The left side misses some of the Tampa Bay departure views but delivers the better experience overall. During cruise the left side faces generally south, giving views over the Gulf Coast, then the Rio Grande corridor in New Mexico, and finally the dramatic Phoenix approach with South Mountain and Camelback Mountain. The Phoenix arrival on the left is the single most visually rewarding moment of the flight.
Flown TPA to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tampa to Phoenix is 1,785 miles (2,872 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the Gulf of Mexico briefly, then crosses the Florida panhandle and Alabama briefly before heading over Mississippi and Louisiana. Over Texas the route passes north of San Antonio and over the Hill Country, then crosses the Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas and southern New Mexico. The Rio Grande valley near Las Cruces and El Paso is visible as a thin green corridor cutting through brown desert. The Lordsburg plain and the Gila River drainage in Arizona follow before descending into the Phoenix basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
RIGHTDeparting Tampa, aircraft typically use runways oriented roughly north or west. A right-side seat gives you views over Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula as you climb out heading northwest. The bay's broad open water and the bridge's distinctive cable-stay towers are unmistakable from altitude.
Landing at PHX
LEFTPhoenix Sky Harbor sits just east of downtown Phoenix, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 26 heading west. A left-side seat on approach gives you a clear view of the South Mountain Park ridgeline to the south, the downtown Phoenix skyline to the north, and Camelback Mountain's distinctive hump shape to the northeast. These are the most visually striking landmarks in the valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tampa International (TPA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Phoenix. The left side misses some of the Tampa Bay departure views but delivers the better experience overall. During cruise the left side faces generally south, giving views over the Gulf Coast, then the Rio Grande corridor in New Mexico, and finally the dramatic Phoenix approach with South Mountain and Camelback Mountain. The Phoenix arrival on the left is the single most visually rewarding moment of the flight.
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 Tampa, aircraft typically use runways oriented roughly north or west. A right-side seat gives you views over Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula as you climb out heading northwest. The bay's broad open water and the bridge's distinctive cable-stay towers are unmistakable from altitude. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg peninsula, downtown Tampa waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Phoenix Sky Harbor sits just east of downtown Phoenix, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 26 heading west. A left-side seat on approach gives you a clear view of the South Mountain Park ridgeline to the south, the downtown Phoenix skyline to the north, and Camelback Mountain's distinctive hump shape to the northeast. These are the most visually striking landmarks in the valley. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Camelback Mountain, downtown Phoenix skyline, Salt River bed.
How long is the flight from Tampa to Phoenix?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,785 miles (2,872 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tampa to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Gulf of Mexico briefly, then crosses the Florida panhandle and Alabama briefly before heading over Mississippi and Louisiana. Over Texas the route passes north of San Antonio and over the Hill Country, then crosses the Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas and southern New Mexico. The Rio Grande valley near Las Cruces and El Paso is visible as a thin green corridor cutting through brown desert. The Lordsburg plain and the Gila River drainage in Arizona follow before descending into the Phoenix basin.