TPA expects a busy summer travel season
Peak passenger days will be spread over several months, so be sure to plan ahead before you make the trip to the Airport.
After a record spring break period, Tampa International Airport is expecting nearly 3.4 million passengers during the busy summer travel months between Memorial Day and mid-August when students return to school. The figure represents an estimated 4 percent increase over the same period in 2023. TPA will average 238 daily departures (476 total daily flights) over the summer with approximately 71,000 passengers daily.
June 2, July 6, July 20 and Aug. 3 are forecast to be top travel days for TPA over the summer.
As always, during anticipated busy periods, passengers should plan to arrive at the Airport at least two hours before domestic flight departures and three hours before international departures to ensure plenty of time to park, check-in, clear the security checkpoint and grab any last-minute snacks or items before boarding.
Here are some other tips to help make summer travels go smoothly at TPA:
CHOOSE EXPRESS: Want even faster drop-off and pick-up? The innovative Blue Express Curbsides are an easy alternative to the regular Departures and Arrivals lanes, particularly for those who don’t need to stop at the Ticketing or Baggage Claim levels to get in and out of the Main Terminal. Drivers can follow the signage to Express for a less crowded drop-off and pick-up experience. Red Express Curbsides are currently under construction and are scheduled to be completed by next summer.
PLAN AHEAD FOR PARKING: TPA offers online booking for parking, guaranteeing a space will be available when you arrive at the Airport. Online bookings help TPA anticipate demand and manage its garage space availability, making parking easier for everyone.
CHECK THE WEATHER: It's summer in Florida, which means pop-up thunderstorms and lightning happen almost daily. Fortunately, most storms are brief and cause only short pauses in flight schedules, but it's always best to be aware of the weather forecast and check with your airline ahead of time to ensure your flight is still departing on time. Keep in mind that early morning flights typically have a better chance of staying on schedule.
AVOID CIRCLING: Circling the roadways or lingering at the curbs is not allowed, so drivers picking up passengers should use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, which has restrooms, free Wi-Fi, EV charging stations and info boards listing flight arrival times. Once a passenger is ready and at the curb, their driver can get there in a flash without adding unnecessary traffic to TPA’s roadways.
SKIP THE LINES: TPA offers two types of amenities to help passengers avoid lines and breeze through the airport experience: Self-serve boarding pass kiosks
and online food ordering via Uber Eats. Check-in kiosks are available at both the Ticketing Level (2nd Floor) and on the Transfer Level (3rd floor) near the shuttle entrances, so those dropped off from the Blue Express curbs can head straight to the shuttles, stopping at the kiosks if needed. Once you get to your gate, relax and order breakfast, lunch or dinner using the Uber Eats app and pick it up when it's ready.
LEAVE YOUR FURRY FRIENDS AT HOME: Animals are not allowed at TPA except those traveling or providing a service. Those traveling with pets must keep them in a carrier or on a short leash while inside the terminals for the safety of other guests and pets. For more information on airline policies and TPA's pet relief areas, go here.
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES: TPA has Nursing Rooms and Pet Relief areas at every airside, water bottle filling stations near the drinking fountains, a USO office for military families, Travelers’ Aid and Sunflower Lanyards for passengers with hidden disabilities. Stop by the Information Desk located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal, in the Rental Car Center or in the Baggage Claim areas for directions or info.
NEED TRAVEL INSPIRATION? Check out TPA’s brand new webpage, which features all our nonstop destinations this summer, including brand new service to Mexico City beginning July 1. Nonstop destinations are searchable by region, city, or even airline to help passengers find the perfect flight, save money and earn miles on their favorite carrier.
To learn more about Tampa International Airport before your travels, go to tampaairport.com