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IAH → TPA
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Tampa International Airport (Tampa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a scenic journey along the Gulf Coast, featuring the intricate Mississippi River Delta and the famous white-sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle.
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Louisiana Wetlands
Intricate patterns of marshlands and bayous that define the southern Louisiana landscape.
Mississippi River Delta
The massive 'bird's foot' delta where the Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
New Orleans Vista
Distant views of the Crescent City and the massive expanse of Lake Pontchartrain.
Mobile Bay
The historic bay and the long bridges of the I-10 corridor connecting Alabama's coast.
Emerald Coast
The striking contrast of white quartz sand and turquoise waters near Destin and Panama City.
Florida Nature Coast
The dense forests and swampy river systems of the Big Bend region as you enter Florida.
Sit on the left for the best geographic context. The Mississippi Delta is a major highlight roughly 30-40 minutes into the flight. If you are flying during the morning, the light will illuminate the coastline perfectly without glare. Keep your camera ready for the Emerald Coast; the water color is truly spectacular from 30,000 feet.
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Galveston Island
Views of the historic seawall and the Pleasure Pier shortly after taking off from Houston.
Offshore Oil Rigs
Industrial platforms and support vessels scattered across the deep blue waters of the Gulf.
Gulf Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the open ocean, ideal for spotting ship wakes and cloud formations.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The iconic yellow-cabled bridge spanning the mouth of Tampa Bay during the final approach.
Egmont Key
A secluded island at the mouth of the bay featuring a historic lighthouse and ruins.
The right side is best for late afternoon flights to catch a stunning sunset over the open Gulf. While much of the mid-flight is over open water, the approach into Tampa is excellent; you will see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge if the plane approaches from the south or performs a loop over the bay.
Book Hotels in TampaDistance: 1,265 km (786 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 41 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Route Type: Domestic
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