TPA Security: Checkpoint Hours, PreCheck and Wait Times

TPA does not screen you in the Main Terminal. Security checkpoints sit at each of the four airsides (A, C, E and F), so you check in and drop bags in the Main Terminal, then ride the shuttle to your airside and get screened there.

Only ticketed passengers can go past the entrances to the airside shuttles. Your airline decides your airside:

• Airside A: Breeze Airways, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines and United.
• Airside C: Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
• Airside E: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines and Frontier.
• Airside F: American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Porter Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet.

Airlines can change airsides, and TPA's 2026 fact sheet lists Aeromexico at Airside F where its airlines page says Airside E, so confirm your airside on your boarding pass or with your airline.

TPA publishes when each checkpoint opens, not when it closes. Check your flight time against the checkpoint opening time, especially for early departures.

• Airside A: eGates open at 3:30 a.m., TSA opens at 3:45 a.m.
• Airside C: eGates open at 3:15 a.m., TSA opens at 3:30 a.m.
• Airside E: eGates open at 3:15 a.m., TSA opens at 3:30 a.m.
• Airside F: eGates open at 3:45 a.m., TSA opens at 4:00 a.m.

The eGates are automated gates that match your face to your ID and boarding pass.

TPA suggests arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Plan to be at your gate about 30 minutes before departure.

The airport says that time covers check-in, security screening and a bite to eat. Add time for the shuttle ride to your airside. The airport says the line usually takes about 20 minutes off-peak and about 45 minutes at peak times.

The busiest time is usually 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., plus the days before and after holidays. Weekends are also called out as a peak time in the airport's departing passenger guide.

Plan on about 20 minutes when it is quiet and about 45 minutes when it is busy. TPA gives typical waits only, not live ones. It says it flags travel peaks on its social channels, so watch those and check your airline app.

TSA PreCheck is available at all four airsides. Members keep shoes, belts and jackets on and leave liquids and electronics in the bag. The airport does not say which lane or where each PreCheck line is, so follow the signs once you are at your airside.

To sign up, apply at TSA.gov/precheck, then book an interview and fingerprinting at an enrollment center.

CLEAR is not at TPA yet. On August 6, 2026, TPA announced that its board approved CLEAR+ lanes and automated eGates at all four airside checkpoints, with launch expected in fall 2026. The announcement gave no opening date, so check the CLEAR app before counting on it.

Global Entry is for arrivals from abroad. The application fee is $120, according to CBP (checked October 15, 2026). TPA's enrollment center is on the Red Side Baggage Claim and Arrivals level, open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (813) 676-4929.

TPA's pages do not mention a program that lets you reserve a screening time. If you want to avoid the morning rush, aim for off-peak departures and arrive on the airport's recommended schedule.

TPA points you to the TSA for the full list of allowed items. You can call TSA toll-free at (866) 289-9673 or use tsa.gov.

• Have your boarding pass and ID ready. The airport lists a valid U.S. driver's license, passport and military ID as accepted forms of ID.
• Wear slip-on shoes.
• Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per container and fit in one quart-sized clear plastic bag.
• You may be asked to take a laptop out of its sleeve or bag for the X-ray.

Airlines may issue a gate pass so one adult can go to the gate with a minor traveling alone or a passenger with a disability, or meet them on arrival. Ask at your airline's ticket counter on Main Terminal Level 2. Passes are at the airline's discretion.

TSA Cares is a toll-free helpline for travelers with disabilities or medical conditions. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before you fly. Service animal relief areas are available after the security checkpoints at every airside.

To request wheelchair help, contact your airline directly.

As of October 15, 2026, TPA has posted a traffic alert: the Red Departures lanes were closed for road resurfacing. If your airline is on the Red Side, follow the detour signs to the Red Express departures lanes. The alert gave no end date, so leave extra time and check tampaairport.com before you go.