Tampa Airport

TPA totally outshines the rest in the hospitality and functionality categories. It's also bright and airy has many good choices and easy to navigate. The atmosphere is so upbeat and friendly even at security control points.

Efficiency with a capital E! I have travelled to this airport for 25 years or so and even though it has got busier and bigger it still manages to run efficiently. On arrival my flight announced that it would take 20 mins before bags would arrive on the carousel. I exited the aircraft among the first few passengers and was at the carousel in about 15 mins and the bags were already going around including my own bag. On my return to Canada on Nov 12th the airport was again very busy but I was checked in quickly and took the tram over to airside and lined up for security clearance. Line up looked long but it moved and I was through in about 10 mins. I wish I could say I had as good an airport experience in Toronto later that day. Even though Tampa airport was busy employees both airline retail staff security all were friendly and efficient. Top marks from me.

Tampa is a great airport away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando it is a much more relaxed atmosphere and is now my choice of airport for travelling to Florida. We were on the back row of a B777 and still only had to wait 45 mins at immigration. Staff were polite and friendly. Bags were waiting once we got through. Car hire is available immediately as you step outside the airport. The only downside is on the return they charge $5 per trolley (non-refundable) in the hire car drop off area. I took a walk into the terminal over the road picked up three trolleys and saved ourselves £15!! Check in areas are spacious and there are enough shops / restaurants to keep you entertained for a couple of hours. The gates are located in remote terminal buildings each one having it's own security screening which minimises the queue to get through security.

Very nice airport. Check in (United) in 2 minutes. Controls in 3 minutes. Nice shops and restaurants. It looks clean and well arranged. Car rental parking and return just next to airport (1 minutes walking). On of the best airport I've seen.

First time using Tampa. I have to say I really like the layout. Main terminal is 3 levels. lower baggage and transport 2nd is ticketing and 3rd is loads of shops eating establishments etc. Marriot connects via a walkway with shops. Trains take you out to 5 different terminals. Once you get to terminal each terminal has its own individual security so not very crowded and went smoothly. Also plenty in each terminal as well. Very nice airport overall.

Tampa is a gem amongst airports. Clean free Wifi not crowded and easy to transit through. Apart from the arrival procedures! US Immigration take the cake for slowness fingerprinting photographs and not enough desks manned and we were the only international flight going through. It really took the enjoyment off the arrival after a 9 hour flight. But the rest of the airport was fine security staff were pleasant everybody except for the comment above seemed to be committed to making the experience enjoyable.

Very bright open clean and easy to find gates. Terminals are well organized and TSA does not take very long. Plenty of shops and restaurants. Easy to get to downtown or elsewhere in Tampa/St. Petersburg area.

I read another review of this airport and it said it is a hidden gem. It is. Car rentals on the first floor. Taxiing to the gate was quick. Navigating through the airport was easy as there are signs everywhere which proved to be very organized. The terminals and bathrooms were very clean. Security can be rough but once in the terminal there are loads of shops and places to grab a bite to eat. Great airport.

Taxi to gate is a short ride customs quick and friendly baggage arrived rapidly. Even the security on departure friendly and plenty of food outlets. I initially chose TPA because they did not have many international flights coming in. Hence should be a quick procedure through immigrations. It proved to be just the case. I once had a horrible experience at MIA when three international flights arrived at the same time. It took nearly four hours to pass immigration to add to that the staff were surly.

I've flown in and out of Tampa International Airport several times going to and from Ottawa Ont. and am always impressed by the organization speed and friendliness of staff. For a large busy airport it is extremely well organized and easy to move through. From parking to check in and boarding it's a lovely experience. There's a wide variety of restaurants and enough boutiques to keep one occupied during pre boarding waits.