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TPA → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline during departure and the intricate geography of the Ohio River valley during the mid-flight cruise.
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Clearwater Beaches
Breathtaking views of the white-sand barriers and turquoise waters of the Florida Gulf Coast shortly after takeoff.
The Nature Coast
The expansive, untouched marshlands and winding coastal rivers of Citrus and Levy counties in northern Florida.
Cumberland Plateau
The rugged, forested edge of the Appalachian Mountains through Tennessee and Kentucky.
The Ohio River
A prominent crossing over the massive river artery near the Cincinnati metropolitan area.
Cincinnati Skyline
Direct views of the 'Queen City,' including Great American Ball Park and the distinctive Roebling Bridge.
Book the left side for morning departures to avoid the intense glare of the rising sun. This side provides the best perspective for the scenic turn north over the Gulf. In winter, look for the 'lake effect' cloud formations as you approach the Michigan border.
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Downtown Tampa
A close-up view of the Tampa skyline and the Port of Tampa immediately following departure.
Central Florida Lakes
Thousands of small, circular lakes and the distant sprawling landscape of the Orlando theme park region.
Great Smoky Mountains
Scenic vistas of the highest peaks in the Appalachian range visible in the distance to the east.
Columbus, Ohio
A high-altitude view of the Ohio State University campus and the downtown high-rises.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Sweeping views of the Western Basin of Lake Erie and the islands near Put-in-Bay during the descent.
The right side is preferred for late-afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the horizon during your approach to Detroit. During landing at DTW, the right side often provides a glimpse of the Detroit River and the Canadian border at Windsor.
Book Hotels in DetroitDistance: 1,585 km (985 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 7 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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