Spring Break Travel Tips

Arrive early – Nothing can wreck your vacation vibe like running late, so plan ahead.  Allow at least two hours for parking, check-in and screening.  Early mornings and weekends are especially busy, so don’t take a chance, allow extra time.

Double Check - If you’re grabbing a bag, suitcase, briefcase, jacket and other items you haven’t used in a while, be sure to give them the once-over before you start to pack so you don’t accidentally take something prohibited through the checkpoint. Many people who have brought guns, ammunition, knives and other prohibited items say that they did so unknowingly.

Plan your airport visit ahead of time – Select your airport parking option before coming out to the Airport. If you’re picking up arriving passengers, review the latest pick-up tips.

Save time – If you’re returning a rental car consider using the Remote Bag Check kiosks located in the Rental Car Center. The service is free and available for most domestic airline passengers, but you must check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure.

Animals in the airport - Service animals are always welcome! Traveling non-service animals must be properly confined in a pet carrier if one is present, or controlled on a leash when they are in the Airport. Be sure to check with your airline for any additional requirements for traveling with animals before coming to the airport. Requirements may vary between air carriers. Non-service animal pets that are not traveling, such as those greeting arriving passengers in the Main Terminal, are not allowed at TPA.

Baggage allowances – Baggage allowance, size and weight of accepted bags, and fees vary between air carriers.  Check with your airline for a complete list of baggage restrictions before packing.

Review screening procedures – If you haven’t traveled in a while, it’s a good idea to visit the TSA website and review current screening procedures and the list of restricted items.  Check out the TSA website for more information, or if you have questions about:

  • Identification for children under 18, lost ID, or list of accepted forms of ID
  • Complete list of items prohibited from carry-on and checked baggage
  • Traveling with medication, medical devices and accessories

Parking – Take a cell phone photo or write down the location of your vehicle and the license plate number in case you need help finding your car when you return.

Security - Travel smart, travel safe and consider the following:

  • Secure your vehicle and do not leave valuable items in plain sight.
  • Never place valuable or irreplaceable items inside checked luggage.
  • Always keep an eye on your belongings and never leave them unattended, even for a moment.
  • Identification and luggage tags are very important, however the outside tag can be ripped off during travel.  Place a duplicate tag inside the luggage.
  • Make photocopies of important documents such as passport, credit cards and driver’s license, front and back.  Carry one copy with you and leave the other at home. 

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