Right-side seats capture the superior geography on departure (Great Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley), and while left seats have advantages on landing, the dramatic mountain views during climb-out from Knoxville provide the most memorable visual experience for this route.
Flown TYS to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Knoxville to Baltimore is 464 miles (746 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian ridgelines of eastern Tennessee and eastern Kentucky (visible as parallel northeast-southwest trending ridges), then transitions into the Ridge-and-Valley province of Virginia and West Virginia. The New River valley and Shenandoah Valley appear as linear features running northeast. As the flight approaches Maryland, the terrain flattens into the Piedmont, with the Potomac River valley becoming visible before descent into the Chesapeake Bay region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TYS
RIGHTMcGhee Tyson typically departs runways 19L/19R (southbound) or 01L/01R (northbound). Right-side seats on northbound departures capture the Great Smoky Mountains rising dramatically to the southeast, while southbound departures offer views of the Tennessee Valley and ridgelines of the Cumberland Plateau. Right seats consistently offer better mountain geometry.
Landing at BWI
LEFTBWI typically lands on runways 15L/15R (northeast approach) or 33L/33R (southwest approach). Left-side seats on northeast approaches provide clear views of the Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Harbor, and the Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches. Southwest approaches show the Patuxent River valley and southern Maryland terrain. Left seats dominate for water features and urban geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Knoxville to Baltimore. Right-side seats capture the superior geography on departure (Great Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley), and while left seats have advantages on landing, the dramatic mountain views during climb-out from Knoxville provide the most memorable visual experience for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Ghee Tyson in Knoxville?
During takeoff from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS), sit on the Right side for the best views. McGhee Tyson typically departs runways 19L/19R (southbound) or 01L/01R (northbound). Right-side seats on northbound departures capture the Great Smoky Mountains rising dramatically to the southeast, while southbound departures offer views of the Tennessee Valley and ridgelines of the Cumberland Plateau. Right seats consistently offer better mountain geometry. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains (southeast, 30-40 miles), Tennessee River valley (west), Cumberland Plateau ridgelines (south), Knoxville urban sprawl (immediate vicinity).
What can I see when landing at Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
When landing at Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Left side for the best views. BWI typically lands on runways 15L/15R (northeast approach) or 33L/33R (southwest approach). Left-side seats on northeast approaches provide clear views of the Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Harbor, and the Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches. Southwest approaches show the Patuxent River valley and southern Maryland terrain. Left seats dominate for water features and urban geography. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary and Baltimore Harbor (central), Chesapeake Bay (north/northeast), Patuxent River valley (south), downtown Baltimore skyline (west).
How long is the flight from Knoxville to Baltimore?
The flight from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 464 miles (746 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Knoxville to Baltimore flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian ridgelines of eastern Tennessee and eastern Kentucky (visible as parallel northeast-southwest trending ridges), then transitions into the Ridge-and-Valley province of Virginia and West Virginia. The New River valley and Shenandoah Valley appear as linear features running northeast. As the flight approaches Maryland, the terrain flattens into the Piedmont, with the Potomac River valley becoming visible before descent into the Chesapeake Bay region.