While takeoff favors the left side with Smoky Mountain views, the landing experience on the right side—featuring the Mississippi River crossing and St. Louis Gateway Arch approach—provides a more iconic and memorable final segment. The river crossing and arch visibility give the right side a slight edge for overall scenic value on this route.
Flown TYS to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Knoxville to St. Louis is 405 miles (652 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Cumberland Plateau (Tennessee-Kentucky border), Daniel Boone National Forest, Ohio River valley near Cincinnati, rolling farmland of southern Indiana and Illinois, Mississippi River floodplain
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TYS
LEFTLeft side captures the Great Smoky Mountains and the ridge-and-valley topography of East Tennessee during climb-out. Right side shows only flat suburban sprawl and farmland around Knoxville.
Landing at STL
RIGHTRight side offers the Mississippi River crossing and St. Louis riverfront approach with the Gateway Arch visible during descent. Left side shows only flat Illinois farmland and industrial areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Knoxville to St. Louis. While takeoff favors the left side with Smoky Mountain views, the landing experience on the right side—featuring the Mississippi River crossing and St. Louis Gateway Arch approach—provides a more iconic and memorable final segment. The river crossing and arch visibility give the right side a slight edge for overall scenic value on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Ghee Tyson in Knoxville?
During takeoff from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Great Smoky Mountains and the ridge-and-valley topography of East Tennessee during climb-out. Right side shows only flat suburban sprawl and farmland around Knoxville. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains (south-southwest), Clinch River valley, Knoxville urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the Mississippi River crossing and St. Louis riverfront approach with the Gateway Arch visible during descent. Left side shows only flat Illinois farmland and industrial areas. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, St. Louis riverfront, Illinois farmland.
How long is the flight from Knoxville to St. Louis?
The flight from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 405 miles (652 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Knoxville to St. Louis flight path pass over?
Cumberland Plateau (Tennessee-Kentucky border), Daniel Boone National Forest, Ohio River valley near Cincinnati, rolling farmland of southern Indiana and Illinois, Mississippi River floodplain