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ECP → BNA
Which side of the plane to sit from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (Panama City) to Nashville International Airport (Nashville)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Emerald Coast shoreline during departure and a better angle for the Nashville skyline and the Tennessee River valley during the descent.
Emerald Coast Line
Breathtaking views of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Panama City Beach immediately after takeoff.
Birmingham Metro
A clear view of the urban sprawl and the industrial landscape of Birmingham, Alabama, as you cruise north.
Wheeler Lake
The expansive waters of the Tennessee River basin near Decatur, Alabama, showing intricate shorelines.
Bankhead National Forest
A vast canopy of green stretching across the Alabama landscape, particularly vibrant during the autumn months.
Nashville Skyline
On the standard southern approach to BNA, the 'Batman Building' and downtown Music City are often visible to the west.
For afternoon flights, sit on the left to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Alabama plains, though be aware of glare. If taking off to the south, the left side provides the best view of the coastline as the plane banks north. Look for the distinct blue-green water of the Gulf of Mexico in the first 10 minutes of flight.
St. Andrew Bay
The deep blue waters of the bay and the busy marinas of Panama City visible shortly after lifting off.
Montgomery Area
Views of the Alabama River winding through the state capital region and the surrounding agricultural Black Belt.
Appalachian Foothills
The beginning of the rolling ridges of the Appalachian chain visible in the distance as you enter North Alabama.
Guntersville Lake
To the northeast, you can spot the massive reservoirs created by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Percy Priest Lake
A prime landmark for the final approach into Nashville, featuring numerous islands and recreational boats.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct sun. It provides a better view of the varied river systems of the Southeast. Keep an eye out for the Huntsville area's high-tech corridors and the massive NASA Marshall Space Flight Center structures in the distance as you cross the Tennessee border.
Distance: 647 km (402 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min
Departure: ECP (30.357106, -85.79541400000001)
Arrival: BNA (36.1245002746582, -86.6781997680664)
Route Type: Domestic
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