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TPA → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Atlantic coastline, including major coastal cities like Charleston and Wilmington, along with a better angle for downtown Tampa and Raleigh during departure and arrival.
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Downtown Tampa
A perfect view of the skyline, Sparkman Wharf, and the port area immediately after departure from TPA.
Atlantic Seaboard
Enjoy long-distance views of the crashing waves and sandy beaches of the East Coast as you track north.
Charleston Harbor
Identify the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and the historic battery as you fly past South Carolina.
Cape Fear River
The dark, winding waters leading toward Wilmington provide a distinct geographic landmark from high altitude.
Downtown Raleigh
Catch a glimpse of the North Carolina State Capitol and the growing downtown cluster on the final approach.
The right side is best for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Atlantic. Try to sit away from the wing to clearly see the Charleston and Wilmington coastlines. During the final approach to RDU, the right side often provides a clearer view of the Raleigh skyline if the wind is coming from the south.
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Old Tampa Bay
Stunning views of the Howard Frankland Bridge and the St. Pete skyline shortly after takeoff if departing north.
Nature Coast
Aerial views of the winding estuaries and springs near Crystal River and Homosassa along the Florida coast.
Savannah River
Follow the winding border between Georgia and South Carolina through dense pine forests.
Jordan Lake
A massive reservoir that serves as a primary visual marker during the final descent into RDU.
Duke University
Look for the Gothic architecture of West Campus and the Duke Chapel as you enter the Durham area.
Choose the left side for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico during the initial climb. This side also provides the best view of Jordan Lake, which signals you are just minutes from landing. If the plane approaches RDU from the north, you will get an excellent view of the Eno River state park area.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 947 km (588 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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