Atlantic coastal plain as you approach Connecticut. The Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains run roughly parallel to the northern portion of the route. Most of the flight crosses forested Appalachian terrain with limited major cities visible until approaching the Northeast corridor.