12
May
2020
|
16:04 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

TPA Ready Update: Major components of plan now in place

Passengers can expect to see more plastic shields, more social distance markers and more masks beginning this week.

As Tampa International Airport begins to see a slight rise in passenger numbers, the Airport’s Operations and Maintenance teams are putting the final pieces of its TPA Ready plan in place this week.

Beginning this week, all employees including concessionaires and airline workers who work in public-facing spaces are required to wear masks and TPA is strongly recommending passengers wear masks too, as many airlines now require them to board. The Airport is installing the last of its plastic shields at several ticket counters and cashier kiosks, as well as hundreds more floor decals in shuttle areas and lines, directing people how to space six feet apart.

TPA has been seeing daily passenger numbers reach or exceed 6,000, up from the average daily traffic of 2,500 to 3,000 in early April. While those numbers are still just a fraction of typical May traffic of 70,000 or more daily passengers, the increase follows the national upward curve as businesses begin to reopen and people begin traveling more.

“As we start to see passengers returning to the airport, we want to ensure we have most or all of our new safety measures as COVID-19 continues to be an active concern in our communities,” TPA Director of Operations Adam Bouchard said. “We are closely monitoring CDC and state guidance in how we can best protect our employees and guests, and we will always err on the side of caution when it comes to disease prevention, cleanliness and hygiene.”

TPA has also increased janitorial crew staff, which are applying the latest disinfectant products and technology to sanitize surfaces, restrooms, hand rails, elevator buttons and other touch points.

As a reminder, passengers and guests should follow some new guidelines when coming to TPA:

  • Departing passengers should plan to arrive two hours before flights depart to avoid last-minute rush and crowding of shuttles and lines, as well as giving ample time for TSA screening.
  • If picking up arriving passengers, please use the Cell Phone Lot or wait in the Short Term Garage, as only ticketed passengers are allowed in the Main Terminal or facilities unless assisting someone in need.
  • All passengers should wear a mask while traveling through TPA.

For more tips on how to prevent the spread of germs while traveling, check out the CDC’s latest guidance for coronavirus and traveling in the U.S.