AIRSIDE SHUTTLE REPLACEMENT
Teams continue their work on TPA’s massive shuttle replacement project, installing and testing the next generation of shuttle cars that quickly transport passengers between the Main Terminal and Airsides. This project is especially challenging, as engineers are working to install and test an entirely new software system that replaces some of the original components, which date back to when the airport first opened in 1971. Until the new shuttles are fully operational, passengers may encounter only a single set of shuttle cars running, which can result in crowded conditions or even lines during peak travel times. As always, we recommend passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before traveling internationally to allow for any possible delays.
TSA SECURITY CHECKPOINTS
Earlier this year, TPA unveiled new expanded security checkpoints at Airside A and Airside E, featuring additional space and new screening technology. While the checkpoints are larger now, passengers can still expect longer lines during peak times over the Thanksgiving travel period. Wait times at TPA’s TSA security checkpoints rarely exceed 25 minutes, but it’s still a good idea to allow for some extra time.
AVOID TRAFFIC BACKUPS AT THE CURBS
As the number of passengers flying through TPA nears record levels, the team has worked to expand capacity at our pick-up and drop-off locations across the campus, including our brand-new Red Express Curbsides, which opened earlier this year, and our extremely popular Blue Express Curbs, which opened in 2021. Both the Red and Blue Express Curbsides are ideal for passengers traveling without luggage, as they can be picked up and dropped off more quickly where traffic rarely backs up. Another option is to use the SkyCenter Remote Curbside across the street from TPA’s Rental Car Center. Guests being dropped off can utilize the Sky Bridge on Level 4 to walk across to the SkyConnect train for the approximately five-minute ride to TPA’s Main Terminal. If you have luggage, you can take advantage of the Rental Car Center’s Remote Bag Check, which is available from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is offered to most domestic passengers arriving at least 90 minutes prior to their flight. Participating airlines include American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and United.
Arriving passengers can also be picked up from SkyCenter by taking the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal to the Rental Car Center. If you’re just here to pick someone up, take advantage of our Cell Phone Waiting Lot, which is equipped with large flight information screens, restrooms, charging stations, and vending machines. TPA asks drivers NEVER to park along the Parkway leading into the airport, as this creates a safety issue. Airport Police will be on patrol and ticketing drivers parked illegally.
PLAN FOR PARKING
As demand for parking at TPA continues to increase, passengers can expect TPA’s Short Term, Long Term, and Economy Parking Garages to reach capacity at times during the holidays. Look for digital signage at the entrance to TPA, which will alert drivers to any garages nearing capacity or full. Consider reserving your parking spot at least 24 hours in advance using TPA’s parking reservation system, which guarantees the best price when parking at the Airport. If you’re just here to pick someone up, parking is free for the first hour in the Short Term Garage, or you can use TPA’s convenient Cell Phone Waiting Lot. When your party arrives at the Airport, you can have them meet you at Blue Arrivals or Red Arrivals for their airline or at the Blue or Red Express Curbside locations, where traffic is less congested. During extreme peak periods when traffic backs up, passengers can take the SkyConnect train to the Rental Car Center for fast and easy pickup at the SkyCenter Remote Curbside.
CHECK YOUR POCKETS
Jams and jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy, bottles of wine, and other Thanksgiving treats are commonly confiscated at TSA checkpoints, along with the usual prohibited items such as knives and firearms. To keep things flowing smoothly through screening, be sure to check your pockets and carry-on luggage before leaving home.
SKIP THE LINES
You already know you’ll need a snack or a caffeine fix once you arrive at TPA. Why not order ahead and have your latte or burger waiting for you when you arrive? Customers can use either Uber Eats or the Starbucks mobile app to order and pay in advance, then swing by the counter to pick up their items without standing in line.
With these tips in mind, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday travel experience at Tampa International Airport. Thank you for choosing TPA, and happy travels!
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