Refreshed Bag Claim area greets Tampa International Airport's holiday travelers

The bright and airy look on the Main Terminal’s first level boasts new lighting, carpet, ceilings and LED signage on the baggage belts.

Arriving passengers with checked luggage will notice a new look for Tampa International Airport’s Bag Claim area this holiday season.

The first floor of the Main Terminal boasts a bright and airy look on both the Red and Blue sides, as part of a major update for what is often a traveler’s last impression of TPA before leaving the Airport.

New carpet, lighting and drop ceilings now greet guests who are picking up checked bags. Brand-new LED signage to identify the baggage belts has been installed across the first level.

The signs have larger screens with higher resolution, and more room to display flight information.

The new ceiling replaces a system that dated back to 1998, and the fresh carpet updates flooring that was in use since 2008.

The upgrades were made to improve the finishes and functionality to make the area brighter and more user-friendly, with almost all of the work being done overnight to limit disruptions to travelers.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority approved $18.4 million last year for the project, which started in January and is scheduled to be fully completed later this month, as contractor DPR Construction puts the final touches on the work.