Loading map...
TPA → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft typically offers a superior view of the Panama Canal's engineering marvels, including Gatun Lake and the ship queues, as the flight descends into Panama City.
Search flights from TPA to PTY
Gulf of Mexico
Deep blue waters and occasional views of offshore oil platforms in the northern Gulf.
San Andres Island
The Colombian island known for its 'Sea of Seven Colors' visible in the middle of the Caribbean.
Gatun Lake
The massive artificial lake that carries ships across the Isthmus of Panama.
Panama Canal Locks
A birds-eye view of the Culebra Cut and the locks facilitating global maritime trade.
Pacific Ship Queue
Dozens of massive cargo ships anchored in the Gulf of Panama waiting to enter the canal.
The right side is essential for seeing the Panama Canal. On descent, watch for the distinct line of ships waiting in the Pacific. For evening flights, this side offers spectacular sunsets over the Caribbean Sea.
Book Hotels in Panama City
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Aerial view of the iconic cable-stayed bridge spanning Tampa Bay shortly after takeoff.
Western Cuba
Lush landscapes of the Pinar del Río province and the Mogotes of Viñales Valley.
Miskito Bank
Vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs off the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras.
Chagres National Park
Dense, untouched tropical rainforests forming the watershed for the Panama Canal.
Panama City Skyline
A stunning view of the 'Dubai of Latin America' with its soaring glass skyscrapers along the coast.
Choose the left side for morning departures to enjoy the sunrise over the Atlantic/Caribbean. It is also the better side for viewing the modern skyline of Panama City if the flight approaches from the west.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 2,128 km (1,322 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 50 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.