The left side wins narrowly thanks to the iconic Manhattan skyline glimpse during departure, which outweighs the more modest downtown Nashville view on arrival; both sides otherwise see similar rolling Appalachian terrain during cruise.
Flown LGA to BNA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Nashville is 763 miles (1,228 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Appalachian Plateau ridgelines over central Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the Ohio River valley, and the forested Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky and northern Tennessee
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLGA departures typically climb out over Rikers Island and the East River before turning to the southwest toward Nashville, giving left-side passengers a brief but classic view of the Manhattan skyline and the river bridges below before the turn carries the city out of sight.
Landing at BNA
RIGHTOn the typical north-to-south approach into BNA runway 20, the final leg passes just east of downtown, putting Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River's bends on the right side of the cabin during the descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Nashville. The left side wins narrowly thanks to the iconic Manhattan skyline glimpse during departure, which outweighs the more modest downtown Nashville view on arrival; both sides otherwise see similar rolling Appalachian terrain during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA departures typically climb out over Rikers Island and the East River before turning to the southwest toward Nashville, giving left-side passengers a brief but classic view of the Manhattan skyline and the river bridges below before the turn carries the city out of sight. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Rikers Island, Triborough (RFK) Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?
When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical north-to-south approach into BNA runway 20, the final leg passes just east of downtown, putting Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River's bends on the right side of the cabin during the descent. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River, Percy Priest Lake, rolling Middle Tennessee farmland.
How long is the flight from New York to Nashville?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Nashville International (BNA) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 763 miles (1,228 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Nashville flight path pass over?
Appalachian Plateau ridgelines over central Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the Ohio River valley, and the forested Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky and northern Tennessee