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TPA → MEM
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Memphis International Airport (Memphis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route because it offers a sustained view of the Gulf of Mexico coastline and the dramatic, meandering oxbows of the Mississippi River during the descent into Memphis.
Old Tampa Bay
Breathtaking views of the Courtney Campbell Causeway and the bridges connecting Tampa to Clearwater during the initial climb.
Emerald Coast
Clear perspectives of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters along the Florida Panhandle and Alabama shoreline.
Mobile Bay
A panoramic view of the massive Alabama estuary and the deep-water shipping lanes leading into the Port of Mobile.
Mississippi River Bends
Dramatic views of the river's massive horseshoe bends and agricultural patterns as the plane enters the Tennessee-Arkansas border region.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to minimize direct sun glare while capturing the sunset reflecting off the Mississippi River. The best river views occur approximately 15 to 20 minutes before landing at MEM.
Tampa Cityscape
A wide view of the downtown Tampa skyline and the Port of Tampa immediately after takeoff.
Alabama Timberlands
Expansive views of the dense pine forests and rolling hills of rural central Alabama and Mississippi.
Memphis Downtown
An excellent view of the downtown Memphis towers and the iconic Bass Pro Shops Pyramid if the landing pattern approaches from the north.
Graceland Area
Aerial perspective of the residential neighborhoods in South Memphis near the historic estate of Elvis Presley.
Morning flights are ideal for the right side to enjoy illuminated city views without solar glare. If the flight path takes a northeasterly approach into Memphis, you will have a front-row seat to the city's urban core.
Distance: 1,055 km (656 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: MEM (35.04240036010742, -89.97669982910156)
Route Type: Domestic
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