While right offers good Nashville views during takeoff, left provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the final descent into New Orleans, where the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain create dramatic geographic features not matched by the takeoff experience.
Flown BNA to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to New Orleans is 472 miles (759 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and northern Mississippi. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley (visible as a darker green corridor running northeast-southwest), the transition from Tennessee's rolling terrain to Mississippi's flatter landscape around the 90-minute mark, and scattered lakes and reservoirs throughout central Mississippi. The landscape gradually becomes flatter and more agricultural as you approach the Mississippi River delta region.
Great circle distance and headings ›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 climb, and you'll see the broader Nashville metropolitan area spreading south and east.
Landing at MSY
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views of the Mississippi River delta and the New Orleans area during descent. You'll see the river's massive meanders, Lake Pontchartrain, and the city's position on the crescent bend of the Mississippi—the geographic feature that defines New Orleans.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to New Orleans. While right offers good Nashville views during takeoff, left provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the final descent into New Orleans, where the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain create dramatic geographic features not matched by the takeoff experience.
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 climb, and you'll see the broader Nashville metropolitan area spreading south and east. Notable sights include: Cumberland River, Nashville downtown skyline, Percy Priest Lake (southeast), Tennessee hills to the east.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views of the Mississippi River delta and the New Orleans area during descent. You'll see the river's massive meanders, Lake Pontchartrain, and the city's position on the crescent bend of the Mississippi—the geographic feature that defines New Orleans. Notable sights include: Mississippi River and its meanders, Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans city grid, coastal wetlands and bayous.
How long is the flight from Nashville to New Orleans?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 472 miles (759 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and northern Mississippi. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley (visible as a darker green corridor running northeast-southwest), the transition from Tennessee's rolling terrain to Mississippi's flatter landscape around the 90-minute mark, and scattered lakes and reservoirs throughout central Mississippi. The landscape gradually becomes flatter and more agricultural as you approach the Mississippi River delta region.