MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – What would have been a busy memorial weekend for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport— remains empty.

What You Need To Know

  • COVID-19 caused airport traffic to decrease

  • With business coming back, new guidelines are in place

  • Guidelines to keep workers and passengers safe

​​“It was somewhat of a shock, there is nothing going on anymore,” said Shay Kumm, SRQ Airport Operations Officer. 

Since COVID-19, the SRQ was one of the hardest hit, with a 95 percent decrease in traffic. 

But with business slowly coming back, new guidelines are in place for all Bay area airports. 

Tampa International Airport: 

  • Boarding pass: Travelers will place their boarding pass onto the reader for the TSA officer then present it for visual inspection, reducing the officers’ need to touch it and preventing cross-contamination.
  • Face coverings: TSA officers at the screening checkpoint are now wearing face masks and all travelers are encouraged to do the same. You may be required to adjust your mask during the screening process.
  • Plan ahead to reduce touchpoints: Travelers are encouraged to remove items such as belts, and items from their pockets, like wallets, keys and phones, and put them directly into their carry-on bags instead of into the bins to reduce touchpoints during the screening process.
  • Rules on prohibited items and large electronics still apply: The 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols and gels still applies, with an exception for hand sanitizer. Travelers can take containers of up to 12 ounces in their carry-on bag, but they must be removed from the bag and placed separately in the bin before screening for additional inspection. Electronics larger than a cell phone must be placed separately into a bin. Failure to prepare for screening may result in being asked to step out of line and resubmit your items for screening.
  • Traveling with food: Carry-on food items, which often alarm requiring further inspection, should be placed in a clear plastic bag and the bag placed separately into a bin. Removing the bag from the carry-on will reduce the officer’s need to open and touch your belongings.
  • Practice social distancing: Travelers should observe floor markings to maintain safe distance in the queuing area leading up to security and throughout the screening process.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport:

  • Same guidelines as Tampa International Airport. 
  • Parking: Valet and shaded parking lots are closed. 

 St.Pete/Clearwater International Airport: 

  • Social Distancing and Face Coverings: Please follow social distance measures put in place at the airport with 6-foot distancing markings and seating restrictions. Please wear face covering while in the terminal.
  • Parking: Economy Parking Lots are closed; Long-term Parking is open.