About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Tampa International (TPA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Tampa. The left side misses the best of the London departure but wins decisively on landing with the Tampa Bay, Skyway Bridge, and St. Pete views. Over the Atlantic the left side also faces slightly more southward toward the Azores track and the Florida coastline approach. For the most memorable single moment of the flight, the Tampa Bay arrival on the left is the standout.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick typically departs northward on runway 08R/26L or southward on 08L/26R. On a westbound transatlantic departure, aircraft usually climb out heading northwest then turn west, giving right-side passengers views over central London and the Thames. Left side sees the Surrey Hills and Crawley. Notable sights include: Central London skyline and Thames bend, Surrey Hills AONB, Crawley town grid, M25 motorway arc.
What can I see when landing at Tampa International in Tampa?
When landing at Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Tampa International sits on the west side of Tampa Bay. Aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 19L/19R heading south, or from the northeast. A left-side seat gives views over Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and St. Petersburg on final approach. Right side looks inland over suburban Tampa. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg waterfront, Clearwater Beach barrier islands.
How long is the flight from London to Tampa?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Tampa International (TPA) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the London to Tampa flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over southern England, then out over the Celtic Sea and southwest Ireland coast. It crosses the North Atlantic typically via the Azores or a northern NATS track, passing well south of Greenland. Mid-ocean the Azores archipelago may be faintly visible on clearer days far to the south. The route then crosses Newfoundland or Nova Scotia, descends over the US Eastern Seaboard, passes over the Carolinas and Georgia, and enters Florida from the north before turning southwest toward Tampa Bay.