Tampa Airport Gearing Up For Its Busiest Thanksgiving Travel Week Ever

TAMPA, FL — The holiday season is quickly approaching, and Tampa International Airport is prepping for what is expected to be its busiest Thanksgiving ever.

On average, nearly 80,000 passengers a day are expected to pass through TPA in the 11-day holiday travel period surrounding Thanksgiving, between Nov. 16 and Nov. 26. Passenger projections suggest the two busiest days will likely be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday following Thanksgiving.

An estimated 84,000 to 87,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport on each of those two days.

With the holiday surge of passengers converging on TPA, the airport's parking team says some garages may reach capacity, so travelers are urged to book parking in advance online.

New this year, guests who are using ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft for pick-up after arriving on the Blue Side will be directed to use the Blue Express Curbsides to relieve congestion at the Blue baggage claim level. Passengers using Uber and Lyft on the Red Side can either use the Red Arrivals drive or take the elevator up and over to the Blue Express Curbsides, where there is less traffic and passengers can be picked up more quickly.

Below are some tips to make one of the airport's busiest times of the year a more smooth and easy experience for all travelers.

Plan Ahead For Parking

It is very likely that TPA parking garages could reach capacity at various points throughout the holiday season. For that reason, TPA is encouraging passengers to book parking online in advance of travel, which is the only way to fully guarantee a space when you arrive. The airport offers discounted pricing in the short-term, long-term and economy garages. Online bookings also help TPA anticipate demand and manage its garage space availability, prioritizing those who have reservations.

Choose Express

Traveling with carry-on luggage only and don't need to go to the ticketing level? The Blue Express Curbsides are an easy alternative to the regular departures and arrivals curbs to get in and out of the main terminal more easily. Drivers can follow the signage to Blue Express for a much less crowded drop-off and pick-up experience. TPA’s Blue Express Curbsides are also where ride-share apps pick up arriving passengers on the airport’s Blue Side. Passengers on the Red Side – where the Red Express Curbsides are currently under construction – can meet their Uber or Lyft outside of the Red baggage claim area.