It looks like the rating for Airside A at TPA is being brought down by misplaced reviews of TSA at Checkpoint A. It's true that it's one of the oldest airsides at this airport. However, I didn't see any problems with the facilities or restaurants there. It's the main terminal for United Airlines as well as JetBlue (and others). We recently flew out of here on our way to their hub in Houston (IAH). The last time was when we flew to Puerto Rico to visit family members prior to 2018. I don't remember seeing the "Copper Birds" there at that time. I've always wondered where they went. I'm glad they found a good place to display them. The view of the runway at Airside A (as well as F) is very nice. The boarding for United was very organized. I think the only negative is that only one of the SkyConnect trams was operational. It's a minor inconvenience. The wait time wasn't too long for the other one to return. The people mover trams will all eventually be replaced anyway, so expect more wait times at all the airsides. It will be a nice upgrade to TPA once that project is completed. As always, it was a smooth trip back to Tampa. read more

Airside A - TPA - Wow, I haven't seen Roy Butler's Copper Birds since they moved them to Airside A in 2018. - Airport Terminals Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This airport is trash. The TSA cracks jokes while you in line about them not making any money/not enough. The big thing is I bring a water bottle and this old TSA says I have to give it up since there is fluid in it or he can walk me out and do the whole process over. Now that is some bullshit. Why can you just drop or drink the fluid inside? 2025 and we need a real ID but these clowns can't figure out on how to unscrew a lid and just dump the condiments. To make it even better he didn't throw it away. I think he kept it since it was a nice bottle. Another reason why Tampa intl sucks. Clowns are just taking what they want and having dumb rules to rob people. Was able to take all my other liquids, over 3.4oz but the water bottle he wanted and he knew I had to go. I think they need a pay cut since they have no sense of urgency and really don't care about the people traveling, just there for a check and to slow things down. Top 2 worst airports I have to go through, the other is in a 3rd world country and I still believe they could be better than this circus. read more

This terminal lacks the sit down food options that other terminals have. My regular flight got moved from airline c and this terminal is garbage compared to what is available in airside C. 2 sit down places and one closed kitchen at 6:30. Lots of seating available for waiting on your flight but that's all that's good about this airside. read more

TPA TSA is embarrassing & disappointing. Reevaluate who you hire. All the staff talks about is that they cant wait to get off of work. You have the opportunity to hire dedicated people. read more

TSA is the worst. Went through security, and the guy decides that it's a smart idea to put my suit jacket underneath my checked bag. I tell him I don't want it to get wrinkled, and he says "ohh I just don't want it to blow away". What a joke. They clearly have never once dealt with anyone wearing business clothes or a suit. read more

I don't know what TPA did to its TSA screening, but they reorganized it and turned a 10 minute process into a 30 min shit show. For reference, I'm flying at 5:00pm on a Monday (NOT peak hours). Plan extra time for your flights y'all. You're gonna need it. read more

One of my favorite airports! EVERYTHNG is so convenient. I highly recommend it. I fly from here often and wouldn't change anything. Perhaps having longer hours for shops being open such as coffee place. Other than that it's great read more

Bathrooms smell like vomit and old baby diapers. Really wish my connection wasn't delayed.

Love this airport but the women's bathroom faucets are infuriating. They are turning on for 1 second then not turning on at all, and most faucets are not turning on at all after that. That's really frustrating and unhygienic, especially in this day and age. Please adjust them! read more

Fairly clean terminal area with lots of seating and charging stations (both USB and AC). It is not terribly crowded. However, I'm traveling through during an off-peak time, and I can imagine this side of the airport getting very crowded during peak travel times. The major downside is that you have to take a tram to this part of the airport and food options are quite limited (see below for a list of food vendors). The other issue is that there appears to be only one set of working restrooms in this area. Another set appears to be under construction - however there are signs explaining this both in the area and before security. Restaurants/food airside are: Pei Wei Chinese, Starbucks (to the left Chick-Fil-A, New York Pizza, Burger 21 (in the middle) Ducky's (pub-style), Bay Coffee & Tea ...plus a few convenience/gift/news stores read more

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Not a lot of options in this terminal, but it looks like more are coming. Bottom line: At least there's Dylan's Candy Bar. read more

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We've found ourselves at this airport quite a few times, even when we didn't live nearby. It's a decent airport and I prefer it over Orlando, which is also nearby. Nothing personal against Orlando; Tampa is a little smaller and easier to get around.... and, now that we live near both, the traffic driving in is much nicer. Security is always pretty quick but there's not much room to get situated with your bags and shoes afterward. You know how some airports have a nice big space to accommodate all the stressed out people, who just went through security,so they can get their shoes on, electronics back in their bags and just get their crap together? Yeah, they don't have that here. I think there is a singular bench. It's not a huge deal but, while it doesn't stress us in particular, we always happen get mashed into a large group of people who can't seem to get their wits about them after security. I just try to travel simply. There are a few spots for eats and stuff. At the gates, there are loads of charging ports. Bonus! Take pics of your parking location in the garage AND the name of the garage, because one could easily get off the tram at the wrong garage on return. Just pay attention to the signage and you'll be fine. We try to use Tampa as much as we can when we fly, simply because it is easier. However, they don't always have the same flight availability as, say, Orlando. Understandable. But if I had to choose one, it'd be Tampa. read more

Airside A - TPA - Tampa International Airport - Airport Terminals Near Me - Tampa, Florida

As any frequent reviewer of my posts know, I like to periodically (annually) re-review my reviews as things can change. Sometimes businesses close, get bad, or sometimes, better. This is one of those posts. Yes, I know I've been bad about checking in, but I just had a son, so I've been a bit busy. Plus, since the Pandemic, we've been getting deliveries from here more than actually picking stuff up. TPA is my secret to traveling to Disney on the cheap. Eventually, there will be a train option here, but until then, you can usually get a much cheaper airplane ticket to TPA. Then, you can rent a car to drive to Orlando. For those that rent cars anyway, it's a win-win. Plus, it's only about a 1-hour drive, which is definitely doable. Once the train option is active, for those that do not want to rent a car, this will solve it. And, depending on the travel costs from your home location, it still may be cheaper. But, I digress. This review should be about TPA, not the fact that it's a hidden travel cost saver. This is a normal airport terminal with the standard lengthy TSA line, but it is MUCH shorter than the Orlando airport, which is always packed. The food options are Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Burger 21, and Pei Wei. There may be a few other options, but those are the ones I remember. Of course, there is plenty of seating, but unfortunately, no lounge. Not having a lounge is terrible, but if you save money flying through here, who cares? Would I recommend this place? Yes, if it saves you money. read more

It's always great to clear security! It's like your trip is finally beginning. Airside A makes it even better with all the seating and charging stations. It's nice to be able to get all devices charged before along flight, with minimal hassle. read more

Easy in & easy out....coffee, food...clean and inviting....if every airport was like TPA....and many are.... the world will be slightly better with one facet of life because of it. read more

Do not travel here! Was not advised to take my belt off and touched and appropriately! Horrible experience

Now that this terminal is fully renovated, it is very nice. It is clean and airy, and there are plenty of places to charge your phone. Food options are okay, mostly chain restaurants, although there's a Ducky's if you want "local" flavor, and Burger 21 is at least Southern-regional. read more

Great airport. I used TSA Pre so the process is simple and easy. This terminal also has NYC style pizza so that is a super bonus for a Nyer like me! read more

Small terminal with a fairly standard length TSA line, Terminal A consists of a few food outlets, relatively clean bathrooms and ample seating. Food outlets include Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, a burger joint (Burger 21), Auntie Annes, Pei Wei and I believe a pretzel store. Overall, not bad, but those of you who fly Spirit (and experience frequent delays) should find the terminal sufficient for long waits. There is NO lounge in this terminal. read more