About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Knoxville to New York. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach provides sustained views of iconic geography (Hudson River, Manhattan, Queens) that are more visually rewarding and recognizable. The left side captures the most memorable portion of the flight.
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 eastbound (Runway 3 or 21 depending on wind), and right-side seats capture the immediate Smoky Mountains escarpment as you climb. The ridge line of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park rises directly east of the airport and is prominent during the initial 5,000-10,000 ft climb-out. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains ridgeline (eastern horizon), Tennessee River valley floor (foreground), Knoxville urban grid (left side receding), Sevier County foothills (right side rising).
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching LGA from the southwest typically uses Runway 4 or 13 (westerly approaches are common). Left-side seats during descent over New Jersey and the Hudson River corridor offer views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River itself, and the approach path over Queens. The river and urban density are the dominant visual features in the final 3,000-5,000 feet. Notable sights include: Hudson River (left side, running north-south), Manhattan skyline (left-center distance), Queens urban grid (right foreground), East River and Roosevelt Island (left-center, closer to landing).
How long is the flight from Knoxville to New York?
The flight from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Knoxville to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau through West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Notable features include the New River Gorge (visible around 45 minutes into flight if flying direct), the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains, and the transition from forested highlands to the more developed Mid-Atlantic piedmont. The Potomac River valley becomes visible approaching Washington DC airspace (roughly 1 hour 30 minutes into flight). The Delaware River marks the approach into the New York area.