MEM (Memphis) window seat guide

Best window seat at Memphis International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Mississippi River with visible meanders, Wolf River confluence area to the northeast, Shelby Farms area as a lighter patch in the middle distance

LandingRIGHT

Mississippi River, downtown Memphis skyline, Shelby Farms Park

🛫 Taking Off from Memphis (MEM)

Best sideRight
WhyRunway 36C points north, so right-side seats face east during takeoff and initial climb. The Mississippi River and its distinctive meanders are the dominant geographic feature visible to the east and northeast of Memphis, providing excellent visual reference throughout the climb-out phase.
Look forMississippi River with visible meanders, Wolf River confluence area to the northeast, Shelby Farms area as a lighter patch in the middle distance, Arkansas farmland stretching to the eastern horizon

🛬 Landing at Memphis (MEM)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 36L (northbound), you'll be descending over the Mississippi River floodplain to the west and southwest of the airport. The right side offers the best views of the river's meanders and the downtown Memphis skyline as you approach from the south. The left side faces inland terrain with fewer distinctive features during final approach.
Look forMississippi River (major meander visible during descent), downtown Memphis skyline (Pyramid arena and tall buildings), Shelby Farms Park (large green space east of downtown), Wolf River (tributary confluence visible near airport)

MEM is best known as FedEx's global superhub, handling more air cargo tonnage than almost any airport in the world, which dwarfs its passenger operations. The passenger terminal is a single consolidated complex that was downsized and modernized after Delta scaled back its hub here in the 2010s.

⛰️ Elevation341 ft
🛫 Runways4 (18C/36C, 18R/36L, 18L/36R, 09/27)
✈️ HubFedEx Express

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Memphis International (MEM)?

At Memphis International in Memphis: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Mississippi River with visible meanders, Wolf River confluence area to the northeast, Shelby Farms area as a lighter patch in the middle distance, Arkansas farmland stretching to the eastern horizon.

What can I see during takeoff from Memphis International in Memphis?

When taking off from Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Runway 36C points north, so right-side seats face east during takeoff and initial climb. The Mississippi River and its distinctive meanders are the dominant geographic feature visible to the east and northeast of Memphis, providing excellent visual reference throughout the climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Mississippi River with visible meanders, Wolf River confluence area to the northeast, Shelby Farms area as a lighter patch in the middle distance, Arkansas farmland stretching to the eastern horizon.

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. Landing on runway 36L (northbound), you'll be descending over the Mississippi River floodplain to the west and southwest of the airport. The right side offers the best views of the river's meanders and the downtown Memphis skyline as you approach from the south. The left side faces inland terrain with fewer distinctive features during final approach. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (major meander visible during descent), downtown Memphis skyline (Pyramid arena and tall buildings), Shelby Farms Park (large green space east of downtown), Wolf River (tributary confluence visible near airport).

What factors affect the best window seat at Memphis International?

The best window seat at Memphis International (MEM) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Memphis (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.