Both the Tampa departure and the London arrival favor the right side with genuine city and waterway views, while the seven-plus hours of open Atlantic in between make the cruise phase scenically neutral for either side.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing south of Newfoundland and north of the Azores before making landfall over southwest Ireland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
RIGHTDeparting TPA on the north-south runways, the aircraft typically climbs out and banks east toward the Atlantic, giving right-side passengers a view of downtown Tampa's skyline and Tampa Bay before the turn out over Florida's flat interior.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn westerly operations, arrivals from across the Atlantic often loop south of London before turning onto final approach for 27L/27R, tracking just north of the Thames — this puts the river, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye on the right side of the cabin during descent.
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 Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to London. Both the Tampa departure and the London arrival favor the right side with genuine city and waterway views, while the seven-plus hours of open Atlantic in between make the cruise phase scenically neutral for either side.
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 on the north-south runways, the aircraft typically climbs out and banks east toward the Atlantic, giving right-side passengers a view of downtown Tampa's skyline and Tampa Bay before the turn out over Florida's flat interior. Notable sights include: Downtown Tampa skyline, Tampa Bay, Davis Islands, Hillsborough Bay.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On westerly operations, arrivals from across the Atlantic often loop south of London before turning onto final approach for 27L/27R, tracking just north of the Thames — this puts the river, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye on the right side of the cabin during descent. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, London Eye, Houses of Parliament.
How long is the flight from Tampa to London?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 8h 35m.
What does the Tampa to London flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing south of Newfoundland and north of the Azores before making landfall over southwest Ireland.