Ruth Haines
Tampa International Airport (TPA) has one terminal and four concourses (A, C, E, and F) with various amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges. TPA has smoking areas in Concourse C, located opposite Gate 45, and two smoking areas in Concourse E near Four Green Fields (T11) and Gate 75. Outside the concourses, there is also an outdoor smoking area across from Gate F88.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking areas | Concourse C, opposite Gate 45; near Four Green Fields (T11) and Gate 75; outside Gate F88 |
| Public lighter | Available |
| Matches | Allowed in carry-on baggage |
| Lighter | Allowed in carry-on baggage |
| Number of terminals | 1 |
| Number of concourses | 4 (A, C, E, F) |
| Monorail lines | 4 |
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What You'll Learn
Smoking areas in Tampa Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) has 1 terminal and 4 concourses (A, C, E, and F). There are designated smoking areas in Concourse C and Concourse E.
In Concourse C, the designated smoking area is located just past Gate 31 to the right. This information was confirmed by a traveller in November 2021. However, another traveller reported in August 2021 that the smoking area in Concourse C across from Gate 45 had been converted into a Service Animal Relief Area, with no smoking allowed. Therefore, it is advisable to check the availability of this smoking area prior to your visit.
Concourse E, located in the northwest corner of Tampa International Airport, offers two designated smoking areas. One smoking area is situated near Four Green Fields (T11) and the other is located near Gate 75. A traveller in May 2024 reported an outside smoking area across from Gate F88, but this may be located in Concourse F, which is the main international terminal.
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Carry-on baggage rules for lighters and matches
The rules for carrying lighters and matches in your carry-on baggage can vary depending on the airline and the type of lighter or match. It's important to check with your chosen airline and review the TSA guidelines before packing these items. Here are some general guidelines for carrying lighters and matches in your carry-on baggage:
Lighters:
- Disposable and Zippo lighters without any fuel (liquid or gas) are generally allowed in carry-on bags. However, there should be no traces of fuel or vapour inside the lighters.
- Lighters with fuel are typically prohibited in carry-on bags. If you need to travel with a lighter that contains fuel, it may be permitted in checked baggage if it complies with the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption. DOT-approved cases are airtight containers that reduce the risk of transporting lighters.
- Arc lighters and e-lighters may be allowed in carry-on bags with special instructions.
- Torch lighters are usually strictly prohibited.
- Empty lighters are permitted in carry-on bags, but it is recommended to put them in checked baggage to avoid delays at security screening. Including a note indicating that the lighters are empty is also suggested.
- Some sources suggest carrying lighters on your person, either in your pocket or easily accessible in your carry-on bag.
Matches:
- Safety matches (non-strike anywhere) are typically allowed as carry-on items, but only one book of matches is permitted per person.
- Strike-anywhere matches are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage due to their ability to create sparks from friction.
- Matches of any type are prohibited in checked baggage.
It's important to note that even if these items are generally permitted, they may be subject to additional screening or confiscation if they trigger security concerns during the screening process.
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Tampa Airport's terminal and concourses
Tampa International Airport (TPA) has one terminal and four concourses (A, C, E, and F), which are located in each corner of the airport. The airport served over 22 million passengers in 2023 and has won several awards for its innovation and sustainable efforts.
The terminal is located in the centre of the airport, with separate monorail lines that run to and from the four airside concourses. There are four security checkpoints located at the entrance to each concourse after riding the monorail, and passengers are not required to clear security until they reach the concourse. The monorail can only be taken by ticketed passengers.
The terminal has three levels: baggage claim, ticketing, and transfer. The baggage claim level is split into two sections, one for red category airlines and one for blue. The ticketing level is also colour-coordinated depending on the airline, with both sides of the airport having curbside drop-offs labelled Blue Departures Drive and Red Departures Drive. The Blue Express curbside is for passengers without checked luggage. The ticketing level also has a USO Lounge.
The transfer level has a selection of shops and restaurants and access to the Tampa Airport Marriott. This is where passengers can pick up the relevant monorail to their departure concourse. There is also the SkyConnect train, which runs between the terminal, parking lot, and rental car centre.
Concourse A is located in the southeast corner of the airport and has 16 gates. Concourse C is in the northeast corner, with 16 gates numbered 30 to 45. Concourse E is in the northwest corner, with 13 gates, and Concourse F is in the southwest corner, with 13 gates numbered 78 to 90. All concourses have restaurants and shops, with Concourse F also offering duty-free shopping. There are smoking areas in Concourses C and E.
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Awards won by Tampa Airport
Tampa International Airport has won numerous awards and is widely recognised as one of the best airports in the world. In 2022, the airport and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority won four awards in just eight days, including both of FAC's J. Bryan Cooper Awards for the Vision and Environmental categories. The Vision Award recognised the airport's Blue Express Curbsides, Central Utility Plant, and SkyCenter One building, all of which improved efficiency and sustainability. The Blue Express Curbsides project was also named the 2022 Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Best Project in Airport/Transit by the Engineering News-Record Southeast.
In 2022, Tampa International Airport was also ranked the best large airport in North America by JD Power, which assessed the facilities, arrival and departure systems, baggage claim, security checks, and food and beverage options. The airport's newly renovated restrooms also won the Cintas 2022 America's Best Restroom Contest.
Tampa International Airport continued its award-winning streak in 2023 and 2024, ranking #1 in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards by Airports Council International. This award recognised the airport's excellence in passenger service among North American airports catering to 15-25 million travellers. The ASQ Awards are known for assessing airport customer experiences using passenger feedback and surveys, with criteria such as cleanliness, amenities, staff assistance, wayfinding, and security.
Tampa International Airport's commitment to sustainability and innovation, as well as its focus on providing exceptional passenger experiences, has solidified its reputation as a leading airport in the industry.
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Ground transportation options at Tampa Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) offers a range of ground transportation options for passengers to get to and from the airport with ease. Here is an overview of the various ground transportation options available at Tampa Airport:
Rental Cars
Rental cars are available at the airport through both on-airport and off-airport rental car companies. The on-airport rental car companies are located in the Rental Car Center, which can be conveniently accessed via the SkyConnect train from the Main Terminal. Meanwhile, off-airport rental car companies provide courtesy vehicles for transportation to and from their facilities, with pick-up and drop-off locations at the remote curb in front of and adjacent to the Rental Car Center.
Taxis
Taxi services, such as Yellow Cab, are readily available at the curbside outside the Baggage Claim Level at the Ground Transportation Areas, specifically Red 1 and Blue 2. For travellers heading to downtown Tampa or the cruise port, there is a maximum flat-rate fee of $35 for the trip.
Ride-sharing Services
Popular ride-sharing platforms such as Lyft, Uber, and Wridz are also available at Tampa Airport. Passengers can be picked up or dropped off at designated locations, including Red Baggage Claim, the Blue Express Curbside, and the SkyCenter One office building remote curbside. A service fee of $5 is added to the cost of the fare for pickups at these locations.
Public Transportation
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus services are accessible from Tampa Airport. The bus stop is located at the Rental Car Center, and passengers can follow the signs to the remote curb to find the route map and schedule posted there.
SkyConnect Train
The SkyConnect train is a convenient people mover that connects the Main Terminal with various locations, including the economy parking lot, the Rental Car Center, and public bus stops. It is accessible from Levels 1 through 3 of the Main Terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are designated smoking areas in Tampa Airport.
There are smoking areas near Gates 45, 75, 62, F88, A18, and 30C.
Common lighters are permitted in carry-on baggage. Travelers may also carry one book of safety matches on their person or in carry-on baggage. Torch lighters and “strike anywhere” matches are prohibited.
