Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise, the left side also faces south over the North Atlantic, giving better light angles and views of the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's coastline if the routing passes near them, which eastbound BNA-LHR flights often do via the North Atlantic Tracks.
Flight Path
The flight typically follows North Atlantic Tracks routing northeast over Quebec and Newfoundland, then across the North Atlantic. Visible features include the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the rugged coastline of Newfoundland near Gander, open North Atlantic ocean, potentially the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap and glaciated fjords depending on the daily track, then the western coast of Ireland (County Clare or Connemara) as landfall, followed by the Irish midlands, Wales or the Midlands of England on descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
LEFTBNA's primary departure runway 2C/2L sends aircraft northeast, putting the Left side facing northwest toward downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River. You get a clear view of the Nashville skyline, the river's bend, and the rolling Tennessee hills as the aircraft climbs out.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's most common approach is from the east on runway 27L/27R, meaning aircraft track westward over central London. The Left side faces south, giving a prolonged view over the Thames, central London landmarks, and the city's dense urban fabric during the long final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to London. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise, the left side also faces south over the North Atlantic, giving better light angles and views of the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's coastline if the routing passes near them, which eastbound BNA-LHR flights often do via the North Atlantic Tracks.
What can I see during takeoff from Nashville International in Nashville?
During takeoff from Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. BNA's primary departure runway 2C/2L sends aircraft northeast, putting the Left side facing northwest toward downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River. You get a clear view of the Nashville skyline, the river's bend, and the rolling Tennessee hills as the aircraft climbs out. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bend, Percy Priest Lake to the southeast (visible from right briefly), rolling Cumberland Plateau ridgelines to the west.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's most common approach is from the east on runway 27L/27R, meaning aircraft track westward over central London. The Left side faces south, giving a prolonged view over the Thames, central London landmarks, and the city's dense urban fabric during the long final approach. Notable sights include: River Thames winding through central London, the dense urban grid of Greater London, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the west just before touchdown, the M25 motorway ring visible as a broad arc.
How long is the flight from Nashville to London?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the Nashville to London flight path pass over?
The flight typically follows North Atlantic Tracks routing northeast over Quebec and Newfoundland, then across the North Atlantic. Visible features include the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the rugged coastline of Newfoundland near Gander, open North Atlantic ocean, potentially the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap and glaciated fjords depending on the daily track, then the western coast of Ireland (County Clare or Connemara) as landfall, followed by the Irish midlands, Wales or the Midlands of England on descent.