The right side misses the Chicago skyline at departure but wins decisively on landing with Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the Gulf Coast barrier islands. The water views on approach to TPA are genuinely spectacular and more visually rewarding than the departure views from either side.
Flown ORD to TPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Tampa is 1,014 miles (1,631 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast over Indiana, then Kentucky and Tennessee, crossing the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River valley. Over Georgia the route passes near Atlanta's sprawl before crossing into Florida over the Okefenokee Swamp region. Northern Florida is largely flat pine forest and agricultural land. The Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay become visible in the final 30-40 minutes of descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTO'Hare most commonly departs south or southeast on runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R depending on wind. On a southbound departure toward Tampa, the left side gives you the Chicago skyline to the east as you climb out over the western suburbs. The Loop's distinctive cluster of skyscrapers, including Willis Tower, is clearly visible from the left window during the climbing turn.
Landing at TPA
RIGHTTampa International sits on the west side of Tampa Bay, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 19L/19R heading south. The right side gives you a clear view over Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula as you descend. The left side faces inland toward suburban Tampa with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Tampa International (TPA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Tampa. The right side misses the Chicago skyline at departure but wins decisively on landing with Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the Gulf Coast barrier islands. The water views on approach to TPA are genuinely spectacular and more visually rewarding than the departure views from either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. O'Hare most commonly departs south or southeast on runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R depending on wind. On a southbound departure toward Tampa, the left side gives you the Chicago skyline to the east as you climb out over the western suburbs. The Loop's distinctive cluster of skyscrapers, including Willis Tower, is clearly visible from the left window during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River corridor, suburban grid of the South Side.
What can I see when landing at Tampa International in Tampa?
When landing at Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Tampa International sits on the west side of Tampa Bay, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 19L/19R heading south. The right side gives you a clear view over Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula as you descend. The left side faces inland toward suburban Tampa with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg peninsula, Clearwater Beach barrier islands.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Tampa?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Tampa International (TPA) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,014 miles (1,631 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Tampa flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over Indiana, then Kentucky and Tennessee, crossing the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River valley. Over Georgia the route passes near Atlanta's sprawl before crossing into Florida over the Okefenokee Swamp region. Northern Florida is largely flat pine forest and agricultural land. The Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay become visible in the final 30-40 minutes of descent.