Right side wins for both takeoff and landing, offering the Mississippi River during climb and Tampa Bay's striking turquoise waters during descent. This is a consistent advantage for the entire flight.
Flown STL to MCF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Tampa is 878 miles (1,413 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
During cruise over central Tennessee and northern Georgia, the right side offers views of the Cumberland Plateau's ridgelines and the Tennessee River valley. The Appalachian foothills become increasingly visible as the flight progresses southeast. Over central Georgia and northern Florida, the landscape transitions to pine forests and scattered lakes. The right side maintains scenic advantage throughout the flight path.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Mississippi River and its floodplain as the aircraft climbs southeast from Lambert. The river's distinctive meanders and the surrounding bottomlands are clearly visible during initial climb.
Landing at MCF
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico coastline during descent into MacDill. The water's turquoise shallows and the distinctive shape of the bay are striking from altitude.
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 Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Macdill Afb (MCF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Tampa. Right side wins for both takeoff and landing, offering the Mississippi River during climb and Tampa Bay's striking turquoise waters during descent. This is a consistent advantage for the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Mississippi River and its floodplain as the aircraft climbs southeast from Lambert. The river's distinctive meanders and the surrounding bottomlands are clearly visible during initial climb. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, St. Louis urban area, Illinois floodplain, Gateway Arch area.
What can I see when landing at Macdill Afb in Tampa?
When landing at Macdill Afb (MCF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico coastline during descent into MacDill. The water's turquoise shallows and the distinctive shape of the bay are striking from altitude. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Ybor City and downtown Tampa skyline.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Tampa?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Macdill Afb (MCF) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 878 miles (1,413 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Tampa flight path pass over?
During cruise over central Tennessee and northern Georgia, the right side offers views of the Cumberland Plateau's ridgelines and the Tennessee River valley. The Appalachian foothills become increasingly visible as the flight progresses southeast. Over central Georgia and northern Florida, the landscape transitions to pine forests and scattered lakes. The right side maintains scenic advantage throughout the flight path.