Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Key West. While takeoff favors the right for Tampa Bay views, the landing approach over the Keys is the more visually distinctive segment of this short flight. Left side seats capture the dramatic transition from mainland Florida to the island chain and the striking turquoise waters that define the Keys.

During takeoff from Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side seats capture the initial climb over Tampa Bay and the eastern shoreline. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape and the barrier islands that define the Gulf coast immediately after departure. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay (the large water body directly below during climb), Hillsborough Bay (northern arm of Tampa Bay), Clearwater Beach and the barrier island chain (eastern horizon), Ybor City district and downtown Tampa (visible on the western shore of the bay before turning south).

When landing at Key West International (EYW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best views during descent into Key West. You'll see the Florida Keys chain stretching northwest, the shallow turquoise waters of the Gulf, and the distinctive geography of the lower Keys as you approach. Notable sights include: The Florida Keys archipelago (the chain of islands extending northwest from Key West), Biscayne Bay and the shallow turquoise waters (the characteristic pale blue water surrounding the islands), Key West itself (the southernmost island with visible development), and the Marquesas Keys (a small atoll group visible to the northwest on the approach).

The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Key West International (EYW) takes Approximately 45-50 minutes.

During the flight, you'll pass over the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the transition zone where the mainland shelf drops away. The flight path takes you south-southwest over relatively featureless open water for most of the journey. The Dry Tortugas (a small island group) may be visible to the west on clear days, but they're typically too far off the standard flight path to be prominent. The most notable midpoint feature is the gradual appearance of the Florida Keys chain on the horizon as you descend into the Key West approach zone.