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TPA → BUF
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (Buffalo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for viewing the sprawling East Coast metropolitan corridor and the spectacular glacial Finger Lakes of New York during the final descent.
Downtown Tampa
A clear view of the Tampa city skyline and the bustling Port of Tampa immediately after takeoff.
Mid-Atlantic Corridor
On clear days, see the distant urban clusters of Washington D.C. and Baltimore as the flight heads north.
The Finger Lakes
Breathtaking views of the long, narrow glacial lakes like Seneca and Cayuga that define the Central New York landscape.
Niagara River
The winding river leading toward the Great Lakes, with potential distant glimpses of the Niagara Falls mist depending on the landing pattern.
The right side is best for afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the interior US. Keep your camera ready during the final 20 minutes of the flight; the Finger Lakes are a unique geographic marvel that looks stunning from 15,000 feet. If the airport is landing to the south, you might even catch a glimpse of the Niagara Falls spray in the distance.
Tampa Bay Coastline
Aerial views of the Gulf Coast and the urban sprawl of St. Petersburg during the initial climb out of TPA.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Dramatic views of the rolling Appalachian peaks as the flight passes over the Carolinas and Virginia.
Lake Erie Shoreline
A view of the vast, ocean-like expanse of Lake Erie as the plane prepares for its northern approach into Buffalo.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is excellent for observing the transition from the flat Florida wetlands into the rugged Appalachian terrain. During winter, look for the 'snow line' where the landscape suddenly turns white as you cross into Pennsylvania.
Distance: 1,699 km (1,056 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 16 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: BUF (42.94049835, -78.73220062)
Route Type: Domestic
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