The right side wins at both ends of the flight — Nashville's downtown and river on departure, and Phoenix's iconic mountain landmarks on approach. During the cruise over New Mexico and Arizona, the right side also tracks closer to the southern Colorado Plateau terrain features.
Flown BNA to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to Phoenix is 1,445 miles (2,326 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Arkansas River valley in eastern Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle's flat high plains, the Llano Estacado escarpment, the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, the Zuni Mountains, and the high desert plateau of eastern Arizona before descending into the Salt River Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
RIGHTBNA's primary departure runway 02R/20L means westbound flights often depart heading northwest then turn west. A right-side seat captures downtown Nashville's skyline, the Cumberland River bends, and the broader Nashville Basin as you climb out to the west.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTPHX arrivals from the east typically use runway 26 or 25L/R, approaching from the east heading west. The right side gives you the best view of the McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and the dense Phoenix metro grid spreading across the Salt River Valley floor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Phoenix. The right side wins at both ends of the flight — Nashville's downtown and river on departure, and Phoenix's iconic mountain landmarks on approach. During the cruise over New Mexico and Arizona, the right side also tracks closer to the southern Colorado Plateau terrain features.
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. BNA's primary departure runway 02R/20L means westbound flights often depart heading northwest then turn west. A right-side seat captures downtown Nashville's skyline, the Cumberland River bends, and the broader Nashville Basin as you climb out to the west. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River meanders south of downtown, Percy Priest Lake to the southeast, Nashville Basin farmland patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHX arrivals from the east typically use runway 26 or 25L/R, approaching from the east heading west. The right side gives you the best view of the McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and the dense Phoenix metro grid spreading across the Salt River Valley floor. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain rising above the Phoenix grid, McDowell Mountains to the northeast, Salt River bed cutting through the valley, Tempe Town Lake and ASU campus area.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Phoenix?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,445 miles (2,326 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Arkansas River valley in eastern Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle's flat high plains, the Llano Estacado escarpment, the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, the Zuni Mountains, and the high desert plateau of eastern Arizona before descending into the Salt River Valley