Big Changes Coming To St Pete-Clearwater Airport
Tampa Bay’s second favorite airport is getting a big upgrade in the next few years. St. Pete-Clearwater Airport was approved for a $110 million terminal expansion. This is great news for Pinellas County travelers who prefer PIE to TPA.
According to St. Pete Rising, Pinellas County officials approved an agreement for the airport to enter into a $14.33 million contract to begin designing and constructing the new terminal. This means more gates (aka more flights and possibly new routes). The project will also consolidate TSA checkpoints, have a new level for passenger boarding, and new food and beverage vendors.
Much like the construction being done at Tampa International Airport, these changes will take a few years to complete. Once the contractors have been approved, construction will commence and is expected to finish sometime in 2026.
Related: 7 Things That Suck About Tampa International Airport
Even though tourism and travelers are consistently increasing (and beating pre-covid levels), St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) saw a 2% decline in passengers this March. Allegiant begins service to three new destinations in May/June to Bismarck, ND; Evansville, IN; and McAllen, TX. This brings PIE’s total non-stop destination to 64.
Hopefully these changes also means that St. Pete-Clearwater Airport can offer flights from more airlines. Most domestic routes are flown with Allegiant. But it would be nice to have some more options like Breeze Airways, Frontier, or maybe even Southwest.
It’s sometimes beneficial to fly out of PIE compared to TPA depending on your destination. Allegiant offers a lot of domestic flights for affordable rates compared to Delta, United, etc.
5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore
Puerto Rico
This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don’t need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It’s worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there’s this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn’t compliant with this Act, you’ll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.
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St. Croix
If you’re craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won’t need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.
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Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.
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St. Thomas
St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it’s important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.
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St. John
St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.
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