TAMPA, Fla. — Spring break is known as a time of fun and relaxation for vacationers around the world, but it's also a time for busier than usual travel. This year, it looks like the Tampa Bay area is no exception.
Tampa International Airport says it has already broken its single-day passenger record on Sunday, Feb. 25, with 93,334 people passing through.
Now, TPA projects it could set another new record with more than 100,000 passengers expected on both Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 17. In addition, the airport says it is preparing for anywhere between 90,000-100,000 passengers every weekend during the spring break travel period.
If you plan on making a flight through TPA during spring break, the airport is offering several tips to help ease your travel experience:
Arrive earlier
TPA suggests that passengers should arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
It also notes several construction projects are taking place inside the airport near Airside A and Airside E. This allows less room for people to line up, causing some lines to form inside the main terminal before boarding shuttles.
For those traveling on Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines or Air Canada, the airport says to expect longer than usual wait times during the morning rush, around 5 a.m., because of a separate project to install new shuttles at Airside A and Airside C.
Choose express
If you are traveling with carry-on luggage only, TPA is suggesting you take The Blue Express Curbsides.
The airport suggests it is an easier alternative to the usual departure and arrival curbs, allowing those who don't need to stop at the ticketing or baggage claim levels to get through the main terminal more easily.
Remote bag check
TPA claims spring break is one of the busiest times of the year for its rental car center. It suggests that if you are returning a rental car, consider checking your bags at the airport's remote bag check location.
The remote bag check allows passengers to drop off bags and get their boarding passes before boarding the SkyConnect train.
The service is available for those arriving at least 90 minutes before their flight and is traveling on JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier or Southwest Airlines.
Skip the lines
If you're looking for a bite to eat while waiting for your flight, airport officials suggest using the TPA To Go service through the Uber Eats app.
The app provides estimated wait times so you can avoid standing in line, notifying you when your food is ready at any of its restaurants.
Plan ahead for parking
TPA offers online booking for parking, which has discounted pricing on its short-term, long-term and economy garages. The airport says online bookings can help its staff anticipate high demand and manage parking space availability better.
