While takeoff favors the right side for a brief Tampa Bay view, the left side wins overall thanks to the long cruise-phase potential views of the Rocky Mountains and the dramatic Cascade/Mount Rainier approach into Seattle, which offers far more terrain drama than the flat Gulf coast departure.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Mississippi River valley, the Great Plains, and portions of the Rocky Mountains (Colorado or Wyoming ranges) before descending toward the Cascades near Seattle.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
RIGHTDeparting TPA northbound, the right side gives a good look at Tampa Bay, the causeways, and downtown Tampa's skyline before the aircraft turns west over the Gulf coastline.
Landing at SEA
LEFTOn approach into SEA from the south, the left side faces east toward the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier often visible as a massive snow-covered volcano before the plane lines up on the north-south runways.
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 Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Seattle. While takeoff favors the right side for a brief Tampa Bay view, the left side wins overall thanks to the long cruise-phase potential views of the Rocky Mountains and the dramatic Cascade/Mount Rainier approach into Seattle, which offers far more terrain drama than the flat Gulf coast departure.
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, the right side gives a good look at Tampa Bay, the causeways, and downtown Tampa's skyline before the aircraft turns west over the Gulf coastline. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, downtown Tampa skyline, Howard Frankland Bridge, Gulf of Mexico coastline.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into SEA from the south, the left side faces east toward the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier often visible as a massive snow-covered volcano before the plane lines up on the north-south runways. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Lake Washington, Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Tampa to Seattle?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes 5h 35m.
What does the Tampa to Seattle flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mississippi River valley, the Great Plains, and portions of the Rocky Mountains (Colorado or Wyoming ranges) before descending toward the Cascades near Seattle.