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TPA → HOU
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to William P Hobby Airport (Houston)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers a spectacular tour of the Gulf Coast's geography, including the emerald waters of the Florida Panhandle, the intricate Mississippi River Delta, and the industrial landmarks of the Texas coast.
Emerald Coast
Peer down at the brilliant white sands and turquoise waters of Destin and Panama City Beach as you track along the Panhandle.
Mobile Bay
Look for the massive shipping lanes and the USS Alabama battleship museum near the mouth of the Mobile River.
Mississippi River Delta
A breathtaking look at the 'bird's foot' delta where the Mississippi River empties into the Gulf, marked by sediment plumes.
New Orleans & Lake Pontchartrain
On clear days, see the sprawling Crescent City and the massive Causeway bridge stretching across the lake.
Petrochemical Alley
Observe the massive refineries and industrial complexes of Beaumont and Port Arthur during the final phase of the flight.
The Right Side is the clear winner for geographic landmarks. Sit well ahead of or behind the wing to see the Mississippi River's unique drainage patterns. For the best photography, aim for a midday flight when the water colors are most vibrant. Be aware that summer afternoon thunderstorms often build up over the land to the north, potentially obscuring the view.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
A stunning aerial view of the iconic cable-stayed bridge spanning the mouth of Tampa Bay shortly after takeoff.
Deep Gulf Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the deep blue Gulf of Mexico, often showcasing sunlight reflecting off the water's surface.
Offshore Oil Rigs
Spot the intricate lattice of deep-water drilling platforms as you approach the Louisiana and Texas coastal shelf.
Galveston Island
View the long stretch of the Galveston Seawall and the historic Pleasure Pier during the descent into the Houston area.
Choose the Left Side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight glare. This side is ideal for sunset lovers on late afternoon flights, as the sun will descend over the horizon to your south-west. On approach to HOU, watch for the distinct separation between the muddy bay waters and the blue Gulf.
Distance: 1,255 km (780 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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