Travelers flying from Tampa International Airport should allow a little extra time right now if their airline uses the Red Side of the Main Terminal.
TPA has temporarily closed the regular Red Departures drive for pavement work. Instead of using the normal Red Side ticketing curb, passengers are being directed to the Red Express Departures curbside area.
If you are arranging a ride to the airport, knowing this before departure helps avoid confusion at the terminal.
Which Airlines Use the Red Side at TPA?
The Red Side includes several airlines commonly used by Tampa Bay travelers, including:
- Southwest Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- Frontier Airlines
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- Avelo Airlines
- British Airways
- Discover Airlines
- Edelweiss Air
- Sun Country Airlines
- WestJet
TPA staff and signs direct passengers from Red Express to the Main Terminal Ticketing Level. Curbside bag check remains available at Red Express for travelers who need it.
Where Should Your Chauffeur Drop You Off?
For a Red Side airline, your chauffeur should follow airport signs to Red Express Departures rather than the closed Red Departures lanes.
If you are checking luggage, proceed into the Main Terminal and follow signs or airport staff directions to the Red Side ticketing level. Travelers with boarding passes and no checked baggage can use the Red Express escalators or elevators to reach the transfer level and continue toward their Airside.
The exact walking path depends on your airline and whether you need to check bags, so it is smart to leave extra time—especially during morning departures, holiday travel, or busy weekends.
How Much Extra Time Should You Allow?
For most travelers, adding five to ten minutes to the normal airport plan is a practical starting point. Families, groups, passengers with several bags, and travelers departing on international flights should allow additional time.
Your airline’s recommended arrival time is still the most important guide. The temporary drop-off change affects the last part of the ride to the terminal, but check-in deadlines, security screening, and airline boarding times remain the same.
Private Transportation to Tampa International Airport
A scheduled private ride gives you one less detail to manage on departure day. Your chauffeur can use current airport access instructions and bring you to the correct curbside area for your airline.
ALD Limo provides private transportation to Tampa International Airport from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Bradenton, and other Gulf Coast locations. Private SUVs, stretch limousines, and Sprinter vehicles are available for individuals, families, executives, and groups.
When reserving your ride, provide your airline, flight number, passenger count, and luggage details. This helps ensure the correct vehicle and airport drop-off plan are arranged.
Before Leaving for TPA
Confirm these details before your scheduled pickup:
- Airline and flight number
- Whether your airline uses the Red Side
- Checked-bag requirements
- Recommended airport arrival time
- Passenger count and luggage
- Any airline schedule changes
- Your chauffeur’s pickup time and location
TPA’s curbside work is temporary, but travelers should check the airport’s current alerts before leaving. If the Red Departures drive reopens, normal Red Side drop-off procedures will resume.
For help with a scheduled airport ride, learn more about ALD Limo’s airport transportation service or Book Now.
