Flying long distances can often be a bit of a challenge—especially when you’re traveling to a destination as exciting as Nashville. Having recently made the journey from the West Coast to Nashville, I’ve learned a lot about how to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Nashville, known for its music, southern charm, and delicious food, was well worth the long flight, but getting there comfortably made the experience so much better.
Whether you’re flying from coast to coast or from international destinations, there are several ways to ensure that your journey to Nashville is smooth and comfortable. I’ve put together some tips based on my own experiences, along with recommendations for the best flights to Nashville, how to maximize your comfort, and which booking platforms will help you find the best deals.
1. Choosing the Right Flight: Finding the Best Comfort
One of the most important decisions when booking a long-haul flight is choosing the right airline. After all, comfort is key during long flights, especially when you’re heading to a city as vibrant and diverse as Nashville. Over my travels, I’ve had the chance to experience a variety of airlines, but I’ve found three to be particularly excellent for long-haul flights to Nashville.
American Airlines: Spacious Comfort and Great Service
Flight: American Airlines – Direct Flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Nashville (BNA)
American Airlines is a great option for those looking for a direct flight to Nashville, especially from major hubs like Los Angeles. I recently flew with American on my way to Nashville, and the experience was top-notch. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes, which isn’t too long but still requires a bit of attention to comfort.
What I Liked:
- Seat Comfort: American’s economy seats offer decent legroom, and their premium economy seats are a fantastic choice for added space and comfort. The recline was generous enough, and the personal in-flight entertainment system kept me entertained with movies and TV shows.
- Food & Drink: The meals offered were simple, but the snacks and drinks provided were perfect for making the time go by quickly.
- Service: The flight attendants were friendly, and there was always someone available if you needed assistance.
Cost:
For a round-trip from Los Angeles to Nashville with American Airlines, I paid around $350–$450, depending on the time of booking and availability. Premium economy upgrades cost an additional $100–$150.
Booking Tip:
I always recommend booking through Google Flights to compare different flight options. You can set alerts for price drops and be sure you’re getting the best deal. Also, Expedia sometimes has exclusive offers that include baggage fees or extra perks, so check them out before booking.
Click here to book American Airlines
Delta Airlines: A Smooth Ride to Nashville
Flight: Delta Airlines – One-Stop Flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Nashville (BNA) via Atlanta (ATL)
If you’re traveling from further locations like San Francisco, Delta Airlines offers comfortable one-stop flights to Nashville with a layover in Atlanta. While this might add a bit more time to the journey, the overall experience was well worth it. The flight from San Francisco to Atlanta takes about 4 hours, and from Atlanta to Nashville, it’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What I Liked:
- Seating Options: Delta’s standard economy seats were comfortable enough, but for those who need extra room, their Delta Comfort+ seats are a great option. I upgraded to Comfort+ and was pleased with the extra legroom, priority boarding, and additional snacks.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Delta provides an extensive range of movies, TV shows, and music. The Wi-Fi was available for a fee, but it worked well for the majority of the flight, allowing me to stay connected.
- Customer Service: Delta is well-known for its excellent customer service. The attendants were polite and went out of their way to make the experience more enjoyable.
Cost:
For a one-way flight from San Francisco to Nashville, prices ranged from $250–$350, depending on the time of booking. Upgrades to Delta Comfort+ usually cost an additional $60–$100.
Booking Tip:
I used Skyscanner to compare prices for Delta and other airlines. Skyscanner is an excellent tool because it shows price fluctuations and allows you to compare options across various booking platforms, including Expedia and Kayak.
Click here to book Delta Airlines
Southwest Airlines: A Budget-Friendly and Comfort-Focused Option
Flight: Southwest Airlines – One-Stop Flight from Seattle (SEA) to Nashville (BNA) via Chicago (MDW)
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines is always a solid choice. Known for its no-fee baggage policy, it’s a fantastic option for families or those traveling with a lot of luggage. I flew Southwest on my recent trip to Nashville, and while the flight had a layover in Chicago, it was well worth it for the savings.
What I Liked:
- No Hidden Fees: Unlike many airlines, Southwest allows you to check two bags free of charge, which is a big bonus when traveling long distances. You can bring more without worrying about additional baggage fees.
- Comfortable Seats: While Southwest offers standard economy seats, the lack of recline was made up by the generous legroom and the overall spacious cabin.
- Free In-Flight Entertainment: Southwest offers free movies and live TV on most flights, which helps pass the time.
Cost:
Round-trip flights with Southwest Airlines typically range from $200–$300. Since there are no hidden baggage fees, you often end up saving more compared to other airlines that charge extra for checked bags.
Booking Tip:
Southwest often has flash sales, so it’s best to sign up for their Rapid Rewards program and set up alerts for price drops. You can also book directly through Southwest’s website for the best deals and to earn points for future flights.
Click here to book Southwest Airlines
2. Maximizing Comfort During the Flight
While choosing the right airline is crucial, comfort during a long-haul flight is equally important. Here are some tips I use to ensure I’m as comfortable as possible during the journey to Nashville:
1. Choose Your Seat Wisely:
When booking your flight, consider upgrading to premium economy if you can. For a few extra dollars, you can enjoy additional legroom, priority boarding, and more comfortable seating. If you’re flying in economy, try to pick seats by the window for a more relaxing, private space or aisle seats if you prefer easier access to the restroom and getting up.
2. Bring Snacks and Hydrate:
Airline food can be hit or miss, so I always pack my own snacks—granola bars, fruits, and protein snacks are perfect for refueling during the flight. Hydration is key, as cabin air can dehydrate you. I always bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up before boarding to ensure I stay hydrated throughout the flight.
3. Dress Comfortably:
Dress in layers so you can adjust to the cabin temperature. I always opt for a comfortable pair of leggings or loose pants, along with a cozy sweater or jacket that’s easy to remove if I get too warm. Don’t forget to bring compression socks to reduce swelling during long flights.
4. Entertainment:
While many airlines offer in-flight entertainment, I always download a few of my favorite shows, movies, or audiobooks just in case the Wi-Fi isn’t great. I also carry a power bank to ensure my devices stay charged for the entire flight.
5. Noise-Canceling Headphones:
A good pair of noise-canceling headphones is a game-changer. They make a huge difference in blocking out background noise and help you focus on the entertainment, music, or sleep.
3. Where to Stay in Nashville: Comfort After Your Flight
After arriving in Nashville, it’s important to find a comfortable and convenient place to stay. Fortunately, Nashville has a wide range of pet-friendly hotels, luxury accommodations, and budget-friendly options. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
- The Hermitage Hotel: A luxury hotel that blends Southern charm with five-star service. It’s close to Broadway and perfect for those seeking a luxurious experience.
- 21c Museum Hotel Nashville: A stylish, modern hotel with an art museum and upscale dining. Ideal for art lovers and those wanting a trendy vibe.
- The Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville: Located near the Nashville Riverfront, this hotel is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action with a great view.
To book your hotel, I recommend using Booking.com, Expedia, or Kayak for the best rates and offers. You can filter your search for amenities such as free Wi-Fi, pools, and proximity to major attractions.
Click here to book a hotel in Nashville
4. Booking Your Flight: Best Platforms for Travel Deals
When booking a flight, it’s essential to use the right platform to get the best deal. I always check the following websites before making my final decision:
- Google Flights: A great tool for comparing flight prices and setting price alerts.
- Expedia: Offers bundled deals for flights, hotels, and car rentals at discounted rates.
- Kayak: Known for comparing prices across different airlines and offering price predictions.
Make sure to compare prices on several platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your trip.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Nashville is a fantastic experience, and making sure you’re comfortable during your flight can significantly enhance the journey. By choosing the right airline, preparing for your flight with the right essentials, and booking accommodations that suit your needs, you can ensure that your trip to Nashville starts off on the right foot.
Happy travels to Music City!
