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TPA → LGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to La Guardia Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
While both sides offer scenic views, the left side is the clear winner for the iconic aerial approach over Manhattan and Central Park into LaGuardia.
Search flights from TPA to LGA
Tampa Bay Coastline
Direct views of the Gulf Coast and the St. Petersburg skyline during the initial ascent.
The Piedmont Region
Lush green landscapes across the Carolinas and Virginia as the flight heads north-northeast.
Manhattan Skyline
The premier view of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and World Trade Center on the final approach.
Central Park
A stunning top-down view of the park's rectangular expanse just before the aircraft banks for landing.
George Washington Bridge
A clear look at the bridge connecting New Jersey and Upper Manhattan during the northern approach pattern.
To maximize your chance of the 'Manhattan View,' book a seat on the left. This is most common during the 'River Visual' approach. For photography, aim for a midday flight to ensure the sun is high and not creating glare off the windows from the west.
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The Outer Banks
Distinct views of the thin barrier islands of North Carolina stretching into the Atlantic.
Chesapeake Bay
The massive scale of the bay and the visible infrastructure of the Bay Bridge-Tunnel system.
Jersey Shore
A continuous view of the Atlantic City boardwalk and the sandy beaches of New Jersey.
Citi Field and Flushing Meadows
Views of the New York Mets stadium and the Unisphere from the 1964 World's Fair during final descent.
The right side is perfect for early morning flights to see the sun rising over the Atlantic. It also provides a better view of the Long Island Sound and the dense suburbs of Queens if the plane approaches from the east.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 1,628 km (1,012 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 10 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Route Type: Domestic
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