Why flights get delayed at TPA
Thunderstorms and lightning
The Tampa Bay area sees frequent summer lightning, which stops ramp work until it clears.
Florida airspace congestion
Flights to and from Florida are often metered by air traffic control in peak season.
Hurricane season
Gulf storms can close the airport and take days to recover from.
Flying through TPA soon? How to prepare
- Time it well.
- Know your airline's commitments. Check what Southwest Airlines or your own airline has promised for delays and cancellations in our airline policy guides, or see how to check it yourself.
- Line up a backup. Note the next couple of flights on your route and the alternate airports below before you leave home.
- Connecting here? Keep both flights on one ticket and choose a layover with room to spare above the minimum connection time.
The full list is in our pre-trip checklist.
Airlines most affected
Tampa is a hub or major base for Southwest Airlines. When the airport slows down, that airline has the most flights to re-plan, but it also has the most later departures to rebook you onto. What you are offered during a delay depends on the carrier.
Check the live status
- The FAA shows current ground stops and delay programs for TPA at nasstatus.faa.gov.
- Departure boards, terminal and security information are on the official Tampa website.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled at TPA
- Find the real cause. Ask the gate agent, then compare it with the FAA status above. The cause decides what the airline owes you: see is it really a weather delay?
- Know your refund right. If the flight is cancelled, or delayed three hours or more (six for international), you can decline to travel and get your money back.
- Line up alternatives first. Look at later flights, other airlines and the alternate airports below before you reach the desk.
- Ask for what the airline has committed to. For delays within its control, that usually means a meal after three hours and a hotel overnight. Here is what to say.
The full walkthrough is in what to do when your flight is delayed.
Alternate airports near TPA
If flights out of Tampa are sold out or cancelled, these airports are within a realistic drive. Distances are approximate road miles. See how to switch airports without losing your booking.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| St. Pete-Clearwater | PIE | about 15 miles |
| Sarasota Bradenton | SRQ | about 55 miles |
| Orlando | MCO | about 85 miles |