I'd like to comment as I've flown FLL-TPA numerous times as a connection and as a N/S pax. TPA-FLL is one of the few times I get to an airport just an hour before departure, even with bags. It's big and airy, and there is rarely a line. (I only fly the last flight of the night if I'm a N/S)

I've had it all. Done the 2 hour connection (with a 2 hour delay once BDL-TPA-FLL...4 hours in TPA knowing you're a 4 hour drive from FLL sucks btw), and I've even done the 30 minute connection.

My best advice is to have the shorter connection going north...especially if you are on an early morning flight. FLL-TPA is often blocked at :55-1:05 but if everything runs on time, you can easily do :45 gate to gate. So a 30 minute connection quickly turns into a 40 or 50 minute connection.

However, even with a bare minimum 30 minute connection, I've been able to go to the bathroom, grab Chili's TOO, and board in my spot in the A group. Last time I flew through TPA was the day before Spirit and AirTran switched, so at the time, the area near Quiznos was basically a ghost town. Now, that area may have more traffic, but more often than not, a Southwest-to-Southwest connection will be on the other half of the concourse, where Chili's TOO is, but as someone mentioned above, it's a max 5 minute walk from the first gate to the last gate in the concourse. Also, I believe in addition to the full service Chili's, there is a bar next to Quiznos that I believe serves food.

Also, as the poster above mentioned, Chili's TOO does have the full menu available, and I have gotten a hot meal on a shot connection, but remember that when you are in a hurry, you do put yourself at more risk by ordering off the menu. If you're in doubt, just get the salad or go to Quiznos. There is also a Starbucks and CNBC Newsstand directly across from security at the center of the concourse.

Hope this helps. I'm an expert at TPA connections now, and I highly recommend them. Very stress free, and much better than BWI. One piece of advice for the future...and this goes for everyone. DON'T EVER CHANGE AT MCO!!!