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BWI destination photo
MEM destination photo

BWIMEM

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the iconic ridge-and-valley formations of the Appalachians, including Shenandoah National Park and distant views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

DMV Suburbs

Aerial views of the sprawling Northern Virginia suburbs and the Potomac River shortly after departure from BWI.

⛰️

Shenandoah National Park

The distinct, long linear ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the lush Shenandoah Valley below.

🌲

Great Smoky Mountains

Distant but majestic views of the highest peaks in the Appalachian range visible to the south as you cross into Tennessee.

🌊

Tennessee River

Dramatic views of the river's winding path as it snakes through the eastern Tennessee landscape.

🎸

Nashville Outskirts

The southern periphery of 'Music City' is often visible before the descent toward Memphis begins.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare while viewing the mountains. During late afternoon flights, this side catches the 'golden hour' light hitting the western slopes of the Appalachians. Keep an eye out for the transition from the rugged mountains to the flatter Highland Rim in central Tennessee.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
⛰️

Allegheny Plateau

The deeply dissected and heavily forested plateau regions of West Virginia, characterized by winding river valleys.

🚢

Ohio River Valley

The massive, meandering Ohio River acting as a silver ribbon bordering West Virginia and Kentucky.

🐎

Kentucky Bluegrass

The rolling green hills and famous horse farm patches surrounding the Lexington and central Kentucky area.

🏙️

Downtown Nashville

On many flight paths, the right side provides a clear view of the Nashville skyline and the Batman building (AT&T Tower).

🚜

Mississippi Delta Plains

As you approach Memphis, the terrain flattens significantly into the rich, grid-patterned agricultural lands of the Delta.

The right side is excellent for spotting the major river systems of the interior US. In the winter, the lack of foliage makes the intricate river valleys of West Virginia much more visible. This side also typically offers the best view of the Nashville skyline if the flight path tracks slightly north of the city.

Top Activities in Memphis
Route Information

Distance: 1,265 km (786 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 41 min

Departure: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)

Arrival: MEM (35.04240036010742, -89.97669982910156)

Route Type: Domestic

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