While the Tampa departure offers a nice bay and bridge view, the New Orleans arrival delivers a more iconic and visually dense sequence—the river bend, city skyline, and wetlands—making the left side the stronger overall choice despite a cruise phase that's mostly open Gulf water on both sides.
Flown TPA to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tampa to New Orleans is 488 miles (785 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Open Gulf of Mexico water crossing for most of the cruise, with the Chandeleur Islands barrier chain and the marshy fringes of the Mississippi River Delta becoming visible as the aircraft approaches the Louisiana coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
RIGHTDepartures from TPA toward the northwest typically roll out over Tampa Bay before turning onto course, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the bay, downtown St. Petersburg, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge arcing across the bay's mouth.
Landing at MSY
LEFTArrivals into MSY from the east descend over Lake Borgne and the coastal marshes before the final turn, putting the sinuous Mississippi River and the downtown New Orleans skyline directly on the left side of the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tampa International (TPA) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to New Orleans. While the Tampa departure offers a nice bay and bridge view, the New Orleans arrival delivers a more iconic and visually dense sequence—the river bend, city skyline, and wetlands—making the left side the stronger overall choice despite a cruise phase that's mostly open Gulf water on both sides.
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. Departures from TPA toward the northwest typically roll out over Tampa Bay before turning onto course, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the bay, downtown St. Petersburg, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge arcing across the bay's mouth. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg skyline, Pinellas County barrier beaches.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into MSY from the east descend over Lake Borgne and the coastal marshes before the final turn, putting the sinuous Mississippi River and the downtown New Orleans skyline directly on the left side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Mississippi River bend, downtown New Orleans skyline, French Quarter, Louisiana coastal marshland.
How long is the flight from Tampa to New Orleans?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 488 miles (785 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tampa to New Orleans flight path pass over?
Open Gulf of Mexico water crossing for most of the cruise, with the Chandeleur Islands barrier chain and the marshy fringes of the Mississippi River Delta becoming visible as the aircraft approaches the Louisiana coast.