TPA braces for peak travel Friday with 90K passengers projected at airport

Friday expected to be busy at TPA

Officials at Tampa International Airport say Friday will likely be the busiest day of the holiday travel season, with nearly 90,000 passengers expected.

TAMPA, Fla. - After more than a third of Tampa International Airport's flights were delayed or canceled on Thursday, airport officials prepared for the busy holiday travel rush to peak on Friday.

Nearly 90,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport two days after Christmas, a projection notably higher than the roughly 80,000 daily passengers estimated to arrive or depart during the lead-up to the holiday.

Nearly 90,000 passengers are expected to pass through Tampa International Airport two days after Christmas.

Looking at the big picture, an estimated 1.5 million passengers overall will pass through TPA between Dec. 19 and Jan. 6.

With the year-end travel season peaking on Friday, airport officials said all the extra passengers means more traffic on roadways leading to the airport, fewer parking spaces available and longer lines at ticket counters and TSA security checkpoints.

Tips for an easier airport experience

Opt for express pickup. If you're traveling only with carry-on luggage, skip the regular departures and arrivals curbs and follow the signs to Express. It's a major time-saver that makes for a much less crowded pickup and drop-off experience.

Also, plan ahead for parking by booking online to save a space and make life easier. Additionally, airport officials urge drivers to avoid circling during pickup. That means using the cell phone lot, which has restrooms, flight info boards and free Wi-Fi.

Another helpful hint, and the most obvious: arrive early. Two hours before departure is the rule. Finally, skip the food and beverage lines by ordering ahead on UberEats or the Starbucks app.

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