Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast are more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While Lake Erie is notable during descent, the coastal water and urban contrast visible during climb-out from MacDill is more dramatic and memorable.
Flown MCF to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tampa to Buffalo is 1,064 miles (1,712 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Florida and Georgia, passing over the Appalachian foothills in northern Georgia and Tennessee. Notable features include the Chattahoochee River valley, the ridge-and-valley terrain of the southern Appalachians, and the transition from coastal plain to piedmont topography. The flight then crosses into the Ohio Valley region before approaching the Great Lakes basin. Lake Erie becomes visible approximately 45 minutes before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCF
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico coastline as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see the distinctive water body and coastal development clearly during the initial climb-out.
Landing at BUF
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Buffalo. You'll see Lake Erie prominently, the Niagara River, and the urban landscape of Buffalo and surrounding areas as you approach from the southwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Macdill Afb (MCF) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Buffalo. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast are more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While Lake Erie is notable during descent, the coastal water and urban contrast visible during climb-out from MacDill is more dramatic and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Macdill Afb in Tampa?
During takeoff from Macdill Afb (MCF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico coastline as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see the distinctive water body and coastal development clearly during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Gulf of Mexico coastline, Hillsborough River, downtown Tampa urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Buffalo. You'll see Lake Erie prominently, the Niagara River, and the urban landscape of Buffalo and surrounding areas as you approach from the southwest. Notable sights include: Lake Erie, Niagara River, Buffalo city skyline, Niagara Falls area.
How long is the flight from Tampa to Buffalo?
The flight from Macdill Afb (MCF) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,064 miles (1,712 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tampa to Buffalo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Florida and Georgia, passing over the Appalachian foothills in northern Georgia and Tennessee. Notable features include the Chattahoochee River valley, the ridge-and-valley terrain of the southern Appalachians, and the transition from coastal plain to piedmont topography. The flight then crosses into the Ohio Valley region before approaching the Great Lakes basin. Lake Erie becomes visible approximately 45 minutes before landing.