Tampa International Airport (TPA) Security Wait Times & TSA Details
Tampa International Airport has a single terminal with four air sides, containing one checkpoint in each. The average security wait time is 20 minutes, but as the crowd increases, it can reach up to 45 minutes. The busiest times usually occur between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., as well as days before and after holidays. Additionally, to expedite the security process, the airport houses TSA PreCheck for departing flyers and a Global Entry office for international arrivals. However, all checkpoints and offices have specific working hours.
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Standard Security Wait Times at Tampa Airport (TPA)
Generally, it takes around 20 minutes or less to complete the security process at Tampa Airport. But at peak times like 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., it may take 40 minutes or more to pass through checkpoints.
| Security Wait Time at SLC Airport | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Average Wait Times | PM | Average Wait Times |
| 12 to 1 | 3-7 minutes | 12 to 1 | 11 minutes |
| 1 to 2 | 2 minutes | 1 to 2 | 9-15 minutes |
| 2 to 3 | 2-5 minutes | 2 to 3 | 12 minutes |
| 3 to 4 | 3 minutes | 3 to 4 | 12 minutes |
| 4 to 5 | 10 minutes | 4 to 5 | 10 minutes |
| 5 to 6 | 17-26 minutes | 5 to 6 | 10-14 minutes |
| 6 to 7 | 15-37 minutes | 6 to 7 | 9 minutes |
| 7 to 8 | 25 minutes | 7 to 8 | 12 minutes |
| 8 to 9 | 16-34 minutes | 8 to 9 | 20 minutes |
| 9 to 10 | 18-20 minutes | 9 to 10 | 5 minutes |
| 10 to 11 | 15 minutes | 10 to 11 | 3 minutes |
| 11 to 12 | 13 minutes | 11 to 12 | 1-3 minutes |
TSA Working Hours at TPA Airport
The TSA security checkpoints are located at the entrance of each airside with different timings. Flyers move to these areas after check-in and dropping their bags at the main terminal of Tampa Airport.
| Airside | Facility | Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Airside A | TSA and TSA PreCheck | 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Airside C | TSA and TSA PreCheck | 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Airside E | TSA and TSA PreCheck | 3 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Airside F | TSA and TSA PreCheck | 3 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
NOTE: The Airport doesn’t contain any TSA PreCheck enrollment office; hence, complete the registration online through the official website.
TSA Wait Times at Tampa Airport
The current TSA security wait time at Tampa Airport ranges between 5 and 20 minutes. Using TSA PreCheck can speed up the process, reducing the overall time.
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Expedited Customs and Immigration
Internationally arriving flyers with pre-approval can use the Global Entry office for security screening and registration. The Enrollment Center at Tampa International Airport is located on the Red Side Baggage Claim, Arrivals level. The fee to fill out the online application form is $100; it is a mandatory part of the process.
- Timings: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Monday to Friday.
- Contact Number: (813) 676 4929
The main terminal of Tampa International Airport consists of four checkpoints, located in all airside areas, A, C, E, and F. The maximum time to clear security can reach up to 40 minutes, depending on the passenger traffic. All security checkpoints offers TSA PreCheck facility but have different timings. Additionally, only Global Entry pre-approved flyers can utilize the office at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The average security wait time at Tampa International Airport is about 20 minutes, and can increase to 40-45 minutes in peak crowd.
Yes, TSA PreCheck is available at all security checkpoints located in Airsides A, C, E, and F.
TSA checkpoints at Tampa Airport usually operate from 3 a.m., with closing times varying by airside. Airsides E and F operate until 11 p.m., while Airside A and C close at 9 and 7 p.m., respectively.
No, Tampa International Airport does not have a TSA PreCheck enrollment office.
Yes, the Global Entry Enrollment Center is located at the Red Side Baggage Claim on the Arrivals level.
The Global Entry office at Tampa International Airport work between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.