Tampa International Airport has brought back its popular TPA All Access program, allowing non-travelers to venture beyond security checkpoints. Starting Monday, visitors can once again explore the airport's airside shops and dining options without a boarding pass, a service that was suspended during the pandemic.
The program, first introduced in 2019, aims to give more people the chance to enjoy the airport's amenities. This reintroduction means friends and family can now join travelers for meals or simply experience the post-security areas.
Key Takeaways
- TPA All Access program has relaunched at Tampa International Airport.
- Non-travelers can now visit airside shops and restaurants.
- Advance online registration is mandatory for all participants.
- Passes are available daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Initial access is limited to six guests per airside every two hours.
How to Access the Airsides Without a Flight
To participate in the TPA All Access program, visitors must register online in advance. This step is crucial for planning your visit. Once registered, passes can be picked up at the information desk located on the third floor of the main terminal.
The program operates daily, with pass collection available between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Guests should remember to bring a valid driver's license or another form of identification. Just like regular passengers, all participants must go through TSA security screening.
Important Details
- Registration: Required online in advance.
- Pick-up Times: Daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Identification: A valid ID, such as a driver's license, is needed.
- Security: All visitors must pass through TSA security.
Initial Capacity and Future Plans
During this initial phase of the relaunch, the airport is managing access carefully. Only six guests are permitted per airside during each two-hour block. This limit is in place to help prevent overcrowding in the trams and airside areas, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone.
Shannon Boos, Senior Manager of Guest Experience for Tampa International Airport, explained the reasoning behind these restrictions.
"So we’re just giving you that little sneak behind. Now you can come out and have dinner at Ulele or you can have dinner at Cigar City and go through some of the shops and you don’t have to fly. So it gives you an opportunity that you didn’t have before."
The airport plans to monitor the program's success closely. If demand and operational capacity allow, the number of permitted guests per time slot may increase in the future. Despite the two-hour entry window, once visitors are inside an airside, they are welcome to stay for as long as they wish.
Program History
The TPA All Access program originally launched in 2019. It quickly gained popularity among locals and non-flying visitors who wanted to experience the airport's modern facilities and diverse offerings. However, the program was temporarily suspended due to the global pandemic, which led to significant changes in airport operations and security protocols.
Enjoying Post-Security Amenities
The primary goal of the TPA All Access program is to provide non-travelers with the chance to patronize the many dining and shopping options located beyond security. This includes popular local eateries and national brands that are often only accessible to those with a boarding pass.
For instance, visitors can enjoy meals at restaurants like Ulele or Cigar City Brewing. Beyond food, a variety of retail stores offer everything from souvenirs to last-minute travel essentials. This makes the airport a destination in itself, not just a transit point.
Airports with Similar Programs
Tampa International Airport is not alone in offering such a program. Several other major airports across the United States have similar initiatives, including:
- Philadelphia International Airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport
- San Antonio International Airport
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Orlando International Airport previously had a similar program for Terminal 3, but it has since been suspended.
Planning Your Visit
Those interested in participating should visit the Tampa International Airport website to register. Selecting a two-hour slot online is the first step. Arriving at the airport with ample time before your chosen slot is advisable, especially to account for parking and walking to the third-floor information desk.
Remember that the same security rules apply to TPA All Access guests as to travelers. Prepare for the TSA screening process by having your ID ready and understanding what can and cannot be carried through security checkpoints. This ensures a smooth entry and a pleasant experience exploring the airside areas.
The relaunch of TPA All Access represents a significant step for Tampa International Airport in enhancing guest experience and integrating the airport more deeply into the local community. It offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the airport's offerings without the need for a flight ticket.
