Tpa Ready for Thanksgiving Rush Following End of Federal Government Shutdown

Tampa International Airport Prepares for Thanksgiving Rush

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is gearing up for a busy holiday season, with an estimated 924,000 passengers expected to pass through the airport during this year’s 12-day Thanksgiving travel period. The end of both the federal government shutdown and FAA-mandated flight reductions has given TPA the green light to fully staff its operations and handle the anticipated influx of travelers.

End of Flight Reductions

The FAA-mandated flight reductions, which had been in place for a while, came to an end last Sunday. This marks the return to normal operations at TPA, where all hands are on deck to ensure smooth and efficient service for passengers. As Thanksgiving approaches, travelers can expect to see full-scale airport activities once again.

Operations Team Readiness

The TPA Operations team is particularly excited about Sunday, November 30, which they anticipate will be the busiest day of the holiday period. With an estimated 86,278 passengers expected to pass through the main terminal on this day, it’s crucial that all staff members are well-prepared to handle the heavy traffic.

Passenger Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience

To ensure a hassle-free Thanksgiving travel experience, TPA offers several tips and reminders for passengers:

• Airside Shuttle Replacement Project: The airport is currently undergoing significant shuttle replacement efforts. Passengers may encounter only one set of shuttle cars running during peak times, which could result in crowded conditions or lines.
• TSA Security Checkpoints: New expanded security checkpoints at Airside A and E have been installed to handle increased passenger flow. While the airports are larger now, longer wait times can still be expected, with a maximum of 25 minutes typically required for screening.
• Avoid Traffic Backups: To avoid traffic congestion at curbside pickup locations, TPA has implemented several options such as Red and Blue Express Curbsides.

  These are ideal for passengers without luggage who can be picked up or dropped off more quickly with minimal traffic disruption. The SkyCenter Remote Curbside is also a convenient option.

• Plan Your Parking: With parking at TPA expected to reach capacity during the holiday period, passengers should consider reserving their spots in advance using the airport’s reservation system. For those just picking up or dropping off guests, the free first hour in the Short Term Garage or the Cell Phone Waiting Lot are viable options.

TPA emphasizes that arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for international flights is essential to avoid delays caused by possible traffic issues. Additionally, passengers should check their pockets thoroughly as jams and jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy, bottles of wine, and other holiday items are commonly confiscated at TSA checkpoints.

Order Ahead for Convenience

To make the arrival process smoother, TPA encourages passengers to order snacks or drinks ahead using services like Uber Eats or the Starbucks mobile app. This way, they can bypass long lines and enjoy their chosen beverages as soon as they arrive at the airport.

Conclusion

Safe and Enjoyable Travel

With these tips in mind, TPA hopes to provide a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday travel experience for all passengers. The team is grateful for the support of travelers who choose Tampa International Airport and wishes everyone a pleasant journey ahead.

Thank you for choosing TPA, and happy travels!