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STL → ECP
Which side of the plane to sit from St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis) to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views, including the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch immediately after takeoff, as well as superior views of the Alabama river systems and the Emerald Coast during the descent.
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Gateway Arch & St. Louis Skyline
Catch an immediate view of the iconic Gateway Arch and the downtown St. Louis riverfront shortly after departure.
Mississippi & Ohio River Confluence
Witness the massive scale of the water systems where the Ohio River joins the Mississippi near Cairo, Illinois.
Pickwick Lake & Tennessee River
Aerial views of the winding Tennessee River and the expansive recreational waters of Pickwick Lake on the TN/MS/AL border.
Birmingham Cityscape
A clear view of Alabama's largest city, including the Vulcan statue and the rolling Appalachian foothills to the east.
The 30A Coastline
As the plane banks for arrival at ECP, enjoy the stunning white sands and turquoise waters of the 30A beaches and Destin.
For the best experience, book an early morning flight to see the sunrise over the Appalachian foothills. Ensure you are looking out the window immediately upon takeoff from STL, as the turn toward the south often provides a perfect frame of the Gateway Arch. On arrival, the left side typically gets a better view of the famous emerald-colored coastal shelf.
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Ozark Plateau Foothills
The rugged, forested terrain of the eastern Ozarks visible during the initial climb through southern Missouri.
Mississippi Delta Plains
The vast, flat agricultural grid of the Delta region stretching toward the western horizon.
Bankhead National Forest
A sea of deep green canopy covering the canyons and bluffs of northern Alabama.
Mobile Bay (Distance)
On clear days, the shimmering waters of Mobile Bay can be seen to the southwest during the mid-flight cruise.
Choctawhatchee Bay
A magnificent view of the massive bay separating the Florida mainland from the barrier islands as you approach ECP.
The right side is the 'cool' side for afternoon flights, as it avoids the intense southern sun glare. Keep a lookout for the intricate patterns of the river deltas in Alabama. During the final descent into Panama City, the right side offers a great perspective of the dense pine forests that characterize the inland Florida Panhandle.
Book Hotels in Panama CityDistance: 1,022 km (635 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Arrival: ECP (30.357106, -85.79541400000001)
Route Type: Domestic
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