Flying in/out of Tampa?

[Jen in MA]

Hi,

We have decided to fly in and out of Tampa instead of Orlando this April due to getting a much cheaper fare. Any comments on the Tampa Airport in comparison to MCO? Thanks!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

It is a smaller airport, less crowded and very easy to get around. The drive from Tampa to Orlando is generally pretty easy - 60-90 mins. depending on traffic and your driving speed.
We never hesitate to use Tampa if the fares are less money, it is so easy it is worth the extra time. Also, no tolls on the roads.

 

[treloarf]

We have flown into Tampa to go to relatives in Sarasota, but never to go to WDW. But we also want to go to WDW at end of April and flying into Orlando is over $100 more per person out of Pgh. than flying into Tampa. I wonder why!

 

[Herbie]

Tampa is a very nice airport We have used it many times. The drive over to orlando is not bad. Allow 1 1/2 hrs to WDW.

 

[MartDM]

Both Tampa & MCO are very nice airports with plenty of amenities. I've found both are very easy to get out of by car as well.

 

[castmbr]

Just returned yesterday, flew in/out of Tampa for the first time and it was a breeze. The only problem we had was finding the Emerald Aisle, but we found it. I was worried about the return (signage, etc), but everything was well marked and simple. Much less hassle than Orlando. No problem with new security either. I would definately recommend it!

 

[mrsstats]

Thanks for the update Laura. We are flying into Tampa in March. Glad to hear it went ok

 

[mskay]

Thanks, Laura. we are doing this in march and it's good to hear it went well. Do you remember how long the drive was to WDW?

 

[castmbr]

As a previous poster stated, it can range anywhere from 60-90 minutes depending upon time of day, traffic, etc. I think it was closer to 70 minutes both ways for us.

 

[dreamer]

castmbr - please describe you EA experience. What cars did they have? We're there in 3 1/2 weeks!!

 

[castmbr]

It was interesting to say the least! We finally got directions to the garage (I think it was in the "Blue" terminal) and as we approached National I started to worry. We found the Emerald Aisle area and I saw nothing but a bunch of empty slots! I asked the attendent in the booth where to go and she pointed across the way and said you need to talk to the guy in the green shirt. So, we approached him and told him we had a EA ressie. Meanwhile, several SUV's pulled up and people jumped in (I assume EA members). He said "Oh, what did you want, a neon, camry, etc. Keep in mind that I was tired, rattled by the new airport, and just wanted to get to our 2pm appointment in Plant City (It was about noon)! It finally dawned on me that he was kidding. He looked at my dh, myself and two dd's and said "how bout a van"? Perfect! Just then a Silhoutte pulled up (freshly washed) and we jumped in and took off! Returning was no problem. We did this about 10:30am (just follow the signs on the way in). Pulled into the garage, someone checked us in and handed us a receipt for the exact amount I was quoted on line and we were off! Good luck and have a great trip. We are back down April 9-13 but into Orlando. I hope I don't regret going back there!

 

[Patti PB]

Laura - thanks for all the info. We are flying into Tampa for the first time in March.

How early did you check in at that airport, and what airline were you flying (if you don't mind!)

We are leaving from Vegas, which has had very minimal delays through security checks, so we aren't worried about getting there two hours ahead. Just curious how things are in Tampa.

Thanks!

Patti

 

[castmbr]

Patti PB - Don't mind ?'s at all! We arrived at both airports (Milw. & Tampa) about 2hrs prior to the flight. No lines for security in Tampa at 11am on a Tues. We were flying Midwest Express Airlines. Hope you have a great "hassle-free" trip!

 

[travelcoupons]

If you like MCO, you'll like TPA much better in my opinon.

 

[DisneyJen]

We fly in and out of Tampa (TPA) often since we usually can get a better rate (USAir from Philly). We rent a car anyway so it's no big deal. Actually I can usually talk DH into upgrading the car (we had a Volvo station wagon in December) with the savings in airfare.

It is an easy drive via I-4 from Tampa to the Disney properties. We average about 70 minutes each way.

There was some airport construction when we were down in December but it did not impact our travel.

 

[mom23guys2]

Just another question please. We're flying into Orlando and returning to Tampa(I've been to both before) because we saved over $120 just by switching to Tampa for the return. The last time we drove to Tampa there was a lot of construction on I4. Is it still ongoing? (I know they've been working on it for years.

 

[DisneyJen]

When we drove from Tampa to Disney in early December there was a very small amount of work near the access road to the airport and I-4. There was no delay when we left the airport at 1 p.m. on a Wednesday or Sunday morning when we left for the airport ... even though the Bucs were playing at home.

I-4 itself was construction free ... the work in Plant City seemed to be finally finished

Hope that helps.

 

[mom23guys2]

Thanks for the construction info. I had been dreading all those delays but now I don't have to worry.