Left side wins both the departure over Tampa Bay and the arrival into Schiphol with views of the Dutch coast and Amsterdam. Over the Atlantic the views are largely ocean on both sides, so the decisive moments are at each end where the left seat consistently delivers more interesting geography.
Flown TPA to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tampa to Amsterdam is 4,604 miles (7,409 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast from Florida across the western Atlantic, passing south of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, then crosses the North Atlantic along a great circle route passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Over the mid-Atlantic there is little to see beyond open ocean. Approaching Europe the route typically crosses the southern tip of Ireland or southwestern England, offering views of the Irish coastline, the Celtic Sea, and the English Channel before descending into the Netherlands.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
LEFTTPA typically departs on runway 19L/R heading south, then turns northeast toward the Atlantic. A left-side seat captures Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula as the aircraft banks right over the bay. The sprawling bay geography is far more interesting than the inland suburban sprawl on the right.
Landing at AMS
LEFTSchiphol typically lands on runways oriented from the southwest, meaning the approach comes in over the North Sea coast and across the Dutch polder landscape. A left-side seat on approach from the west gives views of the Dutch coastline, the IJsselmeer, and Amsterdam's canal ring and city center off to the left as you descend. The right side faces inland toward flat agricultural land with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tampa International (TPA) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Amsterdam. Left side wins both the departure over Tampa Bay and the arrival into Schiphol with views of the Dutch coast and Amsterdam. Over the Atlantic the views are largely ocean on both sides, so the decisive moments are at each end where the left seat consistently delivers more interesting geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Tampa International in Tampa?
During takeoff from Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. TPA typically departs on runway 19L/R heading south, then turns northeast toward the Atlantic. A left-side seat captures Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula as the aircraft banks right over the bay. The sprawling bay geography is far more interesting than the inland suburban sprawl on the right. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg peninsula, Hillsborough Bay.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol typically lands on runways oriented from the southwest, meaning the approach comes in over the North Sea coast and across the Dutch polder landscape. A left-side seat on approach from the west gives views of the Dutch coastline, the IJsselmeer, and Amsterdam's canal ring and city center off to the left as you descend. The right side faces inland toward flat agricultural land with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Dutch North Sea coastline, IJsselmeer, Amsterdam canal ring, Haarlem.
How long is the flight from Tampa to Amsterdam?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,604 miles (7,409 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tampa to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from Florida across the western Atlantic, passing south of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, then crosses the North Atlantic along a great circle route passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Over the mid-Atlantic there is little to see beyond open ocean. Approaching Europe the route typically crosses the southern tip of Ireland or southwestern England, offering views of the Irish coastline, the Celtic Sea, and the English Channel before descending into the Netherlands.