Holiday Travel Tips

Even though you may live in Florida, you are still going to have to deal with weather and crowds when traveling home for the holidays. Whether you are traveling for a holiday cruise, exotic vacation, or flying home from Tampa International Airport for family festivities, it is important to remember that millions of other Americans are going to be doing the same exact thing this winter! In addition, it always seems that poor weather conditions show up around holiday travel time! What luck.

Don't let long car rides, cramped airplanes, invasive security, or bad weather get you down; You are going on a relaxing cruise or traveling to visit your beloved family back home! Regardless of your plans, you will be thankful for our winter holiday travel tips:

1. Plan ahead and do your research. Driving to your destination? Research alternate travel routes ahead of time in case major traffic blocks the interstate. Depending on where you are driving from, you may be able to find some fun mini-destinations such as National Parks to visit on your way! Flying? Make sure you check your airlines baggage restrictions ahead of time to avoid stress on the day of your flight.
2. Pack accordingly. Packing light during winter travel is always suggested. If you can get away with just a carry on, that would be even better! This way, you won't have to worry about your luggage getting lost in transit. If you do check your bags, make sure that you pack at least two pairs of extra clothes, your phone charger, and whatever necessities you may need in your carry on just in case. 
3. Pack earplugs. Sure popping in headphones and listening to music is often a great way to zone out at a busy airport or loud car ride, but sometimes a person just needs silence! These little lifesavers can also ensure you get a few hours of shuteye before arriving at your destination.
4. Reserve your parking in advance. Since you and millions of people will be traveling this winter season, it is important to reserve your A1 Express Airport parking in advance! Reserving ahead will often save you money, and certainly saves you the stress of searching for a spot last minute.
5. Travel early or late in the day. Do you really want to beat the rush? Traveling during hours when most people want to be asleep can save you a whole lot of hassle since the roads will be less busy and the airports less crowded. 
6. Eat well and stay hydrated. This may seem like a simple tip, but it is often overlooked, as travelers rush to pack the car, struggle to read the GPS or fight with TSA about their luggage. Drinking water and eating regularly timed meals and snacks will make you feel oh so much better when you arrive at your final destination. 

Thanksgiving Travel 2014

You won't even have to do this when you park with us!

According to the AAA, 2014 is going to be the busiest travel year since 2007, with over 46.3 million American's taking a trip for the Thanksgiving Holiday. WHAT?! In addition, air travel is also going to be up by at least 3.6 million people since 2007 as well, meaning more people are going to be looking for Tampa International Airport Parking. People are expected to spend an average of $575 on their travels this holiday season.

By parking your car with A1 Express, you will save money on your Tampa Airport Parking, so more of your $575 can be used doing the things that you want to do! In addition to offering cheap airport parking at TPA, A1 Express is proud to offer:

• Free online reservations [save even more money and time by booking online]
• Complementary shuttle service 
• Short 5 minute ride to the airport [let us deal with TPA traffic while you relax]
• Self and valet park options
• Auto detailing upgrade options
• Complementary luggage handling
• Discounted prices!

Best and Worst Airports 2014

It is no secret that airport travel can be stressful! Thankfully, Tampa International Airport doesn't fall on the "worst airport" list! Make your free online reservation with A1 Express Airport Parking and see how stress-free travel can be! By comparing the percentage of positive and negative tweets about each airport, these are rankings, ordered from best to worst:

BEST AIRPORTS:

1. Orlando International, Florida (MCO)
2. Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)
3. Miami International, Florida (MIA)
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Minnesota (MSP)
5. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)
6. San Francisco International, California (SFO)
7. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Michigan (DTW)
8. Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta, Georgia (ATL)
9. Charlotte Douglas International, North Carolina (CLT)
10. Los Angeles International, California (LAX)
11. John F. Kennedy, New York, New York (JFK)
12. Boston International, Massachusetts (BOS)
13. Denver International, Colorado (DEN)
14. Phoenix International, Arizona (PHX)
15. Seattle-Tacoma International, Washington (SEA)
16. Newark International, New Jersey (EWR)
17. Chicago O'Hare, Illinois (ORD)
18. LaGuardia, New York, New York (LGA)
19. George Bush International, Houston, Texas (IAH)
20. Philadelphia International, Pennsylvania (PHL)

WORST AIRPORTS:

1. La Guardia International, New York (LGA)
2. Los Angeles International, California (LAX)
3. Honolulu International, Hawaii (HNL)
4. Newark Liberty International, New Jersey (EWR)
5. John F. Kennedy International, New York (JFK)
6. Philadelphia International, Pennsylvania (PHL)
7. Miami International, Florida (MIA)
8. Cancun International, Mexico ()
9. Las Vegas McCarran International, Nevada (LAS)
10. Washington Dulles International, D.C. (IAD)

Why Off-Airport Parking?

Doesn't it always seem like Tampa International Airport never seems to have enough parking spaces? The lots are always full, and the traffic is always heavy! Did you know that although off-airport parking is usually a brief drive from the airport, the lots are more manageable and you can reserve your parking online in advance to ensure that you have a spot! If you would like to reserve your A1 Express Airport Parking online, please visit our website! 

These off-site airport parking companies such as A1 Express are usually private family owned businesses. All things considered, they can usually offer you a better deal all around than on-site airport parking. By parking a few blocks away from the airport, you can save tons of money!

Unfortunately, drivers tend to avoid off-site parking companies, falsely assuming that it will take extra time to catch a shuttle to the airport. But have you ever been stuck in TPA airport traffic for what seems like forever? Why not just pay a little less and get to the airport faster?! That's right! Save money AND arrive at TPA stress free!  

You want to know what else? When parking with off-site parking companies, you almost never pay more than the airport! Indeed, off-site parking companies generally charge at least 25%-50% less than the local airport!

Unlike the airport where you are left to your own devices, off-airport parking services will help you with your luggage and give you a complementary shuttle ride where you can just sit back and relax. Some off-site parking companies even do minimal car maintenance while you are away!

These are just a few reasons why off-airport parking at A1 Express is beneficial! 

Directions to Tampa International Airport

This could be you when you see TPA!

Trying to find directions to Tampa International Airport? We've got you covered!! Check out our comprehensive list of directions and we will direct you to A1 Express, and then to Tampa International Airport! A1 Express Airport Parking is located less than 5 minutes away from Tampa International Airport! Once you see our facility, TPA is right around the corner.  Please review our detailed driving directions below. If you have any questions, please call us and we will direct you to our facility! 

Directions from St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Bradenton:

From I 275 North, take the airport exit #39 follow signage for Tampa International Airport after taking Airport Exit, then take the Spruce Street exit on right. At first light turn right onto O'Brien Street. Take the first right into the Avion Park complex then follow signage to A-1 Express office.

OOPS!!! Took exit 39 for Kennedy Boulevard instead of Airport exit?
Go 2 lights to Kennedy take a left at the light get in right lane for Spruce Street exit. The first light on Spruce Street is O'Brien take a right. We are on the corner. Enter into the Avion Park complex and follow signage to A-1 Express office.

Directions from North Tampa, Brandon, Lakeland:

Take I-275 south to the Airport exit stay in right lane follow signage to Spruce Street exit, at first light turn right onto O’Brien then turn right into Avion Park follow signage to A-1 Express office.

Direction from Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin:

Take Hwy. 60, follow Airport exit stay in right lane follow signage to Spruce Street exit, at first light turn right onto O’Brien then turn right into Avion Park follow signage to A-1 Express office.

Directions from Veteran’s Expressway:

Take express all the way to the end follow the signs for Airport exit stay in right lane follow signage to Spruce Street exit, at first light turn right onto O’Brien then turn right into Avion Park follow signage to A-1 Express office.

Tampa Airport Parking Coupons

Who doesn't love coupons?! We sure do! Coupons are a fantastic way to save money on everyday items such as groceries, household items, and yes, even airport parking! If you love coupons as much as we do and you want cheap Tampa Airport parking, then join our email list, add us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or keep up with our website! This way, you will be the first to know about our exclusive Tampa Airport Parking coupons! 

Here at A1 Express, we like to present special deals and Tampa Airport parking coupons to our online mailing list and social media followers first before posting to our website. Become a part of the A1 crowd or else you will miss out on these fantastic Tampa Airport parking deals! 

Check out a sneak peak of our most recent coupon:

Coupons are a great way to save money on Tampa Airport Parking, but they still won't save you a parking space! Luckily, we allow you to reserve your parking online ahead of time at our website! 

Tampa International Airport Questions

Check out all that A1 Express has to offer!

Here are some of the most popular questions we come across relating to our Tampa Airport Parking services: 

• How Far from Tampa International Airport is A1 Express? We are located less than a mile away from Tampa International Parking. 
• How long does it take to get to the airport form your parking lot? Less than five minutes!
• Do I need a reservation? No! Tampa Airport Parking reservations are not required, but certainly recommended, especially for holiday travel. This way, you are able to reserve your spot ahead of time!
• How do you calculate parking charges? Our parking rates are based on a 24 hour period beginning when you check in at our parking lot. We allow a 2 hour grace period from that time. Sales tax of 7% also applies.
• How to I get back to your lot when I return from my trip? When you deplane and are on your way to pick up your luggage, please give us a call! A A1 Express shuttle should be there to pick you up in less than 15 minutes! 
• How often do your shuttles run? Our shuttles depart from A1 Express on demand. If you arrive at our TPA parking facility and a shuttle is not available, one should be on the way and arriving within a few short minutes.
• Do you offer an airline employee discount? Yes, airline employees with proper ID get a 50% discounted rate!

Did any of these Tampa Airport Parking answers help to answer your question? If not, please comment below or contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible! As always, thank you for choosing A1 Express Airport Parking!