Nov 4, 2021 - Business

New express curbside drop-off coming to TPA

Ben Montgomery

Construction of a bridge and escalator that is nearing completion on the new Blue Express Curbsides at Tampa International Airport. — Construction is nearing completion on the new Blue Express Curbside lanes at Tampa International Airport. Photo courtesy of Tampa International Airport

Tampa International Airport is unveiling the first "express curbside" concept in the United States in two weeks.

What's new: The Blue Express Curbside lanes, between the long-term garage and the main terminal, will allow passengers with a digital ticket and carry-on to jump on a dedicated escalator starting Nov. 16.

The new express route skips the curbside luggage chaos and those ticket-counter traffic jams to deliver passengers directly to the gate shuttles.

Why it matters: The eight express lanes — four for arrivals, four for departures — will allow the airport to increase capacity as it nears the start of COVID-delayed construction on Airside D.

Arriving passengers who haven't checked bags no longer have to descend into the baggage claim area and can instead take an escalator right to their ride.

What they're saying: "It's part of the history of the airport's legacy and innovation, these curbs," TIA VP of Planning and Design Jeff Siddle told the Tampa Bay Business Journal. "They will be the first anywhere in the United States at any airport.

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New express curbside drop-off coming to TPA

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