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Holiday How-To's At Tampa International Airport

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 25, 2008

TAMPA - Thanksgiving is bound to be different for travelers using Tampa International Airport. What's new this year? 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.

• 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.

When You Arrive

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

• The economy parking garage adds 4,200 spaces by Wednesday, so there should be no need for overflow parking.

• Check your bags curbside or inside the second level.

Checking In

• Use the airline kiosks inside 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, 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 for pickup.

• 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 free for one hour in the short-term terminal.

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