Originally Posted by
Smirnoff
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
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.
Despite there being perpetual roadworks around the car rental area, it's quite easy to drop-off an Avis car there; you get a receipt from someone with a hand-held unit and can walk 50 yards to the shuttle bus stop; 5 minutes later BA is the first (or second?) stop at MIA, so you don't have to endure a grand tour of the airport. I've never had significant delays at security there (departing MIA is a fairly pleasant compared to an international arrival
); the lounge (J) is a regular Terraces flavour and quite adequate, esp. with apron & runway views. F lounge is smaller, and more spartan. I like the late departure from MIA to assist sleeping. I've never taken a LGW long-haul, so can't really compare the onboard service. On arrival in LHR-T3, don't forget you have to get over to T1 yourself if you want to use the arrivals lounge.
See
here for a couple of reviews of the MIA lounges.