While the Florida takeoff offers modest coastal views, the left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic desert mountain terrain during cruise over the Southwest and the iconic Las Vegas Strip approach, which together provide far more visual variety and drama than the flat terrain on the right.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Gulf Coast, the flat plains of Louisiana and Texas, then the arid mesas and mountain ranges of West Texas and New Mexico before entering the Mojave Desert near Las Vegas.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
RIGHTDeparting TPA northbound or southbound, the right side offers views over Tampa Bay and the barrier islands of the Gulf coastline as the aircraft climbs out, giving passengers a nice water-and-city contrast before leveling off over flat Florida terrain.
Landing at LAS
LEFTOn approach to LAS, westbound landings on runway 26 pass directly over the Las Vegas Strip, giving left-side passengers a dramatic view of the city skyline against the surrounding desert mountains just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tampa International (TPA) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Las Vegas. While the Florida takeoff offers modest coastal views, the left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic desert mountain terrain during cruise over the Southwest and the iconic Las Vegas Strip approach, which together provide far more visual variety and drama than the flat terrain on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Tampa International in Tampa?
During takeoff from Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing TPA northbound or southbound, the right side offers views over Tampa Bay and the barrier islands of the Gulf coastline as the aircraft climbs out, giving passengers a nice water-and-city contrast before leveling off over flat Florida terrain. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Downtown Tampa skyline, St. Petersburg, Gulf of Mexico barrier islands.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to LAS, westbound landings on runway 26 pass directly over the Las Vegas Strip, giving left-side passengers a dramatic view of the city skyline against the surrounding desert mountains just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip, Spring Mountains, Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Downtown Las Vegas.
How long is the flight from Tampa to Las Vegas?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes 4h 15m.
What does the Tampa to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Gulf Coast, the flat plains of Louisiana and Texas, then the arid mesas and mountain ranges of West Texas and New Mexico before entering the Mojave Desert near Las Vegas.