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TPA → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic urban views, including the Tampa skyline immediately after takeoff and the impressive Uptown Charlotte skyline upon descent into CLT.
Downtown Tampa
Direct views of the city's skyscrapers and the Port of Tampa shortly after departure.
Orlando Area
From a distance, the high-density area of central Florida's theme parks is often identifiable by its unique horizon markers.
Congaree National Park
The dense hardwood forest of South Carolina's premier national park is visible as you cross the Savannah River area.
Uptown Charlotte
A spectacular view of the Charlotte banking towers if the flight approaches from the south on runways 36L, 36C, or 36R.
Lake Wylie
The intricate shoreline of this border-crossing lake signals your final entry into North Carolina airspace.
For the best chance of seeing the Charlotte skyline, the right side is preferred. During afternoon flights, this side offers the best lighting for photography. Look for the 'Bank of America Corporate Center' as the tallest landmark in the Charlotte cluster.
Pinellas Peninsula
Panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the bridges connecting Tampa to St. Petersburg.
Withlacoochee Forest
Expansive views of one of Florida's largest state forests, showing deep green canopies and wetlands.
Lake Murray
A massive reservoir in South Carolina visible shortly before the descent phase begins.
Blue Ridge Foothills
On very clear days, the distant silhouette of the Appalachian foothills appears to the west.
Select the left side for morning departures to avoid harsh glare from the eastern sun. This side is also excellent for viewing the irregular coastline of the Florida 'Nature Coast' during the first 15 minutes of flight.
Distance: 819 km (509 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: Domestic
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