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CLT → TPA
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Tampa International Airport (Tampa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of the Florida Gulf Coast, the white-sand beaches of Clearwater, and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge during the descent into Tampa.
Piedmont Plateau
Rolling green hills and dense forests characteristic of the Carolinas dominate the initial phase of the flight.
Okefenokee Swamp
Look for the dark, prehistoric-looking wetlands of the massive swamp straddling the Georgia-Florida line.
Clearwater Beach
Stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico's emerald waters and the barrier islands just before touchdown.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
A breathtaking view of the massive yellow cable-stayed bridge crossing the mouth of Tampa Bay.
Port Tampa Bay
Watch for large cruise ships and cargo vessels maneuvering through the shipping channels of the bay.
The right side is unbeatable for sunset flights, as you will see the sun dipping into the Gulf of Mexico. For the best views of the Skyway Bridge and the beaches, pray for a 'Runway 1' landing (approaching from the south), which typically follows a scenic path over the water. Keep your camera ready as soon as you cross the Florida coastline near the panhandle.
Charlotte Uptown
Excellent views of the Charlotte skyline immediately after takeoff if the plane departs towards the south.
Lake Marion
View South Carolina's largest lake and the Santee River system as you traverse the Carolinas.
Jacksonville Metro
Spot the urban sprawl of Jacksonville and the winding St. Johns River as you enter Florida airspace.
Central Florida Lakes
Numerous circular sinkhole lakes near the Ocala National Forest provide a unique geographical pattern.
Downtown Tampa
Provides a close-up view of the Tampa city center and Ybor City if landing on the eastern runways.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is also better for seeing the urban centers of the Atlantic coast from a distance. During the final approach, keep an eye out for the Hard Rock Hotel's iconic guitar-shaped building if the flight path swings east of the airport.
Distance: 819 km (509 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Route Type: Domestic
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