Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff offers excellent Chesapeake Bay views, and the right side captures the Appalachian terrain and mountain approaches during descent into Knoxville, including visibility of the ridge-and-valley topography of eastern Tennessee.
Flown BWI to TYS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Knoxville is 464 miles (746 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley visible during cruise. The New River (West Virginia) and its gorge may be visible on the right side during the mid-flight segment. As you progress southwest, the terrain transitions from the Ridge and Valley province into the Cumberland Plateau, with increasing elevation and more pronounced mountain ridges becoming visible approaching Knoxville.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay as the aircraft climbs southwest. You'll see the Baltimore harbor complex and the bay's northern reaches receding beneath you during the initial climb-out.
Landing at TYS
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Knoxville. You'll see the Great Smoky Mountains rising dramatically to the east and south, and the Tennessee River valley where Knoxville sits. The approach typically brings these features into clear view on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Knoxville. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff offers excellent Chesapeake Bay views, and the right side captures the Appalachian terrain and mountain approaches during descent into Knoxville, including visibility of the ridge-and-valley topography of eastern Tennessee.
What can I see during takeoff from Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
During takeoff from Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay as the aircraft climbs southwest. You'll see the Baltimore harbor complex and the bay's northern reaches receding beneath you during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary, Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore harbor and Inner Harbor, Patuxent River to the south.
What can I see when landing at Mc Ghee Tyson in Knoxville?
When landing at Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Knoxville. You'll see the Great Smoky Mountains rising dramatically to the east and south, and the Tennessee River valley where Knoxville sits. The approach typically brings these features into clear view on the left side. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee River, Knoxville urban area, Clinch River.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Knoxville?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 464 miles (746 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Knoxville flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley visible during cruise. The New River (West Virginia) and its gorge may be visible on the right side during the mid-flight segment. As you progress southwest, the terrain transitions from the Ridge and Valley province into the Cumberland Plateau, with increasing elevation and more pronounced mountain ridges becoming visible approaching Knoxville.