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BNA → ECP
Which side of the plane to sit from Nashville International Airport (Nashville) to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Tennessee River crossing and the spectacular emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico during the final approach into Panama City.
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Nashville Skyline
Exceptional views of the 'Batman Building' and Nissan Stadium if the flight path loops west after takeoff.
Tennessee River
A dramatic crossing near the Huntsville and Decatur area featuring wide blue waters and industrial ports.
Birmingham
The 'Magic City' skyline and the distinctive Red Mountain ridge are often visible out the right window.
Talladega National Forest
Dense, rolling green hills of the southern Appalachian foothills in central Alabama.
Emerald Coast
The highlight of the trip: stunning views of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters as the plane turns for ECP.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. During the descent into ECP, pilots often fly out over the Gulf before turning back north, providing a panoramic view of the coastline that is best captured from this side. Look for the distinct color change where the coastal rivers meet the Gulf.
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Percy Priest Lake
Immediate views of this massive reservoir and its many islands shortly after departing BNA.
Lake Martin
One of the largest man-made lakes in the US, recognizable by its extremely jagged shoreline in eastern Alabama.
Montgomery
Distances views of the Alabama state capital and the winding Alabama River as you head south.
Conecuh National Forest
A vast expanse of southern pine forest stretching across the Alabama-Florida border.
Choctawhatchee Bay
On clear days, the eastern reaches of the bay and the Destin area are visible during the descent.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise reflecting off the numerous Alabama reservoirs. This side is also better for spotting the winding path of the Coosa River. Keep an eye out for the Cumberland Plateau transition early in the flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 647 km (402 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min
Departure: BNA (36.1245002746582, -86.6781997680664)
Arrival: ECP (30.357106, -85.79541400000001)
Route Type: Domestic
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