Why Tampa International Airport’s Airside E Is My Least Favorite Airside
It’s not that Airside E at Tampa Internatioanl Airport is terrible, but if I have to pick a “least favorite,” I’d have to choose Airside E. But don’t worry. You…
Airside E
Photo Courtesy of RWIt's not that Airside E at Tampa Internatioanl Airport is terrible, but if I have to pick a "least favorite," I'd have to choose Airside E. But don't worry. You know I love everything about our hometown airport. Getting choses as my "least favorite TPA Airside" is like getting chosen as my least favorite place to eat ice cream. No such thing as a bad place for ice cream.
I will share with you some of the amenities and logistics at Airside E when compared with the other airsides. And I will share with you my terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad travel day (that never happened) out Airside E, that may also be the impetus of this review.
At Airside E at Tampa International, you'll find a Potbelly Sandwich Shop and a Panda Express for grab-and-go food options. I'm not a big sub person, and Chinese food is not my favorite. But these both might be up your alley. Also, they offer a Four Green Fields and a Beers of the World. I'm not that into beer or bar-food, so again, not my fave. (Wow! I'm sounding a little hard to please right about now.) They do have a Columbia Restaurant, which I love! I noticed they offer breakfast options and a grab-and-go counter, as well. Here is a map of Airside E.
The Airside that remains to be number one in my book is Airside F. Maybe it's because I love Cafe by Mise En Place. It's also the most aestically appealing as you get off the tram. Airside A comes in as my number 2.
Ultimately, the reason for my tainted feelings about Airside E at Tampa International may be because of my bad travel day. We were flying Delta to the Bahamas. Our flight was delayed by more than three hours, so we missed our connecting flight. While we were scrambling to find another flight, my child dropped an open strawberry-smoothie bottle into my travel bag and ruined my bag. Maybe next time I fly out of Airside E, I can have a nice meal the the Columbia Restaurant, an on-time flight, and no ruined travel bag.
Spillage in travel bag
Roxanne’s Review Of Tampa International Airport: Airside F
I took my first flight on an airplane since October 2019. I was feeling a little nervous so I was like, "Let me make if fun by turning the whole experience into a web post review." I feel like whenever I fly out of Tampa International, I'm rushing...no time to spare. I decided to get there early so I could feel relaxed and just take in all the surrounding and airport amenities. I was flying American so I was out of Airside F. Here's everything you need to know about Airside F.
But before we get to Airside F...just a quick mention.
Photo courtesy of RWP.F. Chang's is the place to go if you ever want to pick someone up at the airport and their flight is delayed. This is my favorite restaurant in the Main Terminal to enjoy a beverage, airport ambiance, and delicious food.
Let the Airside F Tour begin.
Photo courtesy of RWAfter you've made your way over on the monorail and through security, this is the first thing you see. A beautiful light purple sculpture above you.
The first restaurant you will notice is The Cafe by Mise en Place.
Photo courtesy of RWIf you've eaten at Mise en Place, you know how amazing the food tastes.
They have nice big booths.
Photo courtesy of RW"Table for 1"... and plenty of room for my carry-on luggage.
Pre-flight meal.
Photo courtesy of RWI'm going to do this every time I fly out of Airside F. Quite possibly the best brussel sprouts I've ever eaten. And the wine took the edge off so I could enjoy my first flight in twenty months.
If you go to the right once you get through security (Gates 77-84)...
Photo courtesy of RWYou will see a bar that looks like a pirate ship, of course! It's the Gasparilla Bar, offering great grab and go food...and drinks with a total Tampa-pirate-y vibe.
When you hang a left out of security (Gates 85-90)...
if you're looking for a sweet treat to pacify your children, you'll find Yogurtology tucked behind Buddy Brew. Now this may backfire if your kids eat too much frozen yogurt and have sugar meltdowns on the plane.
On the same side as Yogurtology, check out Liquid Provisions.
Photo courtesy of RWNice little place with a chill airport bar vibe and good shareable plates.
After my glass of Cabernet Franc at The Cafe, I was like "I need a quick massage."
Photo by RWThat would've made me perfectly relaxed to get on my flight. Unfortunately, this particular Terminal Getaway Spa was closed, but when it is open, you can find it right behind Gate 87. Now I just need to book flights that take me out of Airsides A, C, and E so you'll have a full report.
