I fly a lot as I like to travel places. I’ve got the whole process of flying in and out of the USA down pat with airport lounge access for relaxing stress free before flights and Global Entry for speeding through TSA security and Immigration lines. My next goal is to figure out traveling in China to the same degree. I’ve got the high-speed rail under my belt but haven’t flown domestically yet.
Most of the time when I’m flying there is a nearby lounge after clearing security that I gravitate towards so I can relax before my flight or between connections. This holiday season I’m traveling back to China from Tampa (TPA), an airport with no lounge — at least not in the A Gates where United Airlines departs from.
So what did I do this time around? Well, I took a short 10 minute walk and made my way to the airport Marriot hotel which is connected to the departure level. Sadly you’ll need to be outside security to get to this spot, but it’s definitely worth it! Lots of seating, great drinks selection, and the food ain’t half bad. You don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to use it and the atmosphere does not feel like you’re eating at an airport restaurant at all as it’s much more relaxed with fewer people running by you trying to get to their flights. Finding electric outlets might be a bit of an issue to charge your devices, but if you look hard enough you may be able to spot a few.
While having to exit security to grab some food and drink isn’t ideal, if you have a long connection at an airport where you do not have lounge access, look to see if a hotel is connected to the airport and give it a shot! Guaranteed you’ll get to walk around a bit more which is always better than sitting on your butt any day.