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AA Guide: MIA / Miami International Airport, MCT / Connection, etc.

Old Jan 2, 2016, 6:17 pm
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Last edit by: Prospero
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Check-in times as of March 2016 Link

In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States[
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States

If youre beginning travel from any of the airports below, the check-in time is longer:

Departing from: Check-in must be completed by:
(minutes before scheduled departure time)
  • Caracas, Venezuela (CCS) 90 minutes
  • Dublin, Ireland (DUB) 75 minutes
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) 75 minutes
  • Maracaibo, Venezuela (MAR) 90 minutes
  • St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT) 90 minutes
Link to Miami International Airport website
Link to aa.com Miami International Airport page and airport app.
Link to thread with archived older posts.

Peculiarities: MIA can be affected by summer tropical storms and hurricanes. Knock-on effects during lengthy IROPS can manifest themselves systemwide. At peak times (e.g. early morning arrivals), arrivals processing and terminal facilities can get very crowded.

Special notice

We operate out of Concourses D and E. Check your flight status for gate information.

Ticket counters
American Airlines
Concourse D
Daily: 4 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Airport Map
Official Minimum Connection Times for MIA (assuming same terminal):
  • 0:40 Domestic to Domestic
  • 0:45 Domestic to International
  • 1:35 International to Domestic
  • 1:35 International to International
NOTE: Though 1:35 is the given MCT International to Domestic (and 1:35 international to international), one should not consider that useful for everyone connecting international to domestic unless one has Global Entry or luck.

International arrivals at MIA requires most passengers to fill out a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form 6059B - one per family - process U.S. Immigration, retrieve baggage at arrivals carousels, process through U.S. customs, re-check baggage, proceed to either the TSA connections security processing queue or landside and process TSA security (with onward boarding pass) to return airside. (Read on for exceptions.)

This does not apply if you are connecting international to international and have red "ITI" tags on your checked baggage. You will have to produce the Form 6059B and still pass through USCBP, albeit without baggage.

Other than for U.S. passport holders and passengers with USDHS ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization under the Visa Waiver Program), who may use kiosks that expedite the arrivals process, Immigration, Customs and TSA Security queues can at times be tortuous and one would do better scheduling a connection time closer to 2:30 (or even 3:00) for a comfortable international to domestic or to international connection for non-ESTA / non-U.S. passport holders.

If one is enrolled in Global Entry and can use the dedicated kiosks and expedited queues, the process is speediest as there are clearly marked queues after the self-clearing kiosks and one is not required to possess a Form 6059B.
For general information, see:

AA FAQ: Will I make my connection?
MIA Airport Website
MIA North Terminal (Concourse D) Updates
Concourse D Skytrain (inside security) - transfers between all gates in Concourse D and between inbound international flights and Customs & Immigrations Halls in Concourse E. Concourses D and E are connected inside security via a walkway.
Connections between terminals at MIA (using the Skyride Connector moving walkways)
AA.com: Admirals Club Locations and Hours
FT: American Airlines Lounge Dashboard for Lounge information

Concourses and Gates
The terminal at MIA is a single U-shaped building divided into 6 concourses. AA operates flights out of Concourses D & E.Concourse D: Gates D1-D60
  • American Airlines ticket counters are located at Concourse D, Doors 1-7 and Concourse E, Door 10
  • American Airlines mainline flights depart from Gates D1-D51
  • American Eagle flights depart from Gates D53, D55 & D60
Concourse E: Gates E2-E11 & E20-E33
Gates E20-E33 are located at the International Satellite Terminal, accessible via people mover on Level 4 just past the Concourse E security checkpoint. If the people mover is out of service, signs will direct passengers to the shuttle bus departing from the E1 Bus Station on Level 1
  • American Airlines ticket counters are located at Concourse D, Doors 1-7 and Concourse E, Door 10
  • American Airlines mainline flights depart from Gates E2-E11 & E20-E33
  • British Airways ticket counter is located at Concourse F, Door 14; flights using Airbus A380 equipment depart from Gate E6 and all other flights depart from Gate E8
  • Finnair ticket counter is located at Concourse E, Door 10; flights depart from Gate E30
  • Iberia ticket counter is located at Concourse E, between Doors 13 & 14; flights depart from Gate E23Qatar Airways ticket counter is located at Concourse E, between Doors 9 & 10; flights depart from Gate E10
  • WestJet ticket counter is located at Concourse E, Door 12; flights depart from Concourse F
Concourse F: Gates F3-F23
  • British Airways ticket counter is located at Concourse F, Door 14; flights using Airbus A380 equipment depart from Gate E6 and all other flights depart from Gate E8
  • WestJet ticket counter is located at Concourse E, Door 12; flights depart from Concourse F
Concourse J: Gates J2-J18
  • Delayed American Airlines international flights arrive at Concourse J when the federal inspection station at Concourse D is closed (generally between 11 PM and 3:30 AM)

Checking in at MIA Link
Flagship Check-in: Yes

Arrival at the Airport
The TSA recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before your flight (3 hours for international). If you travel often, save time by enrolling in TSA PreCheck. Were working with the U.S. government to alleviate these delays.

Check-in Times
You must be checked in:
  • At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States (domestic flights)
  • At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to airports outside of the United States (international flights)
Arrival at Gate
You must be at the gate and ready to board the aircraft:
  • 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure
Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your seat assignment and the removal of your checked baggage from the aircraft.

Doors close 10 minutes before departure.

Time to baggage delivery: 30-55 minutes

AA Ticket Counters Link

Concourse D
Charter 1: Cuba charter check-in only; open dependent on charter flight schedule, located across from Door 1

Kiosk 1: self-service check-in; located between Doors 1 and 2
Main: full-service check-in; located across from Door 2
Flagship: full-service check-in; located between Doors 2 & 3
Priority: full-service check-in; separate queues for First Class & AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Business Class & AAdvantage Platinum, and AAdvantage Gold & Priority; late nights Priority and Main are consolidated at this counter; located between Doors 3 & 4

Kiosk 2: self-service check-in; located across from Door 5

Kiosk 3: self-service check-in; located across from Door 6

Rebooking Center: missed connection assistance for customers arriving on international flights only; located across from Door 6

Cuba Check-in: self-service check-in for customers traveling to Cuba only; located between Doors 6 & 7

Concourse E
Charter 2: Cuba charter check-in only; open dependent on charter flight schedule, located across from Door 10


Security at MIA
Link to security checkpoint locations map. All Concourse D and E gates are accessible from any D or E checkpoint. Connections to or from other concourses will require you to exit and reclear security.

If you do not have Priority or Pre✓, please allow at least 20-40 minutes to clear security. If you miss your flight due to security checkpoint wait times, you will be allowed to standby for the next AA flight to your destination.

Concourse D
Checkpoint 1: open 5 AM to 9 PM, best for Gates D1-D21, located across from Door 1

Checkpoint 2: open 24 hours, best for Gates D22-D24, available to Priority and Pre✓ passengers only while other checkpoints are open (4 AM to 10:30 PM), located across from Door 3

Checkpoint 3: open 4 AM to 10:30 PM, best for Gates D25-D29 & D41-D60 (via skytrain) and access to skytrain Station 2, located between Doors 5 & 6

Checkpoint 4: open 8 AM to 10 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM, best for Gates D30-D40, located across from Door 9

D FIS Checkpoint: open 4 AM to 9:30 PM, available only to passengers who have cleared customs at the D federal inspection station (non-precleared international flights arriving Concourses D, E & F), located to your left upon exiting customs

Concourse E
Checkpoint E: open 4 AM to 10:30 PM, best for Gates E2-E11 & E20-E33, located between Doors 11 & 12

Priority lanes available at Checkpoints 2 and E

TSA Pre✓ available 24 hours at Checkpoint 2, available during peak times only at Checkpoints 1, E, and D FIS

CLEAR available at Checkpoint E & H

Tip: Upon exiting customs, you will be directed to the D FIS checkpoint. If you would like to use an alternate checkpoint, follow the signs to the Crew EXIT and Rebooking Center in order to avoid exiting on the Arrivals (lower) level and having to go back upstairs. Checkpoints 1-3 will be to your left and Checkpoints 4 & E will be to your right.

Security checkpoint operating hours may differ from published times due to TSA staffing constraints and security initiatives.


MIA Services, Shopping, and Dining
MIA VIP Services (expedited processing similar to AA Five Star Service): link.

Lounges: please see the Lounge Dashboard sticky for further lounge information at MIAConcourse D: Admirals Clubs above Gate D15 and across from Gate D30; Centurion Lounge at Gate D12 (take elevator in rotunda to Level 3)

Dining & Shopping: Link to MIA services, dining guide, and interactive map

On-Airport Hotel:Miami International Airport Hotel (landside, Concourse E)

Wi-Fi:Paid WI-Fi service available throughout terminal. Link to pricing information and connection instructions

Smoking: Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas across from terminal sidewalks and at:TGI Friday's smoking lounge between Gates D34 & D36

Rental Cars: The Rental Car Center is located at 3900 NW 25 St, Miami, FL 33142 (across from the main entrance to the airport) and is served by 16 companies. Link. Access to and from the terminal is via the MIA Mover automated people mover.Arriving Passengers: After collecting your baggage, follow the black and pink signs to the MIA Mover station on the third level of the terminal, accessible via moving walkway. From there, board the MIA Mover to the Rental Car Center. Trains generally depart and arrive on the right track and run 24 hours a day. From 5 AM to midnight, trains run approximately every 3 minutes; from midnight to 5 AM, trains run approximately every 7 minutes. The train will reach the Rental Car Center in approximately 3 minutes. After exiting the station area, the rental car agencies will be located to your right.

Departing Passengers: Please return your vehicle at the Rental Car Center before checking in for your departing flight. After returning your vehicle, follow the black and pink signs to the MIA Mover station on the fourth level of the facility. From there, board the MIA Mover to Miami International Airport. Trains generally depart and arrive on the right track and run 24 hours a day. From 5 AM to midnight, trains run approximately every 3 minutes; from midnight to 5 AM, trains run approximately every 7 minutes. The train will reach the airport terminal in approximately 3 minutes. After exiting the station area, moving walkways to AA ticket counters and gates will be located to your right.

Animal Relief Areas:Coming soon!


MIA Parking
There are Valet and Garage parking options. Link for options, pricing, and maps

Accessible/Disabled Parking: Link

Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Link


MIA Transportation
Public Transportation: All buses and trains depart from Miami Central Station, which is co-located with the Rental Car Center and is accessible via the MIA Mover automated people mover. Link to map and directions to Miami Central StationMetrorail Orange Line to Dadeland South, serving Downtown Miami

Miami Beach Airport Express bus to Miami Beach

Metrobus routes 7, 37, 42, 57, J, 238/338 & 297

Tri-Rail commuter rail to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach

Hotel Shuttles, Shared-Ride Vans, and Taxis: Link to area map and fare estimatesHotel shuttles pick up and drop off on the Departures (upper) level at Doors 3 & 7 at Concourse D; there are no designated stops at Concourses E-J

Super Shuttle shared-ride van service. Stands located on Arrivals (lower) level at Concourses D, E, F, and H.

Taxi stands located on Arrivals (lower) level at Concourses D, E, F, and H. Blue "Airport Region Taxi Service" taxis serve areas immediately adjacent to the airport. Yellow taxis serve all other areas.

Uber and Lyft rideshare services are technically illegal at MIA but will accept pick-ups and drop-offs. There are no designated stops; however, rideshare drivers will generally pick up on the Arrivals (lower) level.

Intercity Bus: Buses depart from Miami Central Station. Link to map and directions to Miami Central StationGreyhound bus service throughout continental United States

megabus low-cost express bus service to Orlando and Tampa


Things to Do
Do I have time to go to Miami or Miami Beach?Downtown Miami Due to increased security checkpoint wait times, you should allow yourself at least 3 hours between connections if you do not have Priority or Pre✓. A taxi to the city center should take approximately 12-17 minutes and will cost approximately $22. Because traffic to and from the airport can be unpredictable, consider taking the Metrorail Orange Line in lieu of a taxi. It is a 15-minute ride from the airport to the city center and trains run every 10-15 minutes except late nights. A roundtrip is $4.50.

Miami Beach Allow at least 3 hours between connections due to the possibility of heavy traffic on the highways between the beach and the mainland. A taxi to the beach should take approximately 22-27 minutes and will cost $35 (flat rate) if going south of 63rd Street. For reference, South Beach and most of the tourist spots are south of 23rd Street. Consider taking the 150 Miami Beach Airport Express bus from the airport to the beach. It is a 31-minute ride from the airport to the Lincoln Road Mall and buses run every 20 minutes. A roundtrip is $4.50.

Posts from 2015-2017 have been archived here.
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AA Guide: MIA / Miami International Airport, MCT / Connection, etc.

Old Mar 4, 2021, 8:29 am
  #211  
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Originally Posted by Global321
A CK cart/buggie? Never heard or seen a 'CK Cart'. They are labeled that way?

Are you guys talking about the physical assistance carts?
They are branded as Concierge Key carts; these are not the physical assistance carts, but in my experience, we are almost always stopped by pax asking for a ride.
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Old Mar 4, 2021, 8:52 am
  #212  
 
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Originally Posted by SkyTeam777
They are branded as Concierge Key carts; these are not the physical assistance carts, but in my experience, we are almost always stopped by pax asking for a ride.
Thanks. Guess I never looked close enough to see the branding. Always thought they just grabbed a random physical assist cart to drive CK around.
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Old Mar 5, 2021, 2:17 pm
  #213  
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Greetings,

Any recent data points on time it takes for checked bags coming off a domestic wide-body?

Coming in on Red-Eye LAX-MIA on a 77W, curious if I have time to swing by AC to freshen up quickly before bags hit the belt at baggage claim.

Thanks!
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 11:01 am
  #214  
 
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Clearing customs in MIA

I am arranging LHR-MIA-MCO trip for an EU citizen and have a choice of a 2.5 hour connection in MIA or a 4.5 hour connection. Does anyone know if a non-US citizen can get through customs quickly enough to make the 2.5 hour connection?
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 11:24 am
  #215  
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Originally Posted by franksn
I am arranging LHR-MIA-MCO trip for an EU citizen and have a choice of a 2.5 hour connection in MIA or a 4.5 hour connection. Does anyone know if a non-US citizen can get through customs quickly enough to make the 2.5 hour connection?
MIA international arrivals can be a pain but 2.5 hrs. should be plenty.

AA Guide: MIA / Miami International Airport, MCT / Connection, etc.
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 11:29 am
  #216  
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The last time I went through MIA, it took about 2h. And I'm an American. With Global Entry. This is just anecdotal, of course, but I consider MIA to be the worst airport in the country for arrivals.
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 11:59 am
  #217  
 
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Originally Posted by TBD
The last time I went through MIA, it took about 2h. And I'm an American. With Global Entry. This is just anecdotal, of course, but I consider MIA to be the worst airport in the country for arrivals.
Just waiting for your luggage PRIOR to clearing customs can take over an hour. I've barely made 2 hour Int'l-Domestic connections at MIA, because of the time to reclaim luggage and clear customs. Not to mention that MIA is huge and an absolute bear to navigate, especially if you don't know the airport.
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 12:11 pm
  #218  
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With GE it took me about two minutes last week. Customs won’t take long unless you have something to declare. The immigration wait is what takes time. Is this person even admissible to the US currently?
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 12:44 pm
  #219  
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It all depends on whether OP has an issues clearing entry. EU does not mean much as that could be a VWP (ESTA) or a visa. The basis for OP's exemption permitting entry may also matter. Or not.

On the other hand, MIA-MCO is not something which worries me much.

There are six nonstops a day MIA-MCO. If OP misconnects, AA will stick him on the next flight. In a real pinch, it's only a 3-1/2 hour drive. Thus, the likelihood of being stuck at MIA is very low.
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 2:03 pm
  #220  
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Originally Posted by TBD
The last time I went through MIA, it took about 2h. And I'm an American. With Global Entry. This is just anecdotal, of course, but I consider MIA to be the worst airport in the country for arrivals.
How? Where was the delay?
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 3:45 pm
  #221  
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Originally Posted by TBD
The last time I went through MIA, it took about 2h. And I'm an American. With Global Entry. This is just anecdotal, of course, but I consider MIA to be the worst airport in the country for arrivals.
As a US citizen, the longest it's ever taken me to clear immigration and customs at MIA is about 30 minutes before Global Entry was invented, and about five minutes since the advent of GE. What possibly could've taken two hours?
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 3:57 pm
  #222  
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Waiting for bags?
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Old Mar 23, 2021, 5:31 pm
  #223  
 
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Originally Posted by Blumie
As a US citizen, the longest it's ever taken me to clear immigration and customs at MIA is about 30 minutes before Global Entry was invented, and about five minutes since the advent of GE. What possibly could've taken two hours?
Originally Posted by LondonElite
Waiting for bags?
same.

We do MIA GE arrivals a lot (pre-COVID). Without bags, piece of cake. 5 minutes.
Waiting for international checked bags can take forever.
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Old Mar 24, 2021, 6:04 am
  #224  
 
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Originally Posted by Global321
same.

Waiting for international checked bags can take forever.
Yep it's the arrival of bags before going through the custom line that can slow you down (the line itself is a breeze just handing over your approval slip).

Note for current times - don't forget to lower your mask for face recognition at GE kiosks. Was tired and a walking zombie a few weeks ago and took me a couple of minutes to realize why the kiosk couldn't recognize me. Duh, mask. The fingerprint ID is way slower at least for me. My DH was kind enough to say silly your mask. Approved in a second
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Old Mar 28, 2021, 11:20 pm
  #225  
 
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HI just wondering the best way to go from E6 to a pet relief station.. Landing E6......Pet relief seems to be at F7 and D34.. On the MIA terminal map there is what looks a walkway between E & D that is before the main security area.....If that is indeed a walk way it appears that going to D34 would not be that far? In addition to F7 or D34 the 3rd option is to leave airside and use one of the pet relief stations that are landside by the parking garage.

If anyone knows which of the 3 choices is the quickest and if this grey shaded "walk way" just after E5 is indeed a short cut over to the D gates? And as I look more E & F may not even be connected airside in which case scratch F7 as an option.

Really appreciate the help
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