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BNA → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from Nashville International Airport (Nashville) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a more scenic descent, featuring sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a prime angle for the Philadelphia skyline and Delaware River during the final approach.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Clear views of the long, linear ridges stretching through Virginia and into Pennsylvania.
Chesapeake Bay Horizon
On clear days, you can spot the glimmer of the Chesapeake Bay and the urban corridor toward Baltimore.
Delaware River Waterfront
Aerial views of the shipping ports and the historic bridges connecting PA and New Jersey.
Philadelphia Skyline
Direct line of sight to the Center City skyscrapers if the flight uses the common River Visual approach.
Sit on the right for the best 'arrival' experience. PHL often lands traffic from the west, meaning the plane follows the Delaware River, placing the Philly skyline perfectly in view for passengers on the right. Morning flights will have the best lighting for photography on this side.
Cumberland River
Watch the winding loops of the river as you depart Nashville and head northeast.
Appalachian Plateau
Deeply dissected terrain and dense forest cover throughout West Virginia and Maryland.
Susquehanna River
A wide-angle view of this ancient river crossing as the flight enters Pennsylvania.
The left side is ideal for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Appalachian ridges without the sun shining directly into your window. It also offers a great view of the rural PA landscape during the initial descent.
Distance: 1,084 km (674 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: BNA (36.1245002746582, -86.6781997680664)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: Domestic
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