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TPA → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for this transcontinental journey because it provides the most direct and dramatic views of Mount Rainier during the descent into Seattle, along with better lighting for the Rocky Mountains during daytime flights.
Search flights from TPA to SEA
Tampa Bay Coastline
Panoramic views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico immediately after takeoff.
Mississippi River
A birds-eye view of the massive river's winding channels and oxbow lakes near the Arkansas-Tennessee border.
Colorado Rockies
Stunning views of the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the southern Rocky Mountain range and deep canyons.
Great Salt Lake
The distinct color variations and salt crusts of Utah's massive terminal lake visible from high altitude.
Mount Rainier
The absolute highlight; a close-up, majestic view of Washington's highest peak just 15-20 minutes before landing.
For the best views of Mount Rainier, ensure you are in a window seat well forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you or to the side, illuminating the mountains perfectly. Watch for the 'mountain' approximately 100 miles out from Seattle.
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Florida Wetlands
The intricate network of lakes and marshes in the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama.
Heartland Patchwork
The mesmerizing geometric patterns of agricultural circles and squares across Kansas and Nebraska.
Northern Rockies
Distant views of the Tetons and the vast wilderness areas of Idaho and Montana.
Mount Baker
The icy white peak of the northern Cascades visible as the plane enters Washington state airspace.
Seattle Skyline
Potential views of Lake Washington, the Space Needle, and downtown depending on the specific landing pattern.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh southern sun glare. If the airport is landing to the south (Runway 16), the right side often gets a sweeping view of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains during the final turn.
Book Hotels in SeattleDistance: 4,051 km (2,517 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 46 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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