The takeoff from MSY offers more distinctive and visually interesting scenery with the Mississippi delta and Lake Pontchartrain. While the landing at TPA provides good bay views, the takeoff experience is superior for window-seat passengers seeking natural geography.
Flown MSY to TPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Tampa is 488 miles (785 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the northern Gulf of Mexico, passing over open water with occasional visibility of the Florida Panhandle coastline (Apalachee Bay and the Big Bend region) in the midpoint of the journey. No major landmarks are visible during the middle portion of this over-water flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta as the aircraft climbs northeast from MSY. The sprawling wetlands and waterways of southeastern Louisiana are distinctive and visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at TPA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico coastline during approach to TPA. The bay's distinctive shape, barrier islands, and the transition from water to urban Tampa are clearly visible during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Tampa International (TPA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Tampa. The takeoff from MSY offers more distinctive and visually interesting scenery with the Mississippi delta and Lake Pontchartrain. While the landing at TPA provides good bay views, the takeoff experience is superior for window-seat passengers seeking natural geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta as the aircraft climbs northeast from MSY. The sprawling wetlands and waterways of southeastern Louisiana are distinctive and visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Mississippi River delta, New Orleans urban area, Breton Sound.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico coastline during approach to TPA. The bay's distinctive shape, barrier islands, and the transition from water to urban Tampa are clearly visible during descent. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, Clearwater Beach and barrier islands, Gulf of Mexico.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Tampa?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Tampa International (TPA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 488 miles (785 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Tampa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the northern Gulf of Mexico, passing over open water with occasional visibility of the Florida Panhandle coastline (Apalachee Bay and the Big Bend region) in the midpoint of the journey. No major landmarks are visible during the middle portion of this over-water flight.