Right-side seats win for both segments of this flight. The takeoff view of the Mississippi River's meanders is geographically significant, and the landing view of Tampa Bay's complex coastal geography is visually superior to left-side perspectives throughout the descent.
Flown STL to TPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Tampa is 870 miles (1,400 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and northern Georgia. Notable features include the Cumberland River valley (visible around 45 minutes into flight), the Tennessee River's major bends near Chattanooga, and the southern Appalachian ridges running northeast-southwest. The Smoky Mountains appear as a distant ridge line to the east around the 90-minute mark. As the aircraft descends into Florida, the terrain flattens dramatically; the Suwannee River basin and central Florida's lakes become visible before the final approach to Tampa Bay.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders as the aircraft climbs out over the St. Louis area. The river's distinctive S-curves are visible for the first 10-15 minutes of flight and provide excellent geographic context for the route's southeastward heading.
Landing at TPA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best views of Tampa Bay's distinctive geography during descent and approach. The bay's complex shape, barrier islands, and coastal features are clearly visible from 8,000-15,000 feet on final approach, especially if landing on runways 1L/1R (northbound) or 4L/4R (eastbound).
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Tampa International (TPA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Tampa. Right-side seats win for both segments of this flight. The takeoff view of the Mississippi River's meanders is geographically significant, and the landing view of Tampa Bay's complex coastal geography is visually superior to left-side perspectives throughout the descent.
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 seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders as the aircraft climbs out over the St. Louis area. The river's distinctive S-curves are visible for the first 10-15 minutes of flight and provide excellent geographic context for the route's southeastward heading. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (main channel and oxbow lakes), Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois bluffs east of the river, Confluence area where the Missouri River joins the Mississippi.
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 seats offer the best views of Tampa Bay's distinctive geography during descent and approach. The bay's complex shape, barrier islands, and coastal features are clearly visible from 8,000-15,000 feet on final approach, especially if landing on runways 1L/1R (northbound) or 4L/4R (eastbound). Notable sights include: Tampa Bay (the main water body with its characteristic shape), Hillsborough Bay, Clearwater Beach and barrier islands to the west, downtown Tampa skyline.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Tampa?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Tampa International (TPA) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 870 miles (1,400 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Tampa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and northern Georgia. Notable features include the Cumberland River valley (visible around 45 minutes into flight), the Tennessee River's major bends near Chattanooga, and the southern Appalachian ridges running northeast-southwest. The Smoky Mountains appear as a distant ridge line to the east around the 90-minute mark. As the aircraft descends into Florida, the terrain flattens dramatically; the Suwannee River basin and central Florida's lakes become visible before the final approach to Tampa Bay.