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TPA → MSY
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior viewing experience as the flight path typically hugs the Gulf Coast, providing bird's-eye views of white-sand beaches, coastal cities, and the engineering marvels of the New Orleans area.
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Emerald Coast Beaches
Stunning views of the bright white sands and emerald waters of Destin and Pensacola along the Florida Panhandle.
Mobile Bay
Look down at the busy port of Mobile and the historic USS Alabama battleship stationed in the bay.
Biloxi Waterfront
The skyline of casino resorts and the long stretches of beach along the Mississippi Sound.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
A view of the world's longest continuous bridge over water as the plane begins its final descent.
New Orleans Skyline
Clear views of the Superdome and the skyscrapers of the Central Business District during the approach to MSY.
Request a window seat on the right to see the coastline for the majority of the trip. Morning flights are ideal to avoid sun glare. As you descend, keep a close eye out for the 24-mile long Causeway Bridge; it is most prominent from this side. For the best view of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River curve, sit forward of the wing.
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Gulf of Mexico Horizon
Panoramic views of the turquoise to deep blue gradient of the Gulf waters shortly after departure.
Offshore Oil Rigs
Spot the industrial structures of deep-sea drilling platforms dotting the horizon as you approach Louisiana.
Mississippi River Delta
Aerial perspective of the sprawling wetlands and the 'bird's foot' delta where the river meets the sea.
Chandeleur Islands
The remote arc of uninhabited barrier islands forming the easternmost point of Louisiana.
The left side is the preferred choice for sunset flights, offering a spectacular view of the sun dipping into the Gulf. If landing towards the north, this side provides views of the intricate marshlands and bayous south of New Orleans. Look for the distinct color changes where river sediment meets the ocean.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 784 km (487 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 18 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Route Type: Domestic
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