Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Nashville and the Cumberland River is more visually distinctive and engaging than the landing view. While the Mississippi River approach is geographically significant, the Nashville departure offers better urban context and river dynamics.
Flown BNA to MEM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to Memphis is 200 miles (322 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses west-central Tennessee, passing over the Highland Rim plateau region. Notable features include the Duck River valley (visible from altitude as a north-south drainage system), scattered lakes including Kentucky Lake's southern reaches (if flying slightly north), and the transition from rolling Middle Tennessee terrain to the flatter Mississippi River valley. The landscape gradually shifts from forested hills to more open agricultural areas as the aircraft approaches Memphis.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Cumberland River winding through downtown Nashville and the broader Nashville metropolitan area spreading eastward. BNA typically departs runways 20L/20R or 02L/02R depending on wind; during most departures, the right side offers the best view of the river's distinctive meanders and the city grid.
Landing at MEM
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best view during approach to MEM. Memphis International typically uses runways 09L/09R or 27L/27R; during standard approaches from the northwest, the left side shows the Mississippi River and Memphis's position on its bluffs, plus the broader Mississippi River valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to Memphis International (MEM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Memphis. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Nashville and the Cumberland River is more visually distinctive and engaging than the landing view. While the Mississippi River approach is geographically significant, the Nashville departure offers better urban context and river dynamics.
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 seats capture the Cumberland River winding through downtown Nashville and the broader Nashville metropolitan area spreading eastward. BNA typically departs runways 20L/20R or 02L/02R depending on wind; during most departures, the right side offers the best view of the river's distinctive meanders and the city grid. Notable sights include: Cumberland River (prominent S-curve through downtown), Nashville skyline and Broadway district, Percy Priest Lake (visible to the east during climb), rolling terrain of Middle Tennessee.
What can I see when landing at Memphis International in Memphis?
When landing at Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best view during approach to MEM. Memphis International typically uses runways 09L/09R or 27L/27R; during standard approaches from the northwest, the left side shows the Mississippi River and Memphis's position on its bluffs, plus the broader Mississippi River valley. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (wide, distinctive oxbow bends), Memphis bluffs and downtown skyline, Shelby Farms area (large green space east of city), Mississippi River floodplain extending south.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Memphis?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Memphis International (MEM) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 200 miles (322 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to Memphis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses west-central Tennessee, passing over the Highland Rim plateau region. Notable features include the Duck River valley (visible from altitude as a north-south drainage system), scattered lakes including Kentucky Lake's southern reaches (if flying slightly north), and the transition from rolling Middle Tennessee terrain to the flatter Mississippi River valley. The landscape gradually shifts from forested hills to more open agricultural areas as the aircraft approaches Memphis.