TAMPA, Fla. - Scores of holiday travelers landed into Tampa Bay determined to spend time with their loved one despite health warnings of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

What You Need To Know

“It’s very exciting to see them after such a long time,” said Maria Cruz as she picked up cousins visiting from Puerto Rico. “It’s very emotional and it feels great!”

Cruz hadn’t seen her relatives in three years. She said she is determined to enjoy their company while remaining COVID-free.

“We’ve been taking our precautions so we should be fine,” she said.

The hustle and bustle at Tampa International Airport Christmas Eve looked and felt like it did before the global pandemic. As the day wore on, dozens of travelers could be seen collecting luggage and picking up relatives.

 

Marisa Vilardo, who flew in from Cincinnati to visit an aunt, said she had no concerns traveling on an aircraft.

“Everyone stayed seated and  it was really easy,” Vilardo said.

Her aunt, who works as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, said she also felt safe.

“We’re still doing social distancing so the center seats are all open,” said Leigh Steck. “I’ve been a flight attendant for 30 years. The planes are the cleanest I’ve seen them in 30 years.”

Tampa International Airport has installed a COVID-19 testing site which allows passengers to check their status before they  board their flights.