I would say the extra drive to MIA is worth it; if only for a proper night's sleep on board and not being woken up at 3am Florida time to land.

Remember it's an hour north to TPA, so only really an extra 2.5 hrs max to MIA, probably less as sunrisegirl and I have proven if you drive as if you were in the UK. I would not leave before 4ish for the 2145 flight, which gets you in before sundown, and a full day at the beach is possible withy a late check out.

Plenty of time in the lounge or to have a proper pre-flight supper in the Top of the Port restaurant at the airport hotel I have always found to be superb if I needed to pass time; might come in handy of the MIA BA Lounge is shut.

The drive really is not all that long and it is perfectly timed for a book on CD - by the end of your hols you will prob hardly be speaking to your other half, so buy one of those CDs to while away the time!

There were roadworks last year on some of I75 but these should be done by now?

I recall getting the late flight last June five or ten minutes of traffic as I got into the rental station (through aforementioned construction) but was handled swiftly by the agent with a handheld gizmo, straight onto the shuttle and into the terminal where BA has dedicated check in for F and J.

Upstairs through security (which was v quiet, but I arrived a bit early) and a short walk to the BA lounge and you also get access to a newly refurbed AAdmirals club, though be warned it is painted puce with London underground fabric on the chairs and usual minimal food and voucher-but-you-have-to-tip drinks.

One alternative is to consider staying either in South Beach or Fort Lauderdale for one or two nights prior to departure; it is more happening than Sarasota and might widen your horizons as I know you've done this trip a few times now.

Some great hotels down there, supper on the Terrace at The Tides watching the models rollerblading past, Ferrari's and Bentley's crawling along against the backdrop of palms trees, and an evening stroll to see the grown up sandcastle sculptures, and the moonlit Versace mansion would be a great end to your vacation.

Two caveats: pretty sure the BA terminal at MIA is closing this summer - you should check that as there may be temporary facilities in place, whcih could be a nightmare. Second, MIA is much more expensive the TPA to fly from if you are paying for your flights - hence the GBP1500 returns in J to TPA vs GBP2100+ in J to MIA.

Here is a thread, specifically post #14, discussing the merits of Sarasota as a destination (even mid Hurricane!) , which others considering the Tampa flight might appreciate. It's a great part of the world, and I keep going back every year:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ferrerid=24296