TPA-Spot1
Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport – Spotting Guide
January 11, 2019
Glasgow-Prestwick Airport – Spotting Guide
January 15, 2019Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport – Spotting Guide
January 11, 2019Glasgow-Prestwick Airport – Spotting Guide
January 15, 2019Tampa Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on April 16, 2024
Tampa International Airport (TPA/KTPA) is the main point of entry for the Greater Tampa Bay Area, which besides the city of Tampa also includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, and the cities along the gulf coast south of the Tampa Bay (Bradenton, Sarasota), which are popular destinations among “snowbirds”. Hence the airport is served by all major domestic carriers (except for Allegiant, which utilizes St. Petersburg as its hub for the area), with Southwest Airlines leading the pack as TPA is one of its focus cities.
Slowly the airport also emerges as a gateway into the Florida gulf coast region for tourists from Europe, however, British Airways, Eurowings and Edelweiss offer frequent connections from Europe all year. TPA also sees a decent volume of cargo traffic – UPS, FedEx and Amazon Air, each of them has a hub there, so 757s, 767s and MD-11s are frequent sightings.
The airport has three runways, but the two parallel runways are in use most of the time, so most movements are fairly predictable. That and given all of the spotting locations on the garages provide a great view and are close to the action makes it one of the most spotter-friendly airports in the USA. It’s a paradise, especially for those who are not looking to get an artsy-fartsy shot – although those are possible – but are simply chasing registrations.
Written by Thomas Okaty, Pete Dias, Konstantin v. Wedelstaedt, Jürgen Kaiser and Martin Rogosz. Last change: March 2024 (Spot 5 updated, Spot 12 and 13 added)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 10/28 | 2133 m (6,999 ft) |
| 01R/19L | 2530 m (8,300 ft) |
| 01L/19R | 3353 m (11,002 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Main Terminal (landside) | The main terminal is in the heart of the airport and it is the access point for all spotting locations listed in this guide except for spot #7. Here you will also find food, drinks and restrooms. |
| Concourse A (airside) | United Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Silver Airways |
| Concourse C (airside) | Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Sun Country, Southwest Airlines |
| Concourse E (airside) | Air Canada, Delta, Frontier |
| Concourse F (airside) | American plus all other intl. carriers like Virgin, Birtish, Discover, Westjet… |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not required. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car required for spots 7-11. Once at the main terminal, all other locations can be reached via the airport’s own train system (“SkyConnect”) or by foot. |
| Restrooms | In the main terminal and in the rental car center. |
| Drinks/Food | There are a handful of fast food places and mid-range restaurants as well as a convenience store located on the 3rd level of the main terminal. |
| Hotels | The Marriott is the only hotel on airport grounds, it is located right night next to the main terminal (See spot 12). Numerous alternatives including more reasonable options can be found all around the airport and most of them offer a shuttle service to the airport and the rental car center. |
| Season | Best in early spring (March-April), when temperatures are still enjoyable and days are getting longer. Avoid May through November even if its a north/south runway direction. It will get hot and humidity will increase, so thunderstorms and heat distortion due to the distance is likely. |
| Security | Spotters are generally very welcome at TPA. Airport management supports spotting from all of the parking garages and there is no permit required to do so, simply stick to the rules of common sense. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 10/28 | Rarely used, only when required due to weather. When coming from South Florida Silver Airways often uses 28 for landings even when 01/19 are operative. |
| 01R/19L | Norhern Ops: Mainly in use for departures by airlines using the eastern terminals like Southwest, United, Breeze, Spirit. Southern Ops: Mainly in use for arrivals airlines using the eastern terminals like Southwest, United, Breeze, Spirit.Furthermore almost all GA and Silver Airways flights use this runway for arrivals and departures, no matter which direction is active. |
| 01L/19R | Northern Ops: Mainly in use for all arrivals except GA traffic and Silver Airways. Furthermore used for departures by carriers using the western terminals like American, Delta, Frontier. Southern Ops: Mainly in use for all departures. Preferred arrival runway by airlines using the western terminals like American, Delta, Frontier. |
Short Term Parking Garage YEAGER Elevators - Rwy 01L/19R departures & arrivals, Terminal E and Cargo ramp and adjacent taxiways
| WHERE | This spot is located on the top deck (level 9) of the short term parking garage (west side). Alternatively, in case of rain or to be in the shade deck 8 can be used as well. Once you have arrived at the main terminal just take the “Yeager” elevator (red) – you can also use the “Sikorsky” (red), “Armstrong” or “Earhart” (both blue) elevators – to level 9.
If you have your own car, then just follow the signs to level 9 after entering the short term parking garage. For parking rates please check http://www.tampaairport.com/parking. |
| WHAT | Rwy 01L/19R departures and arrivals, traffic using taxiways A, B, V and W, traffic on ramp north and south of Terminal E, remote stands between Terminal E and taxiway A (mainly used by all cargo airlines except FedEx). |
| TIME | Taxiways A and B from sunrise until sunset. Traffic pulling into the north E ramp and the remote stands from sunrise until mid afternoon (just wait for the right angle to get a properly lit shot). Everything else from sunrise until around noon. |
| MISC. | For food, drinks and restrooms just take one of the elevators down to level 3. No shade or shelter on the top deck! ATTENTION: From this spot the Marriott’s pool deck is visible, so do not point your lens or binoculars at the pool area or even take pictures! In the worst case, disobeying this unwritten but common sense rule and thus abusing the airport management’s attitude to be well-disposed to spotters could lead to prohibiting photography at this location (this also incl. spot #2)! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Short Term Parking Garage SIKORSKY Elevators - Rwy 01R/19L departures & arrivals, Terminal C ramp and adjacent taxiways
| WHERE | This spot is located on the top deck (level 9) of the short term parking garage (east side). Alternatively, in case of rain or to be in the shade deck 8 can be used as well. Once you have arrived at the main terminal just take the “Sikorsky” elevator (red) – you can also use the “Yeager” (red), “Armstrong” or “Earhart” (both blue) elevators – to level 9.
If you have your own car, then just follow the signs to level 9 after entering the short term parking garage. For parking rates please check http://www.tampaairport.com/parking. |
| WHAT | Rwy 01R/19L departures and arrivals, traffic using taxiways A, B and C, traffic on ramp west and south of Terminal C, aircraft parked in front of the maintenance facility on the other side of the runway. |
| TIME | Taxiways A and B and west side of the Terminal C ramp from sunrise until sunset. South side of the Terminal C ramp from late morning until sunset (when the aircraft is turning towards you just wait for the right angle to get a properly lit shot). Everything else from around noon until sunset. |
| MISC. | For food, drinks and restrooms just take one of the elevators down to level 3. No shade or shelter on the top deck! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Long Term Parking Garage WRIGHT Elevators - Rwy 01L/19R departures & arrivals, Terminal E and F ramp and adjacent taxiways
| WHERE | This spot is located on the top deck (level 8) of the long term parking garage (west side). From level 3 in the main terminal follow the signs for “Long Term Parking” – look for the blue elevators and take the walkway between them, at the end is an overpass. Go across – you are now on level 4 of the long term parking garage – keep to the right and proceed to the “Wright” elevators (orange). Take the elevator up to the top (level 8) and pick your preferred position along the edge of the deck. This spot is similar to spot #1, but the roof top deck of the long term parking garage is much lower than the highest deck of the short term parking garage, hence the angle is a bit different, and it is slightly closer to the action, but the field of view is more limited.
From this spot you can also walk across the parking deck to spot #4, which is on the other side. If you have your own car, then park in the short term parking garage and take one of the elevators to level 3 in the main terminal. For parking rates please check http://www.tampaairport.com/parking . |
| WHAT | Rwy 01L/19R departures and arrivals, traffic on taxiways V and W and on ramp between Terminal E and F. Most of the 19R takeoffs will rotate in the visible section of the runway. |
| TIME | From Sunrise until around noon. |
| MISC. | Food, drinks and restrooms can be found on level 3 of the main terminal. No shade or shelter! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Long Term Parking Garage LINDBERGH Elevators - Rwy 01R/19L departures & arrivals and taxiways A & C
| WHERE | This spot is located on the top deck (level 8) of the long term parking garage (east side). From level 3 in the main terminal follow the signs for “Long Term Parking” – look for the blue elevators and take the walkway between them, at the end is an overpass. Go across – you are now on level 4 of the long term parking garage – keep to the left and proceed to the “Lindbergh” elevators (brown). Take the elevator up to the top (level 8) and pick your preferred position along the edge of the deck. This spot is similar to spot #2, but the roof top deck of the long term parking garage is much lower than the highest deck of the short term parking garage, hence the angle is a bit different, and it is slightly closer to the action, but the field of view is more limited.
From this spot you can also walk across the parking deck to spot #3, which is on the other side. If you have your own car, then park in the short term parking garage and take one of the elevators to level 3 in the main terminal. For parking rates please check http://www.tampaairport.com/parking . |
| WHAT | Rwy 01R/19L departures and arrivals as well as traffic on taxiways A and C. The view on the ramp between Terminal A and the baggage sorting facility (formerly Terminal B) is obstructed by the elevated rails of the airport train. |
| TIME | From around noon until sunset. |
| MISC. | Food, drinks and restrooms can be found on level 3 of the main terminal. No shade or shelter! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Economy Parking Garage WEST - Rwy 01L/19R arrivals & departures, Rwy 10/28 arrivals & departures, Rwy 19L arrivals, Terminal A ramp
| WHERE | From level 3 in the main terminal follow the signs to “Economy Parking/Rental Car Center”. Take the “SkyConnect” train towards the Rental Car Center and get off at the Economy Parking Garage station. Walk up (or take the elevator) to level 5 and go to the northwest corner. The spotting location is partially covered. Alternatively you can also go up to level 6, but there is no shade or shelter at all.
From this spot you can also walk across the parking deck to spot #6, which is located on the east side of the garage. If you have your own car, then just follow the signs to level 5 after entering the economy parking garage. For parking rates please check http://www.tampaairport.com/parking |
| WHAT | Takeoffs from 19R, traffic on short final for 01L (you won’t be able to catch 90 degree/touchdowns as the view is blocked by trees), arrivals on 19R when they leave the runway onto taxiways W1-4 or J, traffic on taxiway J between Terminals A and F, traffic on ramp south and west of Terminal A. |
| TIME | Arrivals on 19R (wait for the proper angle), traffic on taxiway J and on ramp south and west of Terminal A from sunrise until sunset. Takeoffs from 19R and arrivals on 01L from sunrise until around noon. |
| MISC. | Bring everything you need. Restrooms are on the 1st level of the west side elevators (train station side). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400 mm |
Economy Parking Garage EAST - Rwy 01R/19L arrivals & departures, Rwy 10/28 arrivals & departures, Terminal A & GAT ramp
| WHERE | From level 3 in the main terminal follow the signs to “Economy Parking/Rental Car Center”. Take the “SkyConnect” train towards the Rental Car Center and get off at the Economy Parking Garage station. Walk up (or take the elevator) to level 5 and proceed to the other (east) side of the deck. Here you can either spot from the corner of deck or from the open staircase (see map), which enables you to see approaching planes better and earlier, but taxiway J and the Terminal A ramp are no longer visible. Alternatively you can also go up to level 6.
From this spot you can also walk across the parking deck to spot #5, which is located on the west side of the garage. If you have your own car, then just follow the signs to level 5 after entering the economy parking garage. For parking rates please check http://www.tampaairport.com/parking |
| WHAT | From the corner spot: Takeoffs from 19L, landings on 01R, traffic on taxiway J between Terminals A and F, traffic on ramp south and west of Terminal A, planes parked at the western edge of the GAT area. From the staircase: Takeoffs from 19L, landings on 01R, planes parked at the western edge of the GAT area. |
| TIME | Traffic on taxiway J and on ramp south and west of Terminal A from sunrise until sunset. Everything else from around noon to sunset. |
| MISC. | Bring everything you need. Restrooms are on the 1st level of the west side elevators (train station side). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 19L Departures & 01R Arrivals: 70-300 mm Everything else: 100-400 mm |
Cypress Point Park Beach - 01L Arrivals
| WHERE | You need a car to get to this spot. Coming from the airport (George J. Bean Pkwy, main terminal or rental car center) take exit “Spruce St”, then stay in the left lane and take left(!) exit “Cypress St”. Turn left at the stop sign and follow the road until the next stop sign. Turn right at the stop sign and follow the road, which ends at the entrance of the park (parking lot). If you have a navigation system or a smart phone, then just search for “Cypress Point Park”.
Park your car in the lot (free of charge, there is also no charge for entering the park), then walk down to the beach on the west side of the park. Once at the beach follow it along towards north until where the woods reach all the way to the water. Find your preferred position within this area. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on final for runway 01L. 19R can be spotted as well but not the best angel. |
| TIME | From around noon until sunset. |
| MISC. | Bring food, drinks and perhaps bug spray. Restrooms are in the park next to the parking lot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Grand Hyatt - 01L Arrivals & 19R Departures
| WHERE | If you are a guest at the hotel you can simply take the shuttle bus from the airport. Otherwise you need a car to get to this spot. Coming from the airport (George J. Bean Pkwy, main terminal or rental car center) take exit “Clearwater (Highway 60 East)”. Keep following the signs to Clearwater, then get off at exit “Bayport Dr” (180 degree turn). At the stop sign, turn right and go straight at the next stop sign. From there you can already see two high-rise buildings to your left, one of them is the Grand Hyatt. Follow the road to the hotel. It offers a rooftop terrace on the uppermost floor with a great view of the airport. Furthermore you can book a room in advance facing eastwards in one of the uppermost floors. Attention as March 2024: the parking garage was used to be a good spotting location but due to new installed power lines, light poles and the growing vegetation, it is no longer possible to take adequate photos from here. If you are not a hotel guest please use spot 7 or 10 instead. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on final for runway 01L and departures from runway 19R in climb. |
| TIME | From around noon until sunset. |
| MISC. | Of course you should be a hotel guest to use the terrace. Might be closed for public due to private events. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400 mm |
La Salle St - 01L Arrivals
| WHERE | You need a car to get to this spot. Coming from the airport (George J. Bean Pkwy, main terminal or rental car center) take exit “Spruce St”, then stay in the left lane and take left(!) exit “Cypress St”. Turn left at the stop sign and take the next left on to W La Salle St. Follow La Salle until you see business building on your right. The spot is roadside next to the business property, however, there is no public parking available. If you park your car in the lot of the business be prepared to be asked to leave. On weekends it is to park there and spot from the business. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on final for runway 01L |
| TIME | From Sunrise until around noon. |
| MISC. | No food and drinks, no restrooms. Bring what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-250 mm (A320 = 135mm) |
Skyway Park Trail - 01L arrivals
| WHERE | The Skyway Park Trail runs along the highway 60 and begins at the Hyatt Hotel (Spot 8) and ends at the Cypress Beach (Spot 7). So get rid of your car at one of the previous mentioned locations and walk along the trail until you have reached the 01L approach path. You can portions yourself all along the trail for your preferred angle. The advantage of this spot compared to the other two is that you can get much closer to the traffic. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on final for runway 01L only. |
| TIME | From early afternoon until sunset. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close and no shade, so be prepared! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 737/A320=220mm; A350=130mm |
W Hillsborough Ave (Dead Exit) - 19R Arrivals
| WHERE | You need a car to get to this spot. Coming from the airport (George J. Bean Pkwy, main terminal or rental car center) take exit North Veterans Expwy (Hwy 589). Then stay in the right lanes and follow the signs to Eisenhower Blvd / Air Cargo. Once on Eisenhower Blvd stay in the second lane from the right. Turn right at the light towards Raymond James Stadium / Air Cargo and continue on road through runway 19R approach zone. Make a U-turn at the second left (not permitted at the first intersection). Then follow the W Hillsborough Ave back in the right lane towards Eisenhower Blvd. Immediately after passing through the next lights at the intersection of W Hillsborough Ave and Benjamin Rd take the exit (There are no signs!). Follow this dead exit road to the abandoned gate and park your car roadside / on the shoulder near the gate. Pick a spot closer to the main road to clear power lines and various signs in the frame. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on final for runway 19R. |
| TIME | From early afternoon until sunset. |
| MISC. | No food and drinks, no restrooms. Bring what you need. According to local spotters, police occasionally shows up, but usually just asks a couple of questions. During our last visit we didn’t encounter any problems, but as always be prepared to be approached by police and follow the golden rules – stay calm, be nice, be cooperative. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-200 mm (763 = 80mm) |
Tampa Airport Marriott - Ramp
| WHERE | The “Tampa Airport Marriott” is a fantastic plane spotting hotel which is connected directly to the terminal. All rooms are offering a partially view of the airport, but we recommend to book one in the northern or western side. The eastern side is blocked by the sky train to the southwest satellite. Furthermore request a room in one of the upper levels. All rooms have huge windows, which cannot be opened. Another option is to visit on of the outside stairwells. You can also stay at the pool area and watch the traffic. |
| WHAT | Depends one where you stay but in general best for cargo ramp on the west side and taxiway Alpha and Bravo on the north side. Runway 01L/19R is visible in the distance but a bit far for proper photos. |
| TIME | Usually the whole day if you face north. Western part in the morning. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is in the hotel. Be aware of trees and light poles that may interrupt the sight. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-300mm should cover everything |
Airport Service Rd - 01R movements
| WHERE | Pretty nice location directly at the threshold of runway 01R. You can easily reach it from the rental car center and the economy parking garages by driving eastwards on Airport Service Rd. Pass the approach path and park the car by the roadside after the right turn. The fence is not really high at this point so if you are tall enough you can shoot over it or climb on the guardrail. If you have a pickup truck you can use the bed too (see Southwest sample photo). Furthmore you can stay a bit southwards where the fence is going down so you can easily clear it (see United old colors). |
| WHAT | Awesome place for all 01R line-ups and arrivals. Part of the GA can be seen as well. |
| TIME | From Sunrise until around noon. |
| MISC. | No food and drinks, no restrooms. Bring what you need. According to local spotters, police occasionally shows up, but usually just asks a couple of questions. During our last visit we didn’t encounter any problems, but as always be prepared to be approached by police and follow the golden rules – stay calm, be nice, be cooperative. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Saab 2000 = 100mm; Hawker approach = 300mm; 38M line-up = 130mm |
Thanks for adding spot 12.
At spot 11 there is a bowling alley that you can get food and use the restroom, they are always super nice
I added a new spot its the Home2 hotel on W Laurel St but idk why it isn’t showing up. And I stayed there last year btw.
Hi –
Not sure if I understand what you mean by “I added a new spot” – only the spotterguide.net crew members can edit the guides. Please send 1-2 sample photos to support@spotterguide.net for us to review.
Thanks,
Thomas
-spotterguide crew-
Well I guess I forgot that the spottersguide.net crew are the only ones to add spots. Anyway a week ago I contacted the crew to add a new spot to the TPA spotting guide and I scented some pictures too but if you want more I uploaded a 30 minute YouTube video of me plane spotting there. And btw the footage was recorded 1 year ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Pcln5Ttvo
Level 9 at the Short Time Parking Garage is open again.
Thanks for the hint. I have updated the guide.
-Julian
Hi, Kevin here from Tampa. Been here pretty much most my life and have flown in and out of here many times. Never plane watched before but interested in trying it sometime. What are good areas to join other spotters to meet and do you guys mind newcomers.
I found myself another great spot for 1L arrivals. As I prefer approach shots there 7s a great place for 1L from 12 noon on. Go to spot 8 and park your car I the garage. Leave the garage on the back side towards the highway. Just in front of the high wall in front of the highway there is a jogging and biking trail called the Skyway Park trail. Follow this and it leads you straight to the 1L approach. Pick your favourite spot. I can imagine that you can also stand directly under the landing aircraft but I did not check this
Hi Jürgen, is there any advantage to leave the garage and walk down to the trail? I am just wondering because 01L can be photographed from the garage as well.
-Julian
Hi Julian, for me definitely because
– much closer to the incoming traffic
– no disturbing lamp posts
– some shade with trees available
Can you send us some photos to support@spotterguide.net please.
Thanks, Julian
Hello, first of all, this is a very useful guide! I’ve looked at other sites when I’ve wanted to do spotting before, but I have not been to this spotting guide before. I love the way you have the information laid out so clearly, so I will be coming back with questions about different airports once I do start traveling again, hopefully soon. I live near Portland Airport, KPDX, but may be going to Tampa to visit family soon. I would love to be able to do some spotting while there, but I come at it from a different angle, as I happen to be totally blind, yet have as strong as ever passion for following airplanes. I note there are quite a few possible spots, but can anyone tell me if there might be any of these where I could really be able to hear the sounds of landings/takeoffs? I bring a scanner so I can monitor ATC so I know what’s coming. I’ve done this sort of thing already at LAX and SFO, and have had a blast each time. Obviously, I’m not worried about camera angles/lenses, although I could try taking videos for the sound using my iPhone if I caught anything that did sound good. I usually am resourceful enough where I can find help getting to where I’d need to go, so please don’t let that get in the way of any suggestions. This got long, I know, thanks at least for listening!
Hi Pete, thanks for your positive feedback. I don’t live in Tampa but have been there some years ago. The major spots are all on the parking garages in the middle of the airport, between the runways. In you situation I don`t think these are the best spots for you as they are too far away from the runway as you focus on their sound only. I think the best places for you are the Cypress Point Park or the La Salle St. Both are quiet places and should be fine for you. Both are okay if runway 01L/19R is active.
Hope this will help you!
Best Regards
Julian
The Grand Hyatt 14th floor rooftop patio can be used for plane spotting bc I heard from one of the Grand Hyatt Armanis is permanently shut down. The Staff is friendly at the hotel and was ok with spotters going up there and taking pictures.
My son and I are flying into the hotel at the airport hoping to get some spotting in. He’s the spotter, I’m the supportive dad who lugs the gear and pays the bills. Anyone got any tips for spotting while staying at the airport overnight?
Hi Javier,
First of all two thumbs up for you supporting your son’s passion!
Unfortunately, it’s not the best time of the year for spotting in Florida, but since you’ll be there anyway I recommend to try early in the morning (starting right at sunrise). In terms of weather and light this will probably be the best chance for some decent shots. It often gets ugly during the day and thunderstorms are common. There might be decent “gaps” in the later afternoon, but it will likely be humid and hazy …
In terms of spotting locations, you can easily move between the parking garages by taking the airport train. So if you are in any of the airport hotels other than the Marriott (which is right next to the terminal), then park your car in the economy garage and use the airport train from there. For details regarding traffic patterns and the individual advantages and disadvantages of each spotting location please check the guide.
P.S.: Tell you son to pick a more northern airport during the summer months next time 😉
Happy spotting,
Thomas
– spotterguide crew –
Hallo Thomas
Thanks for you answer. I totally agree with you and I am a great fan and supporter of the guide, using it always for my trips and sharing it with all my spotter contacts.
I also have already contributed to the guide, writing some guide and updating others.
That’s why I suggest not to use generic indications – 100-400 you will admit, is not a realistic indication – but, as done in the most airport guides in Spotterguide.net, indicate in the focal lens used for the specidf photo shown.
I give you an example because it is needed: in many cases, I did not go to a specific airport because the focal lens lenght indicated in your guide was out from what I have available or because, again as an example, because ai don’t like pics taken with more that 300 mm.
I must also add that I still use slides and so, the focal lenght issue is even more relevant.
Your guides are simply great, much better than any other is possible to find on the net. Keeping them relevant and at the top position is a great job you and your team are doing. To keep it at the top, adding just a more simple info, would be even better.
All the best and again, congratulation for the great job you are doing for the spotter community.
Marco