I Refused to Spend 8 Hours at the Airport. This $17 Plus Size Travel Hack Changed Everything
As a frequent traveler, I thought I knew all the airport tricks. I knew where to find the good snacks. I knew how to hunt down an outlet. I knew which terminal bathrooms were worth the extra walk. What I didn’t remember was that many airlines now limit how early you can check in for your flight. After an amazing cruise, we arrived in Tampa around 9:30 a.m. feeling refreshed, relaxed, and completely unprepared for the fact that our flight was not until 6:00 p.m.
Years ago, you could simply head to the airport and spend the day waiting. Today, many airlines only allow check in within a certain window before departure. Before you travel, make sure you check your airline’s policies so you are not stuck with hours to kill and nowhere to go. Thankfully, luck was on our side.
While riding the shuttle from the cruise port, we overheard another traveler talking about a service called ResortPass. She casually mentioned that she had booked access to a hotel for around $20 for the day while she waits for her flight. Immediately, my ears perked up. Let’s be honest. Twenty dollars is less than the cost of a meal at most airports and definitely less than the cost of checking a bag. I pulled out my phone and started searching.
Because we were booking for the same day, there were special discounts available. We found access for about $17 per person and some packages that included beverages. Within minutes, our post cruise problem had become a post cruise adventure. We booked a day pass at the AC Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy in Tampa and honestly, it was one of the best travel decisions we made all week.
First, there was the free airport shuttle. That alone saved us money on transportation. No ride shares. No taxis. No extra stress. The hotel picked us up and later returned us to the airport when it was time for our flight. Then there were the drinks. After several days at sea, we were completely Thirsty Thursday’d out. Instead of alcohol, we opted for non alcoholic beverages and loaded up on water, juice, and other refreshing options to help us survive the Florida heat.
The property itself offered something for every type of traveler. Need to work? The lobby and seating areas featured tables with built in outlets, televisions and plenty of comfortable places to set up your laptop. As a content creator, this was a game changer. I create a lot of content while traveling and I knew if I waited until I got home, I would be buried under edit overload.
Need to relax? The pool was beautiful, spacious, and handicap accessible. There were comfortable seating areas throughout the property, an outdoor firepit, and enough quiet corners to completely forget you were waiting for a flight.
Need entertainment? The property featured giant games, artistic photo opportunities, and some of the coolest artwork I have seen in a hotel. As a Brooklyn girl, I immediately noticed the artwork featuring Biggie. There were also pieces highlighting pop culture, Native American influences, and other creative themes throughout the property.
One thing travelers often worry about is luggage. We did too. Thankfully, AC hotel stored our luggage in a secured area during our stay. We even left the property for lunch and returned later without any issues. Everything was exactly where and how we left it.
When it was time to leave, the process was seamless. We had already told the front desk when our flight departed, so our shuttle was scheduled and ready. Staff brought out our luggage, helped coordinate our departure, and before we knew it, we were back at the airport feeling refreshed instead of exhausted.
What started as a stressful travel day turned into one of the most enjoyable parts of our trip. For plus size travelers, this experience was especially appreciated. Comfortable seating, accessible amenities, spacious bathrooms, and a relaxed environment made the experience feel welcoming and easy to navigate.
Would I use ResortPass again? Absolutely! In fact, I am already looking at future opportunities to use it during long layovers, delayed flights, and travel days where checking into a hotel simply does not make sense.
If you are a travel brand, hotel, tourism board, or service that helps make travel easier, more comfortable, and more inclusive for plus size travelers, Shapely Events would love to hear from you. We are always looking for products, destinations, and experiences that help our community travel smarter.
Now we want to hear from you. Yes you! Have you ever used ResortPass? Do you have a favorite Fatty Friendly travel hack or tip? Let us know. The Shapely Events community is always looking for ways to travel better, spend less, and enjoy more..
Plan Your Visit
Located in: MetWest International
Address: 4020 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: (813) 350-4020
Now put us on
Do you have a favorite Fatty Friendly travel hack or tip? Let us know. The Shapely Events community is always looking for ways to travel better, spend less, and enjoy more..
