Right side wins overall because the takeoff view of the Mississippi River and St. Louis is more visually distinctive and geographically dramatic than the landing approach. While left offers good Cumberland River views on descent, the river is narrower and less prominent than the Mississippi's meanders.
Flown STL to BNA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Nashville is 272 miles (437 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Kentucky, passing east of Bowling Green and west of Lexington. You'll overfly the Cumberland Plateau's western edge and rolling Bluegrass region terrain. The landscape transitions from Mississippi River bottomlands through Missouri Ozark foothills, then into Kentucky's ridge-and-valley topography. No major lakes or dramatic landmarks dominate the midpoint, but the terrain becomes noticeably hillier south of the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic meander as you climb out westbound, plus the downtown St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch in profile. The river's oxbow bends are distinctive and visible up to 8,000 feet.
Landing at BNA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best view of Nashville's Cumberland River and the downtown skyline during approach. Depending on runway (typically 2L/2R or 20L/20R), you'll see the river's distinctive S-curve and the city's grid layout as you descend through 3,000-5,000 feet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Nashville. Right side wins overall because the takeoff view of the Mississippi River and St. Louis is more visually distinctive and geographically dramatic than the landing approach. While left offers good Cumberland River views on descent, the river is narrower and less prominent than the Mississippi's meanders.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic meander as you climb out westbound, plus the downtown St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch in profile. The river's oxbow bends are distinctive and visible up to 8,000 feet. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (main channel and oxbows), Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois bluffs across the river, suburban sprawl extending east toward Illinois.
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 offer the best view of Nashville's Cumberland River and the downtown skyline during approach. Depending on runway (typically 2L/2R or 20L/20R), you'll see the river's distinctive S-curve and the city's grid layout as you descend through 3,000-5,000 feet. Notable sights include: Cumberland River (S-curve through downtown), Nashville downtown skyline and Broadway district, Percy Priest Lake to the east, rolling Tennessee hills.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Nashville?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Nashville International (BNA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 272 miles (437 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Nashville flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Kentucky, passing east of Bowling Green and west of Lexington. You'll overfly the Cumberland Plateau's western edge and rolling Bluegrass region terrain. The landscape transitions from Mississippi River bottomlands through Missouri Ozark foothills, then into Kentucky's ridge-and-valley topography. No major lakes or dramatic landmarks dominate the midpoint, but the terrain becomes noticeably hillier south of the Kentucky-Tennessee border.