TPA gives Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards at the information desk in the center of Level 3 in the Main Terminal, offers TPA 360 practice tours for families of travelers with autism and other developmental, intellectual or physical challenges (request ahead), and has family security lanes at all four airsides.
Sensory supports. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards at the Level 3 information desk, plus TPA 360 practice tours you request ahead.
Hours
Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, as TPA suggests. Security is usually busiest from 6 am to 9 am and on days before and after holidays; allow about 20 minutes off-peak and 45 minutes at peak times. TPA 360 and other tours run 7 days a week, based on availability.
Information desk in the center of Level 3, Main Terminal, Tampa International Airport (TPA)
“Tampa International Airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, and guests can obtain a Sunflower Lanyard at the information desk located in the center of Level 3 in the Main Terminal. Our Guest Services, Police, TSA and other teams are prepared to recognize adults and children with hidden disabilities.”
“TPA 360 is a comprehensive tour to assist those with physical, intellectual or developmental challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families as they prepare for their next journey.”
“featuring dedicated family security screening lanes for travelers with children 12 and under. These lanes are available at each of the airport's four airsides, making the security process more efficient and less stressful.”
TPA calls the Sunflower lanyards free, and its Guest Services team doesn't ask questions or need any information before giving you one.
TPA 360 was designed with the TSA and may include walking tours of the airport, travel words, parking options, ticketing and check-in, the TSA security screening process, getting around the airport, amenities and traveling internationally. Tours do not go on any aircraft.
TPA gives two lead times for TPA 360, 48 hours on the TPA 360 page and 72 hours on its tours page, so ask at least 72 hours ahead. It also gives two rules on group size (TPA 360 is limited to a maximum of 5 participants; the tours page says all tours need a minimum of 5), so ask Guest Services when you book.
Get a Sunflower lanyard at the information desk in the center of Level 3 in the Main Terminal.
Request a TPA 360 tour from Guest Services at (813) 870-8759 or ktorres@tampaairport.com, at least 72 hours ahead, and book your flight first. Adults need a state-issued ID, and on any tour you follow TSA rules for personal items through security.
Family security lanes for travelers with children 12 and under are at all four airsides.
For help at the TSA checkpoint, TPA points to TSA Cares: call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours ahead.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
Ask before you go
what hours the Level 3 information desk is staffed
Call (813) 870-8759More about Tampa International Airport, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards and TPA 360
Only ticketed passengers go past the Main Terminal shuttle lobbies, but airlines may let a health care assistant or guardian go with a passenger who needs support; airlines may also give a gate pass to one adult going with a passenger with a disability or a minor traveling alone. Ask at the airline ticket counter.
Ask your airline ahead for help with boarding, wheelchairs, seat assignments, medication storage or dietary needs, and confirm before your travel day. Wheelchair service from the curb to the gate is through the airlines' skycaps.
Family bathrooms are throughout the airport. Any Guest Services desk has complimentary coloring sheets, and complimentary Wi-Fi covers the Main Terminal and every airside. Self-guided tours can be done any time.
Service animal relief areas are past security at every airside, and in the grassy areas across the drives from arrivals and departures.
TPA tours are complimentary, but tour parking in the garages is charged and not validated.
For a disability discrimination concern, call the Airport Operations Center at (813) 870-8770 for immediate help, or the ADA Coordinator at (813) 579-0124 during normal business hours.
