As the final school bells ring and Memorial Day weekend approaches, Tampa International Airport is preparing for what promises to be a very busy few months ahead. With peak days now exceeding pre-pandemic levels, TPA and its airlines, federal agency partners and other airport businesses are getting ready to see steady and heavy volumes of more than 70,000 daily passengers.
The Transportation Security Administration recently announced its operational readiness in regard to staffing and screening technology and TPA’s Customs and Border Protection checkpoint may see more travelers as the Airport now has several weekly flights to and from London, Cancun, Zurich, Frankfurt and other international cities.
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While busier runways combined with the possibility of summer storms can sometimes cause operational hiccups for Florida airports, TPA aims to make the passenger experience as pleasant and smooth as possible.
How to deal with a record summer travel season
Here are some tips on how to make travel smooth for the summer:
- ORDER AHEAD — PARKING: TPA offers online booking for those planning to park at TPA during their trips. Reserving ahead not only helps TPA maximize its garage space for travelers, but it offers a discounted rate as well.
- ORDER AHEAD — FOOD: Think you’ll arrive hungry? The Airport also offers TPA To Go on the Grab mobile app, allowing you to go straight to your gate area and have someone deliver your food.
- ARRIVE EARLY: While TPA is known for quick and easy security lines, peak busy days could throw a wrench in those expectations. Avoid the stress of nearly missing a flight and plan to get to the Airport at least two hours before departure, or three hours for international flights.
- SAIL THROUGH SECURITY: For anyone planning to travel more than once or twice a year, the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are your friends.
- CHOOSE EXPRESS: For passengers traveling without checked luggage, TPA offers a streamlined drop-off and pick-up experience at the recently opened Blue Express Curbsides. Drivers can follow the road signs to Express Departures where the passengers can go straight up to the Transfer Level.
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