TPA Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Tampa Airport
Checking in is the first thing to do when you get to Tampa International Airport. For that, you need to figure out where you need to go—the red side or the blue side.
So what are the Tampa Airport Departures’ red or blue sides? Let us explain.
The red side refers to the north wing of the airport. The blue side is the south wing. Each airline does check-in, departures, and arrivals on one side or the other. Therefore, Tampa Airport red departures check in on the north side and Tampa Airport blue departures check in on the south side. Check which side your airline uses so you’ll know where your check-in and bag drop desks are located. Refer to this Tampa Airport Departures map for guidance.
Once you know what check-in desk to go to, head there to drop off your luggage and collect your boarding pass.
When to arrive at Tampa Airport?
It’s recommended that Tampa International Airport Departures arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights. For international flyers, 3 hours is best to allow plenty of time to get through security and passport control.
What’s next?
After check-in, you can head to the airside wing for your airline. Tampa Airport has four airside wings. Each of them has an individual security and customs checkpoint.
Example: For Tampa Airport American Airlines departures, you need to go to Airside F. When you get there, you’ll find the security screening conveyor belts.
Here’s what to do:
- Remove any outerwear (watches, hats, coats, belts, etc).
- Remove your laptop from its bag or case.
- Remove your shoes.
- Take out your liquids bag. (You can carry liquids, gels or aerosols in 100 ml vessels, in one quart-sized clear plastic bag.)
- Place your items and hand luggage into as many trays as you need, and put them on the conveyor belt for scanning.
- When prompted, walk through the metal detectors.
- Collect your items on the other side of the metal detectors.
Some travellers may have their passports and visas checked by a border control officer after security. After that, you can head to the Tampa International Airport Departures Lounge.
What to do in Departures at Tampa Airport?
Your experience in departures depends on which side of the airport you’re on. However, all Airside wings have the basic facilities to make you feel comfortable. These include toilets, accessible toilets, charging points, free WiFi, Service Animal Relief Areas, breastfeeding rooms, and ATMs.
The main variants are the shops and restaurants you’ll find in each wing.
Airside A has six shops including a candy bar, newsagent and electronics shop. As for restaurants, you’ll find Chick-Fil-A, a New York Piza Restaurant, and Starbucks Coffee.
At Airside C, there’s a Spanx and eyewear shop. Burgers, pizzas and grilled meats are the main foods on offer.
Over at Airside E, there’s a bookshop and duty free. The restaurants are a combination of coffee shops, and Asian cuisine at PandaExpress.
Finally, Airside F has a Swarovski store and a duty-free, as well as the typical newsagents. The main restaurants are The Cafe by Mise en Place and the pirate-themed Gasparilla Bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the red side and the blue side at Tampa Airport?
To figure out whether you need to enter Tampa Airport Departures on the red or blue side, you’ll need to refer to the airline. Each airline does check-in and departure from the north (red) or south (blue) wing of the airport. For example, Tampa Airport American Airlines departures are on the blue side.
How early do you need to get to Tampa Airport?
How long does Tampa Airport security take?
How do I check in at Tampa Airport?
