![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQB27wx-I/AAAAAAAAO2c/v3HAm5MpvBM/s512/Photo0069.jpg)
So on my flight to Florida, I had a long layover in Tampa Bay. As in, I arrived at 4:30 PM and was scheduled to depart at 8:05 PM (with delays, it turned out more like 9:00 PM). I was tempted to find something to do in Tampa Bay proper, but I didn't want to be stressed for time, and certainly didn't want to go through TSA. So instead, I became intimately acquainted with "Airside C" of Tampa Bay International Airport.
As an introvert, I found it delightful toward sunset and later, when it was less crowded. Mid-day on my flight back, it was spacious enough that it didn't feel crowded...but I still liked it when it was empty.
![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOW_mOf4zI/AAAAAAAAO7I/VIYjBh_I1ro/s512/Photo0126.jpg)
Most of the pictures I got were lower-quality cell phone pictures...I didn't feel comfortable taking too many pictures with my regular camera.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQAwrYzLI/AAAAAAAAO2M/KTvzJPqPllU/s512/Photo0067.jpg)
The whole terminal has a lot of glass and just feels very airy. It's like a giant building with mini-buildings and walled-off areas inside.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQEYdC3eI/AAAAAAAAO28/s0b9LboAg90/s512/Photo0073.jpg)
I'm really not sure why they call it an "airside" but I guess they think there's just one terminal?
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQFVwBu6I/AAAAAAAAO3M/7dbcP84quao/s512/Photo0075.jpg)
I personally ate at Quizno's.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQGOBf5VI/AAAAAAAAO3Y/i8ow9s4Ym_c/s512/Photo0076.jpg)
The sandwich prices were very steep. The salad prices were less steep--not that much more than a salad you'd get outside the airport, though they didn't come with any flatbread.
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQHqjqbmI/AAAAAAAAO3w/_KtkB8a4hNQ/s512/Photo0079.jpg)
It was really good, though I doubt "healthy" would describe it.
Other restaurants include a standalone Nathans/Samuel Adams and a Home Team, whatever that is.
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQHEo8_hI/AAAAAAAAO3o/glJhbimPt98/s512/Photo0078.jpg)
Home Team was kind of a sit-down-ish place (and a sports-bar type place), though they did have a to-go window. Due to time constraints, I ate at Nathan's on the way back...the hot dog was OK but there was a great chip selection (I got popcorn!).
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQO47ZL3I/AAAAAAAAO5s/K3LbOpLa7aE/s512/Photo0093.jpg)
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOW_E5gKrI/AAAAAAAAO7A/3VukR5SgXzM/s512/Photo0125.jpg)
And there's a Chili's Too. I feel weird eating at a sit-down place alone.
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQMlxSWxI/AAAAAAAAO5E/Rf7tmCDh32E/s512/Photo0089.jpg)
Looking back toward the security checkpoint:
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQNpc09ZI/AAAAAAAAO5c/bowTH5Rk4ow/s512/Photo0091.jpg)
The outdoor smoking areas are little screened-in concrete areas. Not too friendly but I suppose they'll do if you need nicotine.
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQCtiqnQI/AAAAAAAAO2k/VLTDBtS-blE/s512/Photo0070.jpg)
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQSYnNe9I/AAAAAAAAO6c/W41AqGFye1U/s512/Photo0101.jpg)
There is a newsstand and another store with overpriced food:
![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQOaZ4_qI/AAAAAAAAO5k/gq_gm-6cpFU/s512/Photo0092.jpg)
And spiffy art above it.
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQPh3WawI/AAAAAAAAO50/WLaDVwKtU1U/s512/Photo0094.jpg)
Don't worry about what to do with your purse when you use the restroom. They have Purse Wrap!
![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQRNctAjI/AAAAAAAAO6M/dlny1gnOmko/s512/Photo0099.jpg)
Things to do in the airport during a 4.5 hour layover:
Scrounge around for a newspaper. Who knew Prince Valiant was still around?
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQKMPrHtI/AAAAAAAAO4c/Ib-jl5XZqFA/s512/Photo0084.jpg)
Visit the play area:
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQKq18ARI/AAAAAAAAO4k/sdn41pbZnC4/s512/Photo0085.jpg)
Wave at the giant aviator statue:
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQLN4ytdI/AAAAAAAAO4s/Di0NLzsBd3g/s512/Photo0086.jpg)
Tuck yourself away into a workstation...
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQLheKVrI/AAAAAAAAO40/11d0ga_6u10/s512/Photo0087.jpg)
...including free Wi-Fi (at least in March 2011)!:
Get some Tampa Bay Info to Go:
![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQMFbBWXI/AAAAAAAAO48/xFSdgo1vq4E/s512/Photo0088.jpg)
Make sure your luggage and personal item will fit on your plane. (Or commandeer a wheelchair!)
Take a picture of your plane:
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOQNIy-N1I/AAAAAAAAO5M/4Be7cS9GiQk/s512/Photo0090.jpg)
Take a picture of your luggage:
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_3DD-8hL_hp4/TbOXANWGT4I/AAAAAAAAO7Q/9wW9bGoGUV4/s512/Photo0130.jpg)
I saw someone taking a nap on the floor by the window. No pic but he looked very comfortable!
Relax in one of the luxurious leatherette chairs:
Or just snap and finally start taking pictures of your cute tiny Duffy Bear.
Safe travels, everyone!
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