Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery during takeoff with the Great Smoky Mountains, which is the flight's most visually distinctive feature. While left-side landing views of Orlando's lakes are pleasant, the mountain views during climb-out make the right side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown TYS to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Knoxville to Orlando is 534 miles (859 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and northern Georgia, passing over the Cumberland Plateau, the Chattanooga area, and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Passengers may glimpse Chattanooga's position along the Tennessee River, the transition from mountainous terrain to rolling hills, and eventually the flattening landscape as the aircraft moves into Georgia and then toward Florida. The flight crosses into Alabama briefly before turning southeast toward Florida, with views of the Georgia Piedmont region during cruise altitude.
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 ridgelines and valleys of the Smokies are prominent during the initial climb-out and remain visible for several minutes as the plane gains altitude.
Landing at MCO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of central Florida's lakes and wetlands during descent into Orlando. The chain of lakes around the Orlando area and the transition from rural central Florida to the developed airport region is clearly visible on the left side during the final approach from the north.
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 Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Knoxville to Orlando. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery during takeoff with the Great Smoky Mountains, which is the flight's most visually distinctive feature. While left-side landing views of Orlando's lakes are pleasant, the mountain views during climb-out make the right side the better overall choice 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. Right-side seats offer views of the Great Smoky Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeast from Knoxville. The ridgelines and valleys of the Smokies are prominent during the initial climb-out and remain visible for several minutes as the plane gains altitude. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (south and southeast), Tennessee Valley (immediate foreground), Knoxville urban area (north), Clinch River valley (east).
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of central Florida's lakes and wetlands during descent into Orlando. The chain of lakes around the Orlando area and the transition from rural central Florida to the developed airport region is clearly visible on the left side during the final approach from the north. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka (largest lake in the region), Orlando urban area and downtown skyline, Florida's lake chain (Eustis, Dora, and smaller lakes), wetlands and marshland of central Florida.
How long is the flight from Knoxville to Orlando?
The flight from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 534 miles (859 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Knoxville to Orlando flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and northern Georgia, passing over the Cumberland Plateau, the Chattanooga area, and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Passengers may glimpse Chattanooga's position along the Tennessee River, the transition from mountainous terrain to rolling hills, and eventually the flattening landscape as the aircraft moves into Georgia and then toward Florida. The flight crosses into Alabama briefly before turning southeast toward Florida, with views of the Georgia Piedmont region during cruise altitude.