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Holiday At Tampa Airport? There's Inside Information

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2008

Thanksgiving is bound to be different for travelers using Tampa International Airport.

What's new since 2007? The road system, baggage rules, security lanes, additional economy garage parking, plus new shops and restaurants.

Getting On Your Way

Before leaving home, print boarding passes online if possible. Southwest Airlines, for example, allows this 24 hours in advance of departure.

Study your airline's baggage rules for fees plus weight penalties.

Pay attention to road signs near TIA to find the proper lane for the terminal or parking garages. Construction forces frequent new traffic patterns.

When You Arrrive

Choose parking by daily price: $9 economy; $15 long-term garage; $20 short-term garage; $25 valet.

Economy parking garage adds 4,200 spaces by Wednesday, so there should be no need for overflow parking on grassy lots.

Check your bags curbside or inside the second level.

Checking In

Use the airline kiosks in the terminal for shorter check-in lines.

Once you've taken the monorail to the airside, choose from among three self-select security lanes. Expert Traveler: traveling light; items removed from pockets; belts and shoes off. Casual Traveler: familiar with security procedures but with multiple carry-on items. Family/Medical Liquids Lane: Carrying more than 3 ounces of medically necessary fluids or baby formula but unsure of regulations.

Returning Home

To find your car, write your parking space on the handouts that identify parking garage location.

Newly expanded, free cell phone-waiting lot provides electronic flight information boards and restrooms. Passengers can call when ready to be picked up.

Security won't permit vehicles to linger in the arrivals area beyond loading passengers. Those who don't use the cell phone lot can park for one hour free in the short-term terminal.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817 or tjackovics@tampatrib.com.

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