I know how easy it is to fly out of TPA, and am interested to compare the "experience" flying out of MIA instead. I would judge the convenience on the following criteria:

1. Ease of driving to the airport, and no delays (Saturday afternoon)

2. Ease of dropping off an Avis rental car and proceeding to check-in

3. Security (travelling in J)

4. Lounge

5. Time of departure, and likelihood of getting some sleep

6. Service and confort on board

TPA is much closer, and scores well on 1,2,3 and 4.

However the TPA flight is at 1845 (arrival in UK at 3am US time), against the MIA flight at 2145 (arrival in UK around 6am US time).

Also, the flight with LHR crew on the UD is much much better than one on a LGW gossip ship.

Am wondering whether it is worth the extra drive to MIA to be able to travel later (so more chance of sleep) and on a 747 (so more comfortable) and to LHR (more convenient).

Would be interested to know whether it is as easy to drive to MIA, or how much hassle there is returning a car and getting through the airport.