Security
What are the guidelines for checked and carry-on luggage, including the current list of restricted items?
For the current list of restricted items, guidelines for locking suitcases, instructions for traveling with medications, electronics and film, please visit the website of the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA). For luggage questions regarding size and weight limits, please consult your airline.
Will the screening equipment damage my film?
All film should be packed into carry-on luggage; it will not be affected by the screening process at the airside. Undeveloped film will be damaged if it is packed into checked luggage.
How long will it take to get through screening?
Airside screening times vary depending on time of day, day of the week and proximity to a holiday. During peak periods it may take up to one hour to process from ticket counter to gate.
How early should I arrive at the Airport for a departing flight?
Due to security procedures, most airlines will not allow passengers to check in for a flight if there is less than 30 minutes to scheduled departure time. Arriving at least 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure allows for 60 minutes to proceed through screening and arrive at the gate 30 minutes before departure. Allow additional time for dining and shopping, if necessary.
Can I bring electronic devices such as DVD player or laptop computer onboard the aircraft?
Yes, portable electronic devices are allowed in carry-on luggage, and will be thoroughly screened at the checkpoint. For a complete list of authorized devices, please visit the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) website.
Shops and Restaurants
What choices are available for food and beverage at the airport along with hours of operation and location?
The airport offers a wide variety of concessions both at Landside and the Airsides. For complete
concessions information, visit the Shops and Restaurants section of the website.
Is there food and beverage available at the airsides (past the screening checkpoint)?
Yes, all Airside buildings include a newsstand and snack bar. Airsides A, C, E and F have extended food court options as well as a table-service restaurant.
Wireless Internet
Does the Airport offer Wireless Internet (WiFi) access?
Yes, Tampa International Airport offers FREE wireless internet access in the Landside Terminal and all airside buildings. For information and assistance for using the free wireless internet access, please consult a brochure located at the information kiosks or follow the link to download: WiFi Brochure.
Miscellaneous for travelers
Are there designated smoking areas in the terminal?
Smoking is permitted outside only. From the Landside Terminal, go out any exit door on Level 1, Level 2 or the Observation Deck on Level 3.
Are there smoking areas available past the screening
checkpoint?
There are observation decks with smoking permitted at Airside A, C, E and F. Be advised, lighters are no longer allowed past the security checkpoint. Passengers are allowed to bring up to four
books of safety matches beyond the checkpoint.
Does the Airport close during inclement weather?
The airport is never "closed". Flight operations may cease during inclement weather, but all decisions regarding cancellations, resuming operations and rebooking passengers is up to the individual airlines. In the event of an evacuation, the airport is not a shelter and is located within an evacuation zone. Residents are advised not to bring vehicles of any kind to the airport for storage.
What hours is the airport open?
The airport main "Landside" terminal is always open. Ticket counters are staffed typically two hours prior to the first scheduled departure in the morning and until the last departure in the evening. Evening staff is available at the baggage service offices until the last scheduled arrival.
Are animals allowed in the airport, and where can I take them for "a break"?
Only animals traveling in approved travel containers are
allowed inside the airport buildings. Animals preparing for travel may be taken outside at the baggage claim level (Level 1) but owners are asked to clean up after their animals.
The Airport's Rules and Regulations regarding animals states:
No person may bring an animal into the airport except:
An animal to be or that has been transported by air;
A service animal used by disabled persons in accordance with Florida Statutes;
An animal which remains inside a motor vehicle at all times;
An animal used for law enforcement purposes; or
Animals authorized by the Chief Executive Officer or designee for special events.
All animals permitted by this section must be restrained by a leash or confined and completely under control.
In regards to an animal to be or that has been transported by air and is entering the terminal building, the Aviation Authority has provided further notice to the users of the Airport by placing signage at entry points leading into the terminal building advising customers that animals are not
allowed inside the terminal building except service animals or animals transported by air and in traveling containers.
Are there any places in the airport especially for children?
There are children's play areas at Airside A, C and E - however due to security changes, is available to ticketed passengers only. All guests may visit Mindworks - a game and toy store with educational and interactive toys. Airport visitors may stop by the information kiosks located on Level 3 for information regarding art exhibits in the airport as well as the self-tour program and coloring books.
Are there any hotel accommodations at the airport?
The Marriott Hotel is a full service hotel facility attached to the airport with 295 guest rooms and services including concierge, business center, fitness room, and pool, restaurants and meeting facilities. The hotel has 15 meeting rooms of various sizes up to the Grand Ballroom which can
accommodate groups of up to 900 people. There is also a shopping arcade connecting the hotel to the landside terminal on the transfer level.
Source: Excerpted from the official Tampa International
Airport’s Frequently Asked Questions Page http://www.tampaairport.com/about/guest_services/faq.asp
