The left side wins because it captures both the Delaware River scenery on departure and the dramatic Smoky Mountains backdrop during arrival, giving more landmark variety across the short flight than the right side's flatter, less distinctive views.
Flown PHL to TYS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Knoxville is 554 miles (891 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Appalachian ridge-and-valley terrain of western Maryland and West Virginia, including forested ridgelines and river valleys such as the Potomac and New River, before descending into the Tennessee Valley near Knoxville
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTDeparting PHL to the southwest, the left side offers a brief look back at the Delaware River and Philadelphia's southern suburbs before the aircraft turns onto its southwest heading toward the Appalachians. The right side mostly shows flat Pennsylvania farmland with little definition.
Landing at TYS
LEFTOn approach into TYS from the northeast, the left side faces south toward the Great Smoky Mountains, whose forested ridgelines rise dramatically beyond the Tennessee Valley. The right side during descent mostly overlooks flatter farmland and the Clinch River valley with less relief.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Knoxville. The left side wins because it captures both the Delaware River scenery on departure and the dramatic Smoky Mountains backdrop during arrival, giving more landmark variety across the short flight than the right side's flatter, less distinctive views.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PHL to the southwest, the left side offers a brief look back at the Delaware River and Philadelphia's southern suburbs before the aircraft turns onto its southwest heading toward the Appalachians. The right side mostly shows flat Pennsylvania farmland with little definition. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia International Airport grounds, South Philadelphia rowhouse grid, Delaware Bay in the distance.
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 TYS from the northeast, the left side faces south toward the Great Smoky Mountains, whose forested ridgelines rise dramatically beyond the Tennessee Valley. The right side during descent mostly overlooks flatter farmland and the Clinch River valley with less relief. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains ridgeline, Tennessee River valley, downtown Knoxville skyline, forested foothills near McGhee Tyson.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Knoxville?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 554 miles (891 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Knoxville flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridge-and-valley terrain of western Maryland and West Virginia, including forested ridgelines and river valleys such as the Potomac and New River, before descending into the Tennessee Valley near Knoxville