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CLT → TYS
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the iconic Charlotte skyline immediately after takeoff, followed by a direct line of sight to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Eastern United States, and the dramatic Linville Gorge.
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Uptown Charlotte
Depending on departure direction, capture a stunning aerial view of the Bank of America Stadium and the city's impressive skyline.
Lake Norman
See the expansive North Carolina 'inland sea' with its complex shoreline and thousands of docks dotting the water's edge.
Mount Mitchell
Spot the highest point east of the Mississippi River, rising 6,684 feet above sea level within the Black Mountains range.
Linville Gorge
Look for the 'Grand Canyon of the East,' a massive wilderness gorge carved by the Linville River with rugged rocky outcrops.
Douglas Lake
Just before landing at TYS, see this massive reservoir formed by the French Broad River, popular for boating and fishing.
The right side is essential for seeing the Charlotte skyline and the prominent peaks of the Blue Ridge. For the best clarity of the mountain ranges, choose a morning flight to avoid the 'blue haze' caused by summer humidity. During autumn (mid-October), this side offers an incredible mosaic of fall colors across the Linville Gorge and Mount Mitchell regions.
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South Mountains State Park
View the rolling, densely forested peaks of the isolated 'inner' mountain range of North Carolina shortly after departure.
Great Smoky Mountains
As you cross the border into Tennessee, look south to see the majestic, blue-hued ridges of the Smokies stretching toward Clingmans Dome.
Little Tennessee River
Observe the winding river and the sprawling Tellico Lake area as the plane begins its final descent into the Knoxville valley.
Sit on the left for spectacular sunset views over the Appalachian chain during evening flights. This side provides a better angle of the deep forest canopy of the Pisgah National Forest and the southern reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Watch for the shimmering waters of Fontana Lake near the Tennessee border.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 284 km (176 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 28 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: TYS (35.81100082, -83.99400329999999)
Route Type: Domestic
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