TAMPA, FL -
Waiting for a friend is becoming a lot more popular at Tampa International Airport. For years, airport police have discouraged people from sitting and waiting for someone at the airport terminal building.
To help deal with that problem, airport officials increased the size of the airport cell phone parking lot. An electronic board updates flight information, restrooms provide comfort and vending machines offer snacks.
Now the most recent addition is making the cell phone lot a nice place to hang out.
During the past holiday season, the airport added food trucks to the lot.
Chuck O'Brien, a Limousine driver for Bay and Beach Car Service, loves the idea.
"It's nice because there's times when we don't have time to stop for lunch and you know we get a little bit of a break here waiting for our flights."
The amenities have been getting a lot of attention lately. They were recently profiled in U.S.A. Today. On Tuesday morning, NBC's Today Show did a segment featuring the T.I.A. cell phone lot.
Kathleen Wojcik was waiting on a friend in the lot, with nothing but good things to say about the additions.
"Well I have to tell you. I think Tampa's arraignments here is much better than any other lot I've been."
Christine Osborn, one of the airport officials, says they are considering other additions as part of changes to the master plan for the airport.
"The south part of the airport is one of those areas that is under consideration for, everything from a gas station, maybe a convenience store, car wash, who knows."
