Explore the Ins and Outs of St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

Dec 21, 2021
Learn more about the parking, food and amenities at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. And read about what we are doing with our COVID-19 safety plan to make flying through PIE comfortable and safe.

Travel is different when you fly through St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida. The service is friendlier, the environment is more inviting and the amenities are just what you need. Whether you are flying to Toronto or Key West or somewhere in between, discover what makes your local PIE airport a better way to get away.

COVID-Conscious Travel at PIE Airport

To make sure travelers feel comfortable and confident flying through PIE, the airport has implemented a COVID-19 Action Plan to ensure a safe, clean and secure airport environment for everyone. All surfaces will be sanitized more frequently, additional hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the airport, social distancing is in effect, and, in alignment with federal law, protective face masks will be worn at all times at the airport. You’ll also notice other measures, including Plexiglass dividers at counters, more frequent cleaning of restrooms and floor decals to mark social distancing.

We hope everyone understands why these initiatives are necessary. It takes the cooperation of every person to create a pleasant travel experience for all of us.

PIE Airport Parking & Transportation

Parking and transportation are always top-of-mind topics for air travelers. Fortunately, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport was built with convenience in mind. In addition to short-term and long-term parking lots that are within short distance of the terminal, PIE airport also offers two Economy Parking Lots that are just a short ride away on the complimentary PIE airport shuttle.

Out of concern for passengers’ well-being, a limited number of riders will be allowed on shuttle under the airport’s COVID-19 Action Plan.

PIE airport wants to make the experience easier for those picking up travelers, as well. Located adjacent to the air traffic control tower, PIE airport Cell Phone Lot is the perfect spot to wait for friends and loved ones as they deplane and make their way out of the terminal.

PIE also has five major rental car agencies on site to serve you. Available St. Pete-Clearwater Airport rental cars include Alamo, National, Avis, Budget and Enterprise. Begin your visit to St. Pete-Clearwater in the vehicle of your choice.

Delicious Food & Drink at St. Pete Airport

The recent multimillion-dollar enhancements at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport include additional PIE airport concessions to make your visit to the airport more enjoyable, and because of the convenient layout of PIE airport, you’re never too far from a gift, books and magazines, or a delicious treat.  

Savor the best of Italy here in Florida at family-owned Mazzaro Italian Market, located near Gates 7-11. This convenient outpost of the local Tampa-area culinary destination serves flatbreads, hot and cold sandwiches, salads and fresh roasted coffee and bagels for breakfast. You can also order signature cocktails, wine and beer.

At 3 Daughters Brewing, their passion for craft beer is in every signature brew — a passion that has made them one of the largest independent breweries in the state of Florida. Located near Gates 2-6, the airport concept of this locally based brewery serves delicious sandwiches and paninis, as well as full liquor and wine selections at the bar, but don’t you dare leave 3 Daughters Brewing without sampling a few of their craft beer creations!

Enjoy Museum-Quality Art Around PIE Airport

The St. Pete-Clearwater area is an art lover’s dream destination. That includes the Salvador Dalí Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and — surprise! — St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. In addition to being a proud sponsor of the Salvador Dalí Museum, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport also opens its doors — and floors, ceilings and walls — to local and global artists.

As you enter PIE, you’ll see a brilliant blue, 45-foot-wide blown and painted glass wall at the main entrance entitled “SunSkySea” by Kentucky artist Guy Kemper. Tropics-themed ceramic murals by Elle Leonard and terrazzo floor tiles by Tampa-based designer Kelly Taaffe Noto give visitors that vacation feeling as soon as they arrive. If you’re dazzled by the glass vessels of Gulf Coast-based artist Duncan McClellan, be sure to visit his gallery in the Warehouse Arts District of St. Pete.

While you’re waiting at the baggage carousel, be sure to look up! Hanging from the ceiling is a replica of the “Benoist” aircraft from the historic first commercial flight in 1914, whose first passenger was St. Pete city mayor A.C. Phiel.

These are just a few of the masterpieces you’ll see around PIE airport. Keep your eyes open and your cameras handy.

Modern Amenities at St. Pete Airport

Part of the easygoing experience travelers enjoy at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport are the modern amenities and services that put passengers first, from Volunteer Ambassadors to translation assistance.

Whether you’re waiting at the gate or relaxing at one of PIE’s restaurants, stream and swipe all you want with free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.

Make a four-legged friend and relax with complimentary volunteer therapy dogs and their humans through the PIE PUPs program. All therapy dogs are screened and trained through Project PUP and are experts at de-stressing travelers, whether children or adults. If you’ve brought your own fur baby, PIE airport’s Bark Parks have their needs covered. These outdoor pet relief areas are located near short-term parking on the east side and the rental car parking lot on the west side. These fenced parks feature artificial antimicrobial turf, as well as benches, hydration stations, trash receptacles and dog waste bags.

If you’re traveling with children, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has thought of your needs. Look for the complimentary Mamava pods, a private and secured spot for moms who need to nurse or pump. Located in Gates 2-6 and 7-11, a lactation pod may be accessed by downloading the Mamava app or calling the number posted on the door for an access code.

Families with older kids can enjoy some wiggle and giggle time at the Kids Play Zone, near Gates 7-11. At this mock cockpit, kids are the pilot with aerial videos. They’ll also learn about flight and its history in this play area designed in partnership with Great Explorations Children’s Museum.

PIE airport invites travelers to get away the easy way. Visit the website to learn more about St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.