Right side dominates both departure and arrival with water features and urban landmarks. Takeoff shows the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake; landing shows Tampa Bay and barrier islands. Left side offers only jungle and inland terrain.
Flown PAC to TPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Tampa is 1,327 miles (2,136 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Caribbean Sea crossing, Yucatan Channel, Florida Keys archipelago (visible as small islands and shallow water patterns during cruise altitude), Gulf of Mexico open water
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PAC
RIGHTRight side offers views of Panama City's skyline and the Panama Canal approach channels as you climb out northward. The left side faces inland jungle and offers less distinctive scenery during initial climb.
Landing at TPA
RIGHTRight side provides views of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, and the barrier islands (Clearwater Beach, Sanibel Island area) as you descend toward TPA from the southwest. Left side faces inland Florida peninsula with less distinctive water features.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC) to Tampa International (TPA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Tampa. Right side dominates both departure and arrival with water features and urban landmarks. Takeoff shows the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake; landing shows Tampa Bay and barrier islands. Left side offers only jungle and inland terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Marcos A Gelabert International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Panama City's skyline and the Panama Canal approach channels as you climb out northward. The left side faces inland jungle and offers less distinctive scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: Panama City skyline, Panama Canal locks and approach channels, Gatun Lake, Darien Gap jungle canopy.
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. Right side provides views of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, and the barrier islands (Clearwater Beach, Sanibel Island area) as you descend toward TPA from the southwest. Left side faces inland Florida peninsula with less distinctive water features. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay, Clearwater Beach and barrier islands, Ybor City district, Florida Gulf Coast mangrove shoreline.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Tampa?
The flight from Marcos A Gelabert International (PAC) to Tampa International (TPA) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,327 miles (2,136 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Tampa flight path pass over?
Caribbean Sea crossing, Yucatan Channel, Florida Keys archipelago (visible as small islands and shallow water patterns during cruise altitude), Gulf of Mexico open water