Tips For Stress-Free Travel From Tampa Airport: Labor Day 2022

TAMPA BAY, FL — While September and October are among two of the slower months at Florida airports, the demand for air travel continues to grow, especially in the Tampa Bay region, translating into more travel hassles on holidays including Labor Day weekend.

According to Tampa International Airport officials, passenger numbers now meet or exceed pre-pandemic traffic on peak days at Tampa Bay's largest airport. This Labor Day weekend, the airport should see about 340,000 passengers, a 1 percent increase over the same time last year.

As busier runways combined with the possibility of summer storms cause operational hiccups for Florida airports, the airport offers tips to ease the stress this holiday:

Park Smart

Tampa International Airport may experience a tight squeeze in its parking garages over the long weekend with various construction projects underway. The short-term parking garage is expected to be the most affected, and drivers may be directed to the long-term or economy garages during peak times.

To minimize impacts and save time, drivers picking up passengers should use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot or the Blue Express Curbside Arrivals lanes. If parking and going inside the main terminal is preferred, the long-term parking garage offers up to one hour of free parking, just like short-term.

Tampa International Airport offers online booking for those planning to park at TPA during their trips, and reserving ahead not only helps the airport maximize garage space for travelers, but it offers travelers a discounted rate.

Arrive Early

While TPA provides quick and easy security lines, peak busy days could throw a wrench in those procedures. Avoid the stress of nearly missing a flight or, worse, watching your plane take off as you’re running toward the gate.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure, or three hours for international flights. Enjoy any extra time relaxing, charging your phone, grabbing a snack or shopping for souvenirs.

The airport also offers the TPA To Go on the Grab mobile app, allowing you to go straight to your gate area and have someone deliver your food, or skip the lines and pick up your order at the counter or restaurant without waiting.

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 useful.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, 94 percent of precheck passengers nationwide wait less than five minutes at checkpoints, even during busy periods. International passengers with Global Entry going through customs experience less paperwork and reduced lines.

TPA also has Automated Passport Control Kiosks. U.S. and Canadian citizens can download the Mobile Passport app for faster processing.

In any security screening lines, be sure to check all pockets and bags before leaving the house or hotel. Prohibited items such as sharp objects, large containers of liquids and certain food items can cause heavy snags at the checkpoints.

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, or those wanting to bypass the baggage claim crowds can head down to the Express Arrivals curbs to wait for their rides.

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