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TYS → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, featuring the highest peaks in the range and the iconic blue-misted valleys before descending into the Charlotte skyline.
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Great Smoky Mountains
Unrivaled views of the primary ridge line of the most visited national park in the United States.
Clingmans Dome
The highest point in Tennessee and its concrete observation tower are frequently visible jutting above the clouds.
Fontana Lake
Striking emerald-green waters winding through the steep valleys of the Nantahala National Forest.
Uptown Charlotte
A dramatic view of the Charlotte skyline's skyscrapers as the aircraft makes its final turn toward the airport.
This is the premier side for photography. For the best experience, book a late afternoon flight to see the 'smoky' blue haze settle into the valleys. Look for the distinct ridge lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains transitioning into the Piedmont plateau.
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Cherokee National Forest
Dense, rolling woodland and the northern reaches of the Appalachian foothills immediately after takeoff.
Mount Mitchell
On clear days, the highest peak in the Eastern United States is visible to the north within the Black Mountains.
Lake Norman
North Carolina's largest man-made lake with extensive shorelines and luxury estates during the descent.
North Charlotte Suburbs
A clear view of the sprawling residential areas and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare. The left side provides a better perspective of the Catawba River basin and the expansive Lake Norman as the plane aligns for the northern runways at CLT.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 284 km (176 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 28 min
Departure: TYS (35.81100082, -83.99400329999999)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: Domestic
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