About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Tampa International (TPA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Tampa. The left side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier all visible in the first 15 minutes. The landing view from the right is good but relatively brief. Over the long flight the left side also gets better views of the Sierra Nevada and Mojave if routing goes that way, making it the stronger overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SeaTac's primary departure runway 16L/34R sends northbound flights climbing over the south end of Lake Washington and Elliott Bay. A left-side seat gives you the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Peninsula across Puget Sound. Mount Rainier also appears to the southeast as you bank. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay and Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains to the west, Mount Rainier to the southeast.
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. TPA's primary arrival runway 19R/1L brings aircraft in from the north over Tampa Bay. A right-side seat gives you the best view of Tampa Bay's broad open water, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula as you descend. The approach track keeps these features on the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg peninsula, downtown Tampa waterfront.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Tampa?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Tampa International (TPA) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Seattle to Tampa flight path pass over?
The flight typically tracks southeast over the Oregon Cascades and northern California, then across Nevada and the Mojave Desert, over Arizona and New Mexico, before crossing Texas and the Gulf Coast into Florida. Notable features include the Sierra Nevada range visible from altitude over California, the Colorado River canyon systems over Arizona, and the vast flat Gulf Coastal Plain of Texas and Louisiana before crossing into Florida.