Thanksgiving travel period could top 80,000 passengers
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is bracing for a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel period, with daily passenger volumes anticipated to average around 80,000 during the 11-day holiday stretch from November 16 to November 26. This surge in traffic is expected to peak on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the subsequent Sunday, with estimates suggesting as many as 84,000 to 87,000 passengers on each of these days.
In light of the expected congestion, TPA is taking proactive measures to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers. The airport’s parking team is urging travelers to pre-book their parking spaces online to avoid the risk of full garages. This strategy not only guarantees a parking spot for travelers but also assists the airport in efficiently managing parking resources during the high-demand season.
To reduce congestion caused by ride-share pickups, TPA is directing passengers using services like Uber and Lyft on the Blue Side to the Blue Express Curbsides. This move aims to ease traffic at the Blue baggage claim area. Similarly, for the Red Side, ride-share users can opt for the Red Arrivals drive or head to the Blue Express Curbsides via an elevator.
TPA is emphasizing the importance of early arrival at the airport. Normally, passengers can quickly get through the airport to their gates, but the holiday season’s large crowds could lead to longer lines and unexpected delays. Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
The airport is also reminding passengers to thoroughly check their carry-on luggage and pockets before leaving for the airport. Items such as jams, jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy, bottles of wine, and other Thanksgiving-related treats are commonly confiscated at TSA checkpoints, along with prohibited items like knives and firearms. Proper checking prior to arrival can help maintain smooth flow through security screenings.
To further enhance the travel experience, TPA is encouraging passengers to use TPA To Go or the Starbucks mobile app for pre-ordering food and beverages. This service allows travelers to bypass lines and quickly pick up their orders upon arrival at the airport.
With these comprehensive measures in place, Tampa International Airport is committed to ensuring that the Thanksgiving travel period is as efficient and stress-free as possible for all passengers.
