Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Great Smoky Mountains during takeoff are the flight's most visually distinctive feature. While left-side landing views are worthwhile, the Smoky Mountains takeoff experience outweighs the relatively modest Piedmont landing views.
Flown TYS to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Knoxville to Charlotte is 176 miles (284 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the southern Appalachian foothills, passing over the ridge-and-valley terrain of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The Catawba River drainage basin becomes visible in the latter half of the flight. The landscape transitions gradually from mountainous terrain to the lower, rolling Piedmont plateau as the aircraft approaches Charlotte from the northwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TYS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Great Smoky Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeast from Knoxville. The ridge lines and valleys of the Smokies are prominent during the initial climb, especially on clear days.
Landing at CLT
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Piedmont terrain and the approach to Charlotte from the northwest. The descent path reveals the transition from foothills to flatter Piedmont landscape, with Charlotte's urban sprawl becoming visible in the final approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Knoxville to Charlotte. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Great Smoky Mountains during takeoff are the flight's most visually distinctive feature. While left-side landing views are worthwhile, the Smoky Mountains takeoff experience outweighs the relatively modest Piedmont landing views.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Great Smoky Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeast from Knoxville. The ridge lines and valleys of the Smokies are prominent during the initial climb, especially on clear days. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (south-southwest), Tennessee River valley (visible winding through the valley floor), Knoxville urban area (receding behind), Clingmans Dome ridge line (distant peak on horizon).
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Piedmont terrain and the approach to Charlotte from the northwest. The descent path reveals the transition from foothills to flatter Piedmont landscape, with Charlotte's urban sprawl becoming visible in the final approach. Notable sights include: Catawba River (visible as a winding waterway in the Piedmont), Charlotte downtown skyline (visible during final descent), Lake Norman (large reservoir northwest of Charlotte), Piedmont foothills (receding to the northwest).
How long is the flight from Knoxville to Charlotte?
The flight from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 176 miles (284 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Knoxville to Charlotte flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the southern Appalachian foothills, passing over the ridge-and-valley terrain of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The Catawba River drainage basin becomes visible in the latter half of the flight. The landscape transitions gradually from mountainous terrain to the lower, rolling Piedmont plateau as the aircraft approaches Charlotte from the northwest.