Jan 2, 2016, 6:17 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
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.
Airport Map
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
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
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. We’re working with the U.S. government to alleviate these delays.
Check-in Times
You must be checked in:
You must be at the gate and ready to board 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 3½ 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.
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 you’re 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)
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 you’re 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 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.
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):
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.
- 0:40 Domestic to Domestic
- 0:45 Domestic to International
- 1:35 International to Domestic
- 1:35 International to International
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
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
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
- 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
- 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. We’re 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)
You must be at the gate and ready to board the aircraft:
- 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure
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 3½ 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.
AA Guide: MIA / Miami International Airport, MCT / Connection, etc.
Mar 1, 2017, 11:34 am
#17
Join Date: May 2013
Location: YYZ/YTZ/YUL
Programs: BA Gold, TK Elite
Posts: 1,558
Unless your inbound flight is significantly delayed you will be fine. Moreover, as long as your onwards connection to HAV or MGA is on AA your connection will be protected by AA, even on separate PNR.
Mar 1, 2017, 7:03 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
Provided, of course, that the itinerary meets the MCT, which I believe it does in this case.
Mar 2, 2017, 6:17 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
Mar 5, 2017, 7:59 pm
#21
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: CO,AA,DL,US
Posts: 3
I'm due to land at MIA from Brazil on AA at 04:40 on a Monday with luggage and Global Entry. Do I have enough time to take an AA domestic flight (on a separate ticket) leaving from MIA at 07:06?
Last edited by asolare; Mar 5, 2017 at 8:08 pm
Mar 5, 2017, 11:27 pm
#22
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
The wait is all because AA is slow to deliver to the carousels. If I didn't have to check my bags, I would be in the terminal in about 15-20 minutes, maybe less.
Added note: I'm guessing that Pre-Check at the int'l arrivals will not be open at that hour, though you should look to see if by some chance it is. Unless the regular line is short and you don't mind doing the belt, shoes, liquids thing, you're probably better off going out into the airport and entering through the regular D security (always have Pre-Check) or E security (Pre-Check Lite).
Add'l added note: What I said above about Pre-Check applies to those who are just using the bag drop, but I just noticed you're on separate tickets. You will have to go out to the terminal to check your bags. Still no worries though. There are plenty of kiosks where you can print your own baggage tags, so it should not add more than 10 minutes to your transit.
Last edited by coolcoil; Mar 6, 2017 at 5:31 am
Mar 8, 2017, 6:04 am
#23
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: LX Senator, AA ExecPlatinum
Posts: 1
Lhr - mia - stt
Hi all,
I have 1h40 min for my connection from LHR to STT (all on AA) - seems very tight to me - AA keeps telling me "you'll be fine, it a guaranteed connection" but when asking what happens when I miss the connection, then they are telling me that this is at my own expense
So, does anyone know how many minutes before the connecting flight the luggage will need to be rechecked to be considered as a made connection? 30min? 45 min?
And is it legally correct that in case we do miss our connection as there are too many people in immigration and customs that the flight rebooking and the hotel accommodation (as it is the last flight of the day) is at our own expenses?
I have 1h40 min for my connection from LHR to STT (all on AA) - seems very tight to me - AA keeps telling me "you'll be fine, it a guaranteed connection" but when asking what happens when I miss the connection, then they are telling me that this is at my own expense
So, does anyone know how many minutes before the connecting flight the luggage will need to be rechecked to be considered as a made connection? 30min? 45 min?
And is it legally correct that in case we do miss our connection as there are too many people in immigration and customs that the flight rebooking and the hotel accommodation (as it is the last flight of the day) is at our own expenses?
Mar 8, 2017, 6:53 am
#24
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: US of A
Programs: Delta Diamond, United 1K, BA Blue, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,775
Hi all,
I have 1h40 min for my connection from LHR to STT (all on AA) - seems very tight to me - AA keeps telling me "you'll be fine, it a guaranteed connection" but when asking what happens when I miss the connection, then they are telling me that this is at my own expense
So, does anyone know how many minutes before the connecting flight the luggage will need to be rechecked to be considered as a made connection? 30min? 45 min?
And is it legally correct that in case we do miss our connection as there are too many people in immigration and customs that the flight rebooking and the hotel accommodation (as it is the last flight of the day) is at our own expenses?
I have 1h40 min for my connection from LHR to STT (all on AA) - seems very tight to me - AA keeps telling me "you'll be fine, it a guaranteed connection" but when asking what happens when I miss the connection, then they are telling me that this is at my own expense
So, does anyone know how many minutes before the connecting flight the luggage will need to be rechecked to be considered as a made connection? 30min? 45 min?
And is it legally correct that in case we do miss our connection as there are too many people in immigration and customs that the flight rebooking and the hotel accommodation (as it is the last flight of the day) is at our own expenses?
Mar 9, 2017, 2:30 am
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
So, does anyone know how many minutes before the connecting flight the luggage will need to be rechecked to be considered as a made connection? 30min? 45 min?
And is it legally correct that in case we do miss our connection as there are too many people in immigration and customs that the flight rebooking and the hotel accommodation (as it is the last flight of the day) is at our own expenses?
And is it legally correct that in case we do miss our connection as there are too many people in immigration and customs that the flight rebooking and the hotel accommodation (as it is the last flight of the day) is at our own expenses?
Unfortunately, if you miss the flight due to customs, AA will not provide hotel or meals, but they will rebook you on the next available flight, which I believe is at 9 AM the following day.
Mar 11, 2017, 4:53 am
#26
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: US of A
Programs: Delta Diamond, United 1K, BA Blue, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,775
How would men to whom you give your bag to put on a moving belt know that you're cutting it close in terms of those 45 mins? And given that doors close 10 mins before departure, 35 mins is often sufficient to make it through security.
Mar 11, 2017, 6:03 am
#27
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
There are usually, though not always, people with hand-held scanners that check the bag tags at the entrance to recheck. I've seen them wave people over to the rebooking line.
Mar 11, 2017, 7:52 am
#28
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: US of A
Programs: Delta Diamond, United 1K, BA Blue, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,775
Yep, I know of those and had experienced them scanning my bag tags. However, if you get your bags with less than 45 mins to go then you probably are cutting it close, since there is a possibility of a secondary at customs.
Mar 13, 2017, 7:05 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
Additionally, as other users have mentioned, they are now implementing the use of handheld scanners.
Mar 29, 2017, 3:25 am
#30
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold / O6 Diamond
Posts: 149
MIA MCT D-I Advice
Hi Fellow Knowledgeable FT'ers...
I have an issue with one of my bookings which I hope you're able to help.
I'm currently booked to go to a friend's wedding in Cancun this coming June on the following routing:
DUB-JFK-MIA-CUN (long short...AA cancelled my afternoon JFK-CUN so rerouted me via MIA)
Unfortunately, AA has made further schedule changes to the itinerary shifting the JFK-MIA flight by a couple of hours to the following flight times:
AA65 JFK-MIA DEP15:30 ARR18:58
AA2492 MIA-CUN DEP19:49 ARR20:39
According to Expertflyer, my understanding is that the MCT for Domestic to International is 1 hour so it seems to me that connection at MIA is not valid. I rang AA, they advised that whilst they understand that the MCT is 1hour at MIA, but their 'system' is advising that this is a valid connection, the reasons being that I'm originating from Dublin.
Now I think the agent is wrong but they are adamant that the connection is legal because the computer said so. I've even escalated the matter to the manager within reservation for advice and the lady was saying that it is ok.
Given I'm keen not to miss my connection to Cancun...(and my friend's wedding)...any advice on this would be gratefully received.
Chilledflyer
I have an issue with one of my bookings which I hope you're able to help.
I'm currently booked to go to a friend's wedding in Cancun this coming June on the following routing:
DUB-JFK-MIA-CUN (long short...AA cancelled my afternoon JFK-CUN so rerouted me via MIA)
Unfortunately, AA has made further schedule changes to the itinerary shifting the JFK-MIA flight by a couple of hours to the following flight times:
AA65 JFK-MIA DEP15:30 ARR18:58
AA2492 MIA-CUN DEP19:49 ARR20:39
According to Expertflyer, my understanding is that the MCT for Domestic to International is 1 hour so it seems to me that connection at MIA is not valid. I rang AA, they advised that whilst they understand that the MCT is 1hour at MIA, but their 'system' is advising that this is a valid connection, the reasons being that I'm originating from Dublin.
Now I think the agent is wrong but they are adamant that the connection is legal because the computer said so. I've even escalated the matter to the manager within reservation for advice and the lady was saying that it is ok.
Given I'm keen not to miss my connection to Cancun...(and my friend's wedding)...any advice on this would be gratefully received.
Chilledflyer