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TRI → PIE
Which side of the plane to sit from Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport (BRISTOL) to St Petersburg Clearwater International Airport (St. Petersburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior aerial views of the Great Smoky Mountains shortly after takeoff and provides a dramatic panoramic approach over the Gulf of Mexico and the Pinellas County coastline.
Great Smoky Mountains
Spectacular views of the highest peaks in the Appalachian range, often shrouded in their signature blue mist.
Lake Hartwell
A sprawling 56,000-acre reservoir on the Savannah River straddling the Georgia and South Carolina border.
Oconee National Forest
Deep green expanses of Georgia pine forests that dominate the mid-flight scenery.
Gulf of Mexico
The turquoise waters of the Gulf become visible as the plane begins its descent into the Tampa Bay area.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Depending on the landing pattern, you can often see the golden cables of this iconic bridge spanning Tampa Bay.
Book an afternoon flight to witness a stunning sunset over the Gulf of Mexico during your descent. Keep your camera ready as you pass south of Atlanta for potential views of Stone Mountain, and stay alert during the final 10 minutes for the white sandy beaches of Clearwater.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Dense, rolling ridgelines of the Pisgah National Forest visible shortly after departing the Tri-Cities area.
Lake Murray
A massive, irregularly shaped reservoir near Columbia, South Carolina, known for its extensive shoreline.
Okefenokee Swamp
The vast, dark-water wilderness of the Georgia-Florida border, appearing as a primitive green mosaic.
St. Johns River
The longest river in Florida, winding through the landscape near the Jacksonville metro area.
Orlando Lakes
Hundreds of circular freshwater lakes dotting the central Florida landscape as the flight moves south.
Early morning flights are best for the left side to avoid direct sun glare while catching the sunrise over the Atlantic horizon. Look for the silver reflection of the St. Johns River as a key navigation landmark halfway through the flight.
Distance: 953 km (592 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: TRI (36.475201, -82.40740100000001)
Arrival: PIE (27.91020012, -82.68740082)
Route Type: Domestic
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