The left side provides consistent views of Appalachian ridgelines and the approach toward the Smokies, giving more terrain variety than the flatter right-side views over central Virginia and eastern Tennessee lowlands.
Flown IAD to TYS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Knoxville is 419 miles (674 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Southern Appalachian ridges and valleys of southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee, including forested ridgelines and the upper Tennessee River watershed
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTDeparting IAD to the southwest, the left side offers views back over the Piedmont and toward the Blue Ridge foothills as the climb progresses, while the right side shows mostly flat Virginia countryside.
Landing at TYS
LEFTOn approach into Knoxville, the aircraft crosses the southern Appalachians, and the left side gives clear views of the ridge-and-valley terrain and the distant Great Smoky Mountains before the turn onto final.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Knoxville. The left side provides consistent views of Appalachian ridgelines and the approach toward the Smokies, giving more terrain variety than the flatter right-side views over central Virginia and eastern Tennessee lowlands.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IAD to the southwest, the left side offers views back over the Piedmont and toward the Blue Ridge foothills as the climb progresses, while the right side shows mostly flat Virginia countryside. Notable sights include: Piedmont farmland, distant Blue Ridge foothills, Shenandoah Valley edge.
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. On approach into Knoxville, the aircraft crosses the southern Appalachians, and the left side gives clear views of the ridge-and-valley terrain and the distant Great Smoky Mountains before the turn onto final. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains foothills, ridge-and-valley Appalachian terrain, Tennessee River valley near Knoxville.
How long is the flight from Washington to Knoxville?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 419 miles (674 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Knoxville flight path pass over?
Southern Appalachian ridges and valleys of southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee, including forested ridgelines and the upper Tennessee River watershed