Loading map...

AUS destination photo
TPA destination photo

AUSTPA

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior view of the diverse landscapes, including the Austin skyline, the winding Mississippi River, and the white-sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

Austin Skyline

Immediate views of the Texas State Capitol and downtown skyscrapers shortly after takeoff from AUS.

🌳

Piney Woods

The dense, green canopy of the East Texas and Louisiana forest regions as the plane reaches cruising altitude.

🌊

Mississippi River

The massive, winding loops of the river near the Louisiana-Mississippi border, showcasing heavy barge traffic.

🏖️

The Emerald Coast

Bird's-eye views of Destin and Panama City Beach, famous for their bright white sand and turquoise waters.

🏢

Downtown Tampa

A close-up view of the Tampa city center and the Port of Tampa as the plane turns for its final approach.

Sit on the left side (Seat A) to avoid the direct southern sun glare during the flight. For the best photography of the Florida coastline, choose a seat in front of the wing. Morning flights offer the clearest views before the afternoon humidity and clouds build up over the Gulf.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🚢

Galveston Bay

Expansive views of the Texas coastline and the numerous oil platforms and cargo ships in the Gulf.

🐊

Atchafalaya Basin

The intricate network of bayous, swamps, and wetlands across southern Louisiana.

🌏

Gulf Horizon

A vast, unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico's deep blue horizon for the majority of the flight.

🌉

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The iconic yellow cable-stayed bridge spanning the entrance to Tampa Bay during the descent.

The right side is perfect for evening flights to witness the sunset over the open waters of the Gulf. During landing, this side often offers a better view of the St. Pete-Clearwater peninsula and the famous Gulf Coast barrier islands.

Top Activities in Tampa
Route Information

Distance: 1,490 km (926 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min

Departure: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)

Arrival: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.