Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake during departure are iconic and visually striking. While left-side landing views of Nashville are pleasant, the takeoff views from the right side are more geographically distinctive and memorable.
Flown PTY to BNA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Nashville is 1,925 miles (3,097 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea and the Yucatan Channel, passing over or near the Yucatan Peninsula (visible as low-lying terrain with cenotes and limestone features if flying over the peninsula's interior), then continues north over the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf coastline of Mexico and the southern United States (Texas/Louisiana coast) may be visible depending on exact routing. As the flight approaches the continental interior, the Mississippi River valley and Tennessee landscape become visible. The Appalachian foothills appear as elevated terrain to the east during the approach phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake during the initial climb-out from Tocumen. The aircraft departs eastward, and the canal's distinctive locks and waterway are visible on the right side within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at BNA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Cumberland River, downtown Nashville skyline, and the surrounding Tennessee landscape during approach. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and the river's distinctive curves and the city's urban core are prominent on the left side during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Nashville. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake during departure are iconic and visually striking. While left-side landing views of Nashville are pleasant, the takeoff views from the right side are more geographically distinctive and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake during the initial climb-out from Tocumen. The aircraft departs eastward, and the canal's distinctive locks and waterway are visible on the right side within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Panama Canal (Gatun Locks), Gatun Lake, Colón city area, Caribbean coastline to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?
When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Cumberland River, downtown Nashville skyline, and the surrounding Tennessee landscape during approach. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and the river's distinctive curves and the city's urban core are prominent on the left side during final approach. Notable sights include: Cumberland River (with downtown Nashville bend), Nashville skyline and Broadway district, Tennessee rolling hills and forests, Percy Priest Lake to the east.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Nashville?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Nashville International (BNA) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,925 miles (3,097 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Nashville flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea and the Yucatan Channel, passing over or near the Yucatan Peninsula (visible as low-lying terrain with cenotes and limestone features if flying over the peninsula's interior), then continues north over the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf coastline of Mexico and the southern United States (Texas/Louisiana coast) may be visible depending on exact routing. As the flight approaches the continental interior, the Mississippi River valley and Tennessee landscape become visible. The Appalachian foothills appear as elevated terrain to the east during the approach phase.