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BNA → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Nashville International Airport (Nashville) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline, including Central Park and the Empire State Building, as the plane descends into the New York area from the west.
Cumberland River
Winding views of the river surrounding downtown Nashville immediately after takeoff.
Allegheny Mountains
The rugged, ridge-and-valley province of the Appalachian range across West Virginia.
Susquehanna River
A massive, wide river crossing as the flight traverses southern Pennsylvania.
Delaware Water Gap
The distinct notch in the Appalachian Mountains on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Manhattan Skyline
Spectacular views of Midtown, Central Park, and the Hudson River during the descent.
For the best experience, book an evening flight to see the Manhattan lights. During the fall, the Allegheny Mountains offer stunning autumn foliage. Note that if the plane approaches JFK from the north, you will have a front-row seat to the iconic grid of NYC.
Great Smoky Mountains
Distant views of the hazy blue peaks of the southern Appalachians to the southeast.
Shenandoah Valley
The lush, green agricultural valley nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies.
Jersey Shore
The sandy coastline and Atlantic horizon as the plane begins its final turn toward JFK.
Statue of Liberty
Often visible in the distance over the New York Harbor during the final approach pattern.
Jamaica Bay
The sprawling salt marshes and bird sanctuaries surrounding the airport runways.
The right side is excellent for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes of flight; if the plane uses the 'Canarsie Approach' to Runway 13L, you will get a unique low-altitude view of the coastline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Distance: 1,230 km (764 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: BNA (36.1245002746582, -86.6781997680664)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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