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RDU → TPA
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to Tampa International Airport (Tampa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views during the descent into Tampa, frequently showcasing the Gulf of Mexico coastline, the clear waters of the Nature Coast, and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge on final approach.
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Okefenokee Swamp
View one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in the world on the Georgia-Florida border.
Florida Big Bend
The unique, undeveloped marshy coastline where the Florida peninsula meets the panhandle.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The golden cable-stayed bridge is often visible as the plane maneuvers over Tampa Bay.
Tampa Skyline
A detailed view of the downtown skyscrapers, Curtis Hixon Park, and the Hillsborough River during landing.
MacDill Air Force Base
Visible just south of the city, featuring runways jutting out into the blue waters of the bay.
The right side is essential for sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico on evening flights. For the best landing experience, look out as the plane crosses the Pinellas peninsula; you can often see the white sand beaches of Clearwater and St. Pete before touchdown.
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Carolina Lowcountry
Aerial perspectives of the intricate marshlands and barrier islands of the South Carolina coast.
Charleston Harbor
A distant view of the historic battery and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge if the path stays near the coast.
St. Johns River
Watch the massive, winding river as it snakes through Jacksonville and north-central Florida.
Orlando Area Lakes
On the southern leg, see the chain of lakes and distant glimmers of the major theme park districts.
Choose the left side for morning departures to witness the sunrise over the Atlantic horizon. During winter months, the angle of the sun is lower, providing excellent high-contrast lighting of the coastal estuaries.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 947 km (588 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Arrival: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Route Type: Domestic
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