Loading map...
HOU → TPA
Which side of the plane to sit from William P Hobby Airport (Houston) to Tampa International Airport (Tampa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a continuous viewing experience of the northern Gulf Coast, featuring the intricate Mississippi River Delta, the white sands of the Florida Panhandle, and the unique wetlands of the Big Bend region.
Search flights from HOU to TPA
Galveston Bay
Aerial views of the massive Houston Ship Channel and the industrial bustle of the Galveston Bay area immediately after departure.
Mississippi River Delta
A spectacular view of the 'Bird's Foot' delta, where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico with visible sediment plumes.
Mobile Bay
Clear views of the Alabama coastline, including the Port of Mobile and the long bridge spans across the bay.
The Emerald Coast
The stunning contrast of turquoise waters and brilliant white quartz sand along Destin and Panama City Beach.
Florida's Nature Coast
The vast, undeveloped marshlands and winding tidal creeks of the Florida Big Bend area before beginning the descent.
For the most vivid colors of the Emerald Coast and the Mississippi Delta, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you. Keep a close watch about 30-40 minutes into the flight for the Mississippi River's distinct brown water mixing with the blue Gulf.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Offshore Oil Rigs
Spot the numerous oil platforms scattered across the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Horizons
Expansive, unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico, perfect for observing cloud formations and sun reflections.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
As the plane banks for arrival at TPA, you can often spot the iconic cable-stayed bridge spanning Tampa Bay.
Egmont Key
A small, historic island at the mouth of Tampa Bay visible during the final approach pattern.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Gulf. On the final approach into Tampa International, the right side often gets a better view of the downtown skyline depending on the landing runway.
Book Hotels in TampaDistance: 1,255 km (780 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min
Departure: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
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.