TAMPA, Fla. — As Tampa International Airport kicks off the Thanksgiving travel week with minimal delays, it's being recognized as one of the best airports in the nation.
Wall Street Journal released its list of "The Best and Worst U.S. Airports of 2023," a ranking of the 50 busiest airports in the country. The 50 total airports in the report are divided into two groups: the 20 best large airports and the 30 best midsize airports.
TPA took the No. 10 spot on the midsize list, which was led by San Jose Mineta International Airport in California.
Wall Street Journal created the list using two main categories — reliability and value & convenience — and 30 different subcategories assessing everything from the rate of on-time arrivals and departures to the number of water filling stations and the quality of seats outside the gates.
There were several subcategories that bumped TPA up in the rankings, including fast security clearance, where it ranked 4th out of all 30 midsize airports. The airport also received high marks for its number of non-stop destinations, the airport layout and the quality of gate seats.
The airport got low scores for a few subcategories like its rate of flight cancellations, its rate of on-time arrivals and its taxi/ride-share services.
TPA will truly be put to the test this week as it braces for its busiest Thanksgiving travel season ever. Airport officials expect 80,000 passengers will pass through each day from now through Sunday, Nov. 26. The two busiest days will likely be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after.