TPA X Home: Why TPA Will Always Feel Like Home
Growing up in Tampa, I’ve developed a love for the local airport - Tampa International Airport (TPA). Over the years, TPA has earned a special place in my heart for many reasons. Whether I’m catching a flight or picking up a loved one, there’s something uniquely comforting about this airport. Here are my top five favorite things about TPA and why it will always feel like home to me.
1. The Layout
Lets start with the layout - TPA has one of the best airport layouts I’ve experienced. If you’ve traveled through different airports, you know how stressful it can be to navigate endless terminals and confusing signage. Not TPA! From the moment you’re dropped off at the curb, the journey to your gate is quick and easy. The tram system makes it incredibly convenient, taking passengers directly from the entrance to security. Once you’re through security, you’ll find your gate is no more than a five-minute walk away, making the process smooth and efficient. When flying out of TPA, I love to see how close to the time of my flight I can leave (a fun challenge)! My current record? Leaving my house 45 minutes before I board (a 1- minute drive) and still making it with time to spare - and a coffee in my hand! Nothing is better than getting to the gate right as they are boarding your group (still aiming for the perfect time)!
2. Picking Up Loved Ones
If you’ve ever picked up friends or family from the airport, you know how stressful it can be to find parking. TPA makes this experience easier with free short-term parking for up to 90 minutes. The lot is conveniently connected to the terminal by the elevators, which take you directly to the waiting area where passengers arrive. There are a few rows of seats facing the tram, where you can easily spot passengers as they step off. One of my favorite memories at TPA is coming home from college for the first time for Thanksgiving. It was the longest time I’d ever been away from home - two and half months! My parents were waiting in the arrival area with a “Welcome Home” sign and balloons, waiting for their hugs! The area is always filled with people sharing reunions - families, friends, and genuine happiness fills the space. It’s a special sight to witness and a reminder of how airports aren’t just places of travels, but a place to reconnect with loved ones.
3. TSA
One of the most stressful parts of any airport experience is dealing with security, but TPA has consistently made this process a breeze. Despite Tampa’s growth as a travel destination and in population, TSA has done an excellent job of managing the flow of passengers. Most of the time, I can get through security in under 10 minutes, which is a breeze compared to longer waits often found at larger airports. The only time I’ve ever been stopped at TSA at TPA was on my way to China. It turns out a giant bag of Craisins I had jammed into my backpack set off the computer. And let me tell you, that bag was packed full of snacks! While the TSA agent had to take everything out to find the culprit, she kindly helped me repack my bag before moving on to the next. This made my experience stand out and turned something that could’ve been a negative into a small inconvenience. A well-managed TSA experience is one of the reasons TPA stands out - less time waiting, more time to relax before your flight.
4. Local Dining Delights
The local dining options are another aspect that really makes the TPA airport feel like home. As a proud Tampa native, I love that the airport showcases some of the best food our city has to offer. With city favorites like The Columbia, Ulelle, and Buddy Brew, Tampa flavors shine right at the airport. It’s the perfect way to get a last taste of home before heading to my next destination. TPA’s local food is always a treat, my favorite pre-flight meal is half a cuban and salad from The Columbia - a true Tampa staple. Plus, Mobile Ordering at certain spots makes grabbing a coffee or quick bite extremely convenient. I love ordering my coffee and a breakfast sandwich while I’m on the tram before an early flight, so it’s ready and waiting for me as I pass through TSA - another example of how TPA goes above and beyond for efficiency.
5.The Tampa Vibe
There’s something about the atmosphere of Tampa International Airport that perfectly reflects the city’s laid-back, vibrant energy. From the row of palm trees lining the drive up to the airport to the iconic flamingo sculpture standing proudly on the main floor, the Tampa feeling shines through at TPA. The design and ambience are welcoming, whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back home after a long trip. It’s been a very long winter in New York City (my current home) so I decided to take a trip back to Tampa at the end of February. As the pilot announced we were about to land, I opened my window to see the water, a beautiful blue sky, and the sun shining - and suddenly all my winter blues went away. Every time I walk through TPA, I’m reminded of what makes Tampa so special.
TPA has created an airport experience that stands out. Whether I’m catching a flight or picking someone up, TPA always makes me feel connected to home!
Tags: local, airport journey, ambience
TPA -> home