“Tampa’s airport feels like a vision of the future from 50 years ago (because it was), but think of this more as the timelessness of TPA. The shuttles taking people from the central terminal to the satellites were unique at the time, and they still function well today. It’s an easy airport that’s very close to downtown, and that makes it a winner.” CN Traveler reader Alamy.
Tampa International Airport once again finds itself in the national spotlight. Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked TPA as the third best airport in America. Massive renovations have expanded food, drink and entertainment options for travelers. A mix of excelsior customer service and futuristic amenities continue to wow critics. Last summer, the airport went viral when Airport Operations Center Manager Tony D’Aiuto took a lost Hobbes stuffed animal on an adventure around TPA’s facilities.
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The airport is also one of the first to offer direct commercial flights to Cuba’s capital city Havana. After a strong social media push, TPA was able to land direct flights to San Francisco, which should begin at the end of next year. Icelandair is set to launch direct flights between the stunning city of Reykjavik and Tampa in 2017. These destinations are piled on top of the premier list of destinations Tampa residents already enjoy direct access to. Destinations include: Panama, Zurich, London, Cayman Islands, Frankfurt, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.
All of the acclaim comes well in advance of the completion of the airport’s master plan. A new shopping center, expanded parking, new shuttle services, a litany of local dining options and installations from local artists will soon add to the burgeoning prestige of TPA. You can follow the progress of TPA’s massive renovations here.
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