Big Changes To Pick Up Lanes at Tampa Airport

When officials at Tampa International Airport designed the cell-phone waiting lot, they hoped it would cut down on traffic congestion at the pick up area near baggage claim on the arrivals side of the airport. Even though the lot is complete with a giant board for flight information, wireless Internet access and restrooms, the congestion returned only a few weeks after the new waiting area was introduced.

The days of sitting in your car for 20 minutes while your friends get their luggage are over. Starting Dec. 20, expect a new crackdown on that congestion near baggage claim. Officials say that if your passengers aren't already outside waiting for you, you will be asked to leave the area.

Dr. Joseph Diaco, an airport board member, told Tampabay.com that rules are enforced too subjectively.

"Right now it's at the whim of a police officer," he said. "People pull around and see someone else sitting there, and (the officer) waves them along saying 'Don't stop.'

"That's wrong. It has to be consistent for everybody."

According to TBO.com, "The curbside plan to allow drivers to park only long enough to pick up waiting passengers and their luggage is part of a broader effort to extend the capacity and life expectancy of the main terminal complex in lieu of spending billions for a new terminal."

What do you think? Is this a good rule? Will having it start during the holidays make it easier or harder for you to pick up friends and family? Share your thoughts in the comments below.