Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Fairbanks. Right side captures the most dramatic scenery on departure (Tampa Bay and Gulf Coast), and while left wins on landing, the takeoff views are more visually distinctive and memorable for most passengers.

During takeoff from Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Tampa Bay estuary and Gulf of Mexico coastline during northwestward climb-out. You'll see the distinctive water body and coastal geography that defines the Tampa area. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, Gulf of Mexico coastline, Clearwater Beach barrier islands.

When landing at Fairbanks International (FAI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best approach views into Fairbanks. Typical instrument approaches from the south bring aircraft over the Tanana River valley and interior Alaska terrain, with the Tanana River itself visible as a major geographic reference. Notable sights include: Tanana River, Chena River confluence, Fairbanks city grid, Alaska Range foothills.

The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Fairbanks International (FAI) takes Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours.

The flight path crosses the southeastern United States northwestward, passing over Georgia and Tennessee mountains (Appalachian foothills visible from altitude), then transitions into the Mississippi River valley. Over the Great Plains, you'll see the Missouri River and vast agricultural areas. Entering Canada, the landscape becomes increasingly forested. The flight then crosses into Alaska, with views of the Yukon River drainage, boreal forest, and eventually the Alaska Range as you approach Fairbanks from the south.