TPA expands airside access program, moves to daily tours

Exterior of a restaurant at an airport

Tampa residents love their airport. How much? So much so that they literally clamor to visit even when they’re not catching a flight.

Tampa International Airport launched its airside access program back in 2019. Initially, the airside access program was only available on weekends. Its surging popularity has allowed TPA officials to open up access daily.

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More than 1,700 visitors have taken advantage of the program since its launch in May, according to a press release. Guests use passes for plane watching, spending a few extra minutes with loved ones at their gates, and, of course, enjoying one of the airport’s top-notch restaurants and bars.

Cigar City Brewery, Ulele, Columbia Restaurant, Four Green Fields and the only Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Florida. That’s in addition to our pre-flight favorites Dylan’s Candy Bar and Ducky’s.

“This airport belongs to the Tampa Bay community, and our All Access program is one way of making sure as many people as possible can experience all it has to offer,” said Airport CEO Joe Lopano.

Participating guests must sign up in advance and are subject to the same security screening regulations as passengers boarding a plane.

You can find all the details about registering by visiting TPA’s website.

I also just want to throw a shout out to the team behind TPA’s social media accounts. Y’all are incredible. Below you’ll find a few of my favorite recent TPA tweets.

Do you have any trips coming out of TPA? Let us know in the comments!

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