TPA expects an average of 75,000 to 80,000 travelers per day between Thursday, March 5, and Monday, April 13.

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa International Airport is getting ahead of the spring break travel surge with new high-tech upgrades in its facility.

TPA officials announced the airport is rolling out new shuttles, digital wait-time displays, touchless security technology and more to “make spring break travel smoother than ever.”

The airport expects about 3.1 million passengers passing through between Thursday, March 5, and Monday, April 13. This includes an average of 75,000 to 80,000 travelers per day, with the busiest day expected to be Sunday, March 22, with more than 90,000 expected passengers.

“This is a very busy time for the airport as we expect over the next 40 days more than 3 million passengers to come across our terminal. So, it is definitely an experience that we strive to make as comfortable and stress-free as possible for the passengers,” Veronica Cintron, VP of Marketing Communications and Strategy at TPA, said.

TPA’s new airside shuttles have upgraded operating software and refurbished infrastructure to bring smoother, safer and more reliable service between the main terminal and airsides. They are operating for airsides A and C.

For the first time, travelers will get to see live security checkpoint wait times on new digital wait time displays throughout the Main Terminal’s Shuttle Lobby at Airside A. 

Using LiDAR technology, the system tracks passenger movement to provide accurate, real-time updates. This will accommodate what the airport expects to be longer wait times for spring break travel.

TPA’s new Touchless ID lanes are set to get passengers through security much quicker, using facial comparison technology for faster, contactless identity verification.

“Of course, you can opt out of it if you don’t want to use it, but if you do, a number of select airlines are participating. It is great to get you through that line much faster with less contact, less exchanging of IDs and such,” Cintron said.

Images of passengers are deleted within 24 hours of flight departure. Those who opt out will go through the standard TSA PreCheck line using their driver’s license, passport or other Real ID-compliant form of identification.

Those flying with American, Alaska, Delta, Southwest and United Airlines will be able to use the system.

Touchless ID lanes go live at Airside E this week, with installation at TPA’s other airsides in the coming weeks.

Returning U.S. passengers will also notice quicker customs processing thanks to Enhanced Passenger Processing, a new biometric technology that reduces wait times by roughly 25 percent. TPA is among the first 15 airports nationwide to adopt this system.

For when you’re hungry at the airport, travelers can also skip the line with TPA to Go via the Uber Eats or Starbucks apps.

And if you want to secure a spot for your vehicle, visitors can book parking at least 24 hours ahead for discounted rates.


How early to arrive at TPA

Airport officials recommend:

Arriving two hours early for domestic flightsArriving three hours early for international travelChecking directly with your airline for real-time updates on delays or cancellationsExpecting longer lines at rental car centers and airport restaurantsOrdering food ahead through mobile apps when possible