New York to Memphis is 961 miles (1,547 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Right-side seats provide superior views on both takeoff (Manhattan and East River) and landing (Mississippi River meanders and Memphis skyline). The flight path itself runs generally southwest, so right seats face the more geographically distinctive features throughout.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses central Pennsylvania (Appalachian ridges visible as parallel lines during climb to cruise altitude), then transitions over Ohio and Indiana farmland. The Ohio River becomes visible during descent into Tennessee, running roughly parallel to the flight path in the final 200 miles. The Cumberland Plateau's western edge appears as subtle elevation changes in central Tennessee. No major mountain ranges dominate the route, but the terrain transitions from northeastern urban density to mid-Atlantic rolling hills to Midwest agricultural plains to Mississippi River valley.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
RIGHTLGA typically departs runway 04 or 22 depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of Manhattan's East Side, the East River, and the Queensboro Bridge during initial climb. Left seats face Queens and less distinctive terrain.
Landing at MEM
RIGHTMemphis approaches typically use runways 09 or 27. Right-side seats during descent offer views of the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders, the Memphis skyline, and Shelby County's terrain. Left seats face less visually interesting agricultural and suburban areas.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Memphis International (MEM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Memphis. Right-side seats provide superior views on both takeoff (Manhattan and East River) and landing (Mississippi River meanders and Memphis skyline). The flight path itself runs generally southwest, so right seats face the more geographically distinctive features throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. LGA typically departs runway 04 or 22 depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of Manhattan's East Side, the East River, and the Queensboro Bridge during initial climb. Left seats face Queens and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, Chrysler Building visible as distant spires), East River, Queensboro Bridge, Roosevelt Island.
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. Memphis approaches typically use runways 09 or 27. Right-side seats during descent offer views of the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders, the Memphis skyline, and Shelby County's terrain. Left seats face less visually interesting agricultural and suburban areas. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (multiple bends and oxbow lakes), Memphis downtown skyline, Shelby County farmland, Wolf River confluence.
How long is the flight from New York to Memphis?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Memphis International (MEM) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 961 miles (1,547 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Memphis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Pennsylvania (Appalachian ridges visible as parallel lines during climb to cruise altitude), then transitions over Ohio and Indiana farmland. The Ohio River becomes visible during descent into Tennessee, running roughly parallel to the flight path in the final 200 miles. The Cumberland Plateau's western edge appears as subtle elevation changes in central Tennessee. No major mountain ranges dominate the route, but the terrain transitions from northeastern urban density to mid-Atlantic rolling hills to Midwest agricultural plains to Mississippi River valley.