As the Thanksgiving Day holiday approaches, Tampa International Airport is preparing to handle more passengers per day than the Airport has seen since the start of the pandemic.
TPA’s official Thanksgiving travel period runs from Friday, Nov. 20, through Monday, Nov. 30, with the two busiest days being the Saturday and Sunday after the Thanksgiving holiday. On each of those days, between 47,000 and 49,000 passengers are expected to travel through TPA.
Passenger estimates are harder to predict than in years past because of the uncertainty of the virus and its potential impact on travel plans. This year’s Thanksgiving passenger traffic is projected to be approximately 40 to 50 percent less than what it was during the same period last year.
Still, TPA is expecting plenty of activity, including from passengers who have not been to an airport in several months. Guests choosing to travel during this period will see many of the enhanced health, safety, and sanitation efforts that TPA began rolling out at the end of April as part of the TPA Ready plan. These measures include:
- Hand sanitizing stations
- Acrylic barriers at high touch areas
- Enhanced methods and frequency of cleaning
- Social distancing markers
- Touchless options, including new electronic gates, as well as touchless payment at our shops and restaurants
To ensure a healthy travel experience, TPA asks all guests to do their part by:
- Wearing a face mask properly at all times
- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer
- Maintain social distancing as much as possible
- Use touchless options and mobile boarding passes
- Allow ample time at the airport to help avoid crowds
- Check with your airline for any additional guideline
To accommodate an increase in travelers, 41 shops and restaurants have reopened throughout the Airport. All restaurants in the Main Terminal have optional outdoor seating. Additional parking has reopened but Valet Parking remains closed.
In October, TPA began offering COVID-19 testing for all travelers. Testing is provided through BayCare and is available seven days a week, but will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Travelers interested in testing should visit the website for information on hours, pricing, and testing options.
For more information on traveling at TPA, go to tampaairport.com.
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