Airport Codes Explained: Check TPE, TSA and the Right Pick-up Airport
Three-letter airport codes matter when a city has more than one airport. Use TPE and TSA to check the exact airport, terminal and local date before meeting cabin crew.
A family member remembers only that the flight arrives in Taipei, while a map offers two different airports. Three-letter codes on an itinerary, roster or flight board help identify the correct place. A city name alone is not enough for an airport pick-up.
An airport code identifies a place, not a flight number
IATA maintains three-letter identifiers for airports, metropolitan areas and other transport locations. A flight record usually gives separate origin and destination codes; the flight number is another field. Read the full airport name behind the code, then check whether the airport is the departure or arrival point.
A useful Taipei example: TPE and TSA
TPE: the airport code for Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.TSA: the airport code for Taipei Songshan Airport.
Both may appear in travel connected with Taipei, yet they are distinct airports with different journeys and terminal arrangements. If a search result shows only a city name, return to the airline or airport's leg details and check the full name and code. Do not choose the closer airport by assumption.
Video transcript
One metropolitan area can have more than one airport. Read the origin and destination codes on the itinerary or roster, then use an official code lookup for the full airport name. Confirm the flight date, terminal and exit before travelling.
Three checks before travelling to the airport
- Confirm the flight date and destination code. Do not mistake the origin for the pick-up location.
- Use the airline or airport's page to verify the full airport name, terminal and current flight status.
- Navigate to the named terminal and follow current exit signage when arranging a meeting point.
When a Feiban roster displays a code
A source roster may contain only a three-letter code and duty date. Feiban organizes the leg, but the crew member should check any uncertain origin, destination or date against the original roster. Family should avoid inferring a return-home time from a code alone.
Frequently asked questions
Are TPE and TSA both Taipei airports?
Travel searches may group them around the same city, but they are separate airports. Use the code and full name on the current itinerary for a pick-up.
Is the airport code the same as the terminal?
No. A code identifies an airport; a terminal is a more specific place within it. One airport may have multiple terminals or exits.
What if the airport name and code do not match?
Check IATA's official code lookup, then confirm the current itinerary with the airline or airport. A diversion or revision can change the destination shown on the latest itinerary.
IATA: airline and airport code search — Official lookup for assigned airport and location codes.
Taipei Songshan Airport: airport introduction — The airport's official page lists its TSA identifier.
Read local and home time on a layoverAfter checking the airport, check the local date and time zone.