New York to Memphis is 963 miles (1,549 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
While takeoff favors the left side with NYC's dramatic urban scenery, the landing experience on the right side—featuring the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders and Memphis's riverfront position—provides more visual interest during the final approach phase. The river's geography creates a more memorable arrival than the flat agricultural terrain visible from the left. Both sides score equally for the cruise phase over relatively featureless terrain, making the landing experience the deciding factor.
Flight Path
Appalachian foothills in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina (visible around 1h 30m into flight), Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee River valley, transition from Appalachian terrain to Mississippi River valley plains
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft side captures the NYC metropolitan area during initial climb, including Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the outer boroughs. Right side faces toward open Atlantic and suburban Long Island with minimal urban interest.
Landing at MEM
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Mississippi River valley and Memphis's urban core during approach. The river's distinctive meanders and the city's position along its banks create visual interest. Left side faces toward flat, featureless agricultural terrain east of Memphis.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Memphis International (MEM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Memphis. While takeoff favors the left side with NYC's dramatic urban scenery, the landing experience on the right side—featuring the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders and Memphis's riverfront position—provides more visual interest during the final approach phase. The river's geography creates a more memorable arrival than the flat agricultural terrain visible from the left. Both sides score equally for the cruise phase over relatively featureless terrain, making the landing experience the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the NYC metropolitan area during initial climb, including Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the outer boroughs. Right side faces toward open Atlantic and suburban Long Island with minimal urban interest. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Jamaica Bay, outer boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn.
What can I see when landing at Memphis International in Memphis?
When landing at Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Mississippi River valley and Memphis's urban core during approach. The river's distinctive meanders and the city's position along its banks create visual interest. Left side faces toward flat, featureless agricultural terrain east of Memphis. Notable sights include: Mississippi River meanders, Memphis downtown skyline, Wolf River confluence, Shelby Farms area.
How long is the flight from New York to Memphis?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Memphis International (MEM) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 963 miles (1,549 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Memphis flight path pass over?
Appalachian foothills in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina (visible around 1h 30m into flight), Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee River valley, transition from Appalachian terrain to Mississippi River valley plains