Tampa International Airport has become a consistent favorite of travelers throughout the country, lauded for its ability to connect destinations with ease.
Within the past month alone, both TPA and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority have received four awards for cutting-edge projects within their “Master Plan” construction program, as well as actionable steps the airport is taking to reduce its carbon footprint.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more impressive, TPA is even a finalist for the 2022 America’s Best Restroom contest!
Needless to say, there’s a lot going on at one of the most decorated airports of the past several years. Here are the latest additions you’ll want to know for your upcoming trip:
Blue & Red Express Curbsides
If you are traveling with only a carry-on, you are now able to circumvent the entire ticketing and baggage claim levels and get dropped off directly at the terminal. The Blue Express Curbsides were finished late last year and are considered the first of its kind in the nation. And the crew has already started to lay down the foundation for the Red Express Curbsides, projected to be completed by Summer 2025. The goal is to alleviate traffic congestion and make your traveling experience seamless. Utilizing the new lanes will make you feel like a VIP of the sky.
TPA’s First Nonstop Service to London Heathrow
If you are a true travel junkie, you will be elated to hear that TPA announced its first ever nonstop flight to Heathrow Airport, one of London’s major international hubs. This not only reflects the Tampa Bay area’s growing appetite for international routes but also its rise to prominence in the global arena. The new route by Virgin Atlantic is scheduled to start in early November with a goal of transitioning into a daily offering toward late November. If you have never been to London, now is the perfect time to explore a new city!
Frontier Airlines’ New International Routes
If London is not your cup of tea, TPA announced four new international routes to the Caribbean. Who doesn’t love a nice beach vacation less than three hours away? You are now able to find new nonstop flights to Cancun, Jamaica and Puerto Rico for less than 100 dollars each way. This is your sign to pack your bags and explore beyond Tampa borders.
Our Little Suitcase
Arriving with children has become easier at TPA thanks to a local mom-and-pop business, Our Little Suitcase. The rental company aims to make parents’ lives more convenient, cheaper, and ultimately hassle-free by allowing families to rent baby equipment and beach equipment, right from the Main Terminal at Level 1 Red Baggage Claim. If your friends and family members are traveling with little ones, they don’t have to pay any extra baggage fees while having peace of mind that everything available is meticulously cleaned between rentals.
Giant Flamingo Sculpture
If you haven’t been to the airport in a few months—or followed the airport’s wildly popular social media accounts—don’t be surprised to see a 21-foot tall giant flamingo near the Shoppes at Bayshore. This immersive installation, called “HOME” by Matthew Mazzota, made its arrival in Spring 2022 and has been under construction ever since. As it nears completion, travelers are encouraged to stop by to take photos and a moment to reflect on one of Florida’s amazing birds with the illusion of being underwater. Just another way Tampa is celebrating and leveraging art in their award-winning spirit.
Guided Tours
Last but not least, for all experience enthusiasts, TPA is finally resuming their daily guided tour after its pause due to the pandemic. These tours are free to the public and can fit up to 40 people. This is a great opportunity if you want to learn more about our amazing airport or even explore the aviation industry’s expansive careers. Offerings range from self-guided tours, team-building scavenger hunts and even sustainability and art tours.
Whether you are a parent, child, business or leisure traveler, there is something for your entertainment and convenience at TPA! Traveling these days has been a headache for people around the world. It’s increasingly nice to have an airport that caters to its travelers both at home and from afar.