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STL → TPA
Which side of the plane to sit from St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis) to Tampa International Airport (Tampa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the Gateway Arch during the St. Louis departure and offers a great perspective of the Tampa skyline and bay area during the descent.
The Gateway Arch
Visible immediately after takeoff, providing a rare aerial view of this 630-foot stainless steel monument and the downtown riverfront.
Mississippi-Ohio Confluence
Watch the dramatic merging of two of America's greatest rivers at the southern tip of Illinois near Cairo.
Nashville Skyline
On clear days, the 'Batman Building' and the urban sprawl of Middle Tennessee are visible as the route heads southeast.
Florida Lakelands
As the plane enters Florida, look for the thousands of small, circular lakes that dot the landscape of the Ocala region.
Tampa City Center
Enjoy a panoramic view of the Hillsborough River, high-rise buildings, and the Port of Tampa during the final approach.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Gateway Arch shortly after takeoff from STL. This side also avoids direct afternoon sunlight for most of the southbound journey, making it easier to photograph the terrain. If the flight arrives into TPA from the north, the left side offers the best views of the urban core and the bay.
Ozark Plateau
Observe the rolling, heavily forested hills of the Missouri Ozarks stretching toward the western horizon during the early flight phase.
Tennessee River Reservoirs
See the vast, winding blue waters of Pickwick Lake and the massive hydroelectric dams along the Alabama border.
Florida Big Bend
Witness the transition from the dense pine forests of the panhandle to the marshy coastline of the Gulf of Mexico.
Pinellas Barrier Islands
Spot the famous white sands of Clearwater Beach and Caladesi Island as the aircraft nears the Tampa Bay area.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
If the flight path loops south of the airport, the iconic yellow-cabled bridge spanning Tampa Bay is visible in the distance.
The right side is the prime choice for late afternoon or evening flights, as it provides front-row seats to the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. As you approach Tampa, keep your eyes on the coastline to spot the distinct turquoise waters and barrier islands of the Florida west coast.
Distance: 1,400 km (870 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min
Departure: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Arrival: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Route Type: Domestic
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