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TPA → PNS
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Pensacola Regional Airport (Pensacola)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a continuous vantage point of the stunning Florida Gulf Coast, including the white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast and the intricate marshlands of the Big Bend area.
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Emerald Coast Beaches
Clear views of the iconic quartz-white sands stretching from Destin to Pensacola Beach.
Big Bend Marshlands
The unique, undeveloped coastline where the peninsula curves into the panhandle, featuring labyrinthine tidal creeks.
St. Andrews Bay
A bird's-eye view of Panama City, its shipping channels, and the surrounding Shell Island.
Santa Rosa Sound
A narrow, vibrant turquoise waterway separated from the Gulf by a thin strip of barrier island.
Sit on the left for the best coastal views. During morning flights, the sun will be behind you, illuminating the emerald water perfectly. Look for the Destin East Pass near the midpoint of the flight, where the water contrast is most dramatic. If the plane approaches PNS from the east, you will fly directly over the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
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Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Visible shortly after departure from TPA, this iconic cable-stayed bridge spans the mouth of Tampa Bay.
Eglin Air Force Base
Vast stretches of protected pine forests and military testing ranges in the Florida panhandle.
Downtown Tampa
Excellent views of the urban skyline and the Port of Tampa immediately following takeoff.
The right side is ideal for catching the urban sprawl of Tampa and the inland pine forests of the panhandle. On evening flights, this side will catch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Keep an eye out for the Choctawhatchee Bay as you descend toward Pensacola, which provides a massive contrast to the surrounding forests.
Book Hotels in PensacolaDistance: 530 km (329 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 53 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: PNS (30.473400115967003, -87.18659973144501)
Route Type: Domestic
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