Flying for the holidays? Here are 5 travel hacks for a more merry experience at TPA

With the holiday season upon us, you may be planning some travel over the coming months to visit loved ones or to take that long-awaited winter vacation. Tampa International Airport is expecting close to a million passengers over the next two weeks alone, and even more travelers over the Christmas and New Year's period. The influx of people can create a stressful travel experience, even at convenient airports like TPA.

To help you navigate the holiday bustle, we’ve put together a list of five pro tips to make your TPA experience a little less hectic.

1. Enjoy Traffic-Free Pickup and Drop-Off Locations

During the holiday season, TPA’s arrival and departure curbsides can become congested, especially during peak travel times. Avoid getting caught in long lines of cars waiting to pick up or drop off friends and family. Consider using the Blue Express or the brand-new Red Express curbsides, which opened in August. Originally designed for passengers without checked baggage, these options offer a quick and efficient way to get into the airport when other areas become clogged. An even better choice is TPA’s Remote Curbside, located at the SkyCenter One office building across from and connected via the Sky Bridge to the Rental Car Center. This location rarely experiences heavy traffic and provides easy access to the terminal via the SkyConnect Train. If you have luggage, TPA’s Remote Bag Drop is available seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for passengers traveling on American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, or United.

2. Have an Early Morning Flight?

Consider booking a room at the newly renovated Tampa Airport Marriott. The hotel is directly connected to TPA’s Main Terminal and allows you to enjoy a restful night’s sleep without worrying about traffic and parking when it’s time for your flight. The Marriott even offers special rates that include up to five days of parking. This extra investment in your room ensures you arrive at your gate well-rested and without the added stress of getting to the airport.

3. Get to the Airport and back for less than $5

Looking for an inexpensive ride to the Airport? Consider taking the PSTA 300X Airport Express from Pinellas County or downtown Tampa. These buses are designed specifically for airline passengers and come equipped with luggage racks and free Wi-Fi. If you’re coming from Pinellas, PSTA even offers free parking in their Park & Ride lot on Ulmerton Road. The best part? The bus fare is only $2.25, making it an affordable and convenient option to get to the airport. The 300X service operates on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the last return bus departing TPA around 8:00 p.m. If you're short on time and decide to drive yourself and park at TPA, the best rates are always available by booking in advance on the TPA website.

4. Traveling with Kids?

Waiting in line and going through airport security can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling, especially with children. If it’s been a while since your last flight, don’t forget about the Transportation Security Administration’s new Families on the Fly lanes at select U.S. airports, including TPA. These lanes allow passengers traveling with children 12 and under to use a dedicated, family-friendly lane. Look for special signage near the entrance to each of TPA’s security checkpoints.

5. Looking for a Quiet Spot to Relax or Get Work Done?

If you’re seeking a calming space to relax or catch up on work before your flight, there are several lesser-known spots throughout the airport. In the Main Terminal, there’s a newly expanded area near the future home of the Airside D shuttle lobby. This space is filled with comfortable chairs and charging stations where you can unwind or take a call away from the hustle and bustle of busier areas. The Airport also has an outdoor terrace through the automatic doors near the Airside F shuttle, as well as a quiet outdoor space near the Southwest Airlines ticketing area.

If you find yourself near the Rental Car Center, consider taking the Sky Bridge across to SkyCenter One. From there, take the escalator or elevator to Level 3, where you’ll discover a dedicated area filled with comfortable workstations, tables, and seating—perfect for small groups or a quiet spot to focus.

With these tips in hand, you can navigate the holiday travel season at TPA with ease and enjoy a more pleasant airport experience. For more TPA holiday travel tips, click here.