How easy is it to pick someone up at Tampa (TPA) airport

[djpositivek]

I'll likely be taking a shuttle to rent with National at TPA and then have to drive back to the airport to pickup the rest of the family. I think it will be easier this way as we have 2 car seats + luggage.

Is it easy to get back to the airport and is there signage directing you to the right spot to pickup?

Also is there ample space to park close to the doors or will I have to park in some type of short term parking and then walk up to the doors.

Not familiar with TPA, thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

 

[Detailor]

Tampa's pretty easy to get to, and from. I think there are two options for you...
Either go to the arrivals area for your airline where you should be able to park temporarily along curbside to quickly load up your luggage and family, or go to the Short Term garage parking and meet your family on the third floor of the main terminal. As your family will be unfamiliar with the airport, the garage might be a better choice (no panic about being in the right place at the right time). But if you choose curbside, they'll need to be out there with all of your luggage when you get back - security will not let you stay there very long and you won't be able to leave your rental vehicle.

In general, Tampa's airport is easy to navigate and much less busy than an airport like Orlando so you should find it okay to get around in. If you want more info on the airport go to www.tampaairport.com.

Dick Taylor

Dick Taylor

 

[djpositivek]

Thanks that's exactly what I needed to know.

I think we'll go the short term parking route. Looks like the 1st hour's free too

I'll likely have to walk back to the arrivals area as my wife won't be able to transport everything including the kids over to the parking area.

We'll have to install 2 car seats as well and wouldn't want to feel rushed by security trying to do that curbside.

 

[uva185]

Thanks that's exactly what I needed to know.

I think we'll go the short term parking route. Looks like the 1st hour's free too

I'll likely have to walk back to the arrivals area as my wife won't be able to transport everything including the kids over to the parking area.

We'll have to install 2 car seats as well and wouldn't want to feel rushed by security trying to do that curbside.

As long as you are doing something (loading luggage, installing a car seat, saying goodbye, etc) you will not be forced to leave by the police. They will only force you to leave if you are just sitting there waiting.

In my experience if you want to feel less rushed, meet your family at the departures area. The police do not monitor that area as closely because people do not usually sit and wait there. Just last week I parked at the very end of the departures zone at Dulles waiting for a friend for 30 minutes and was never asked to move.