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.
Jan 10, 2022, 11:12 am
#376
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
Definitely doable if everything is on time, unless you get this worst case scenario of:
- 15 minute walk to customs
- 20 minutes to clear customs
- 45 minutes at baggage claim
- 45 minutes to reclear security
- 15 minutes to reach new gate
If you have any way to NOT check bags, I think your chances of making your flight are nearly 100% if things are on time. If you have to check bags, and you hit all the times above, you won't make it.
All that said, on a 'good' day, cut each of those times in half, and you're at your gate with time to spare.
- 15 minute walk to customs
- 20 minutes to clear customs
- 45 minutes at baggage claim
- 45 minutes to reclear security
- 15 minutes to reach new gate
If you have any way to NOT check bags, I think your chances of making your flight are nearly 100% if things are on time. If you have to check bags, and you hit all the times above, you won't make it.
All that said, on a 'good' day, cut each of those times in half, and you're at your gate with time to spare.
Jan 10, 2022, 11:41 am
#377
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
I did MIA customs back in November without checked bags and I was out of customs in 15 minutes (walk time and customs time). The longest wait was to reclear security.
Jan 10, 2022, 11:46 am
#378
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 586
Definitely doable if everything is on time, unless you get this worst case scenario of:
- 15 minute walk to customs
- 20 minutes to clear customs
- 45 minutes at baggage claim
- 45 minutes to reclear security
- 15 minutes to reach new gate
If you have any way to NOT check bags, I think your chances of making your flight are nearly 100% if things are on time. If you have to check bags, and you hit all the times above, you won't make it.
All that said, on a 'good' day, cut each of those times in half, and you're at your gate with time to spare.
- 15 minute walk to customs
- 20 minutes to clear customs
- 45 minutes at baggage claim
- 45 minutes to reclear security
- 15 minutes to reach new gate
If you have any way to NOT check bags, I think your chances of making your flight are nearly 100% if things are on time. If you have to check bags, and you hit all the times above, you won't make it.
All that said, on a 'good' day, cut each of those times in half, and you're at your gate with time to spare.
Jan 10, 2022, 1:31 pm
#379
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: The part of NC where we have electricity, paved roads, and high school diplomas.
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 3,132
But I wouldn't count on that working every time.
Jan 12, 2022, 4:33 am
#380
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
I had a transfer in Concourse D (Gate D37 to D4) yesterday. The walking to immigration was very long (I did not do timing); I passed the immigration quickly by using the Mobile Passport Control (CLEAR Pass App). The waiting for luggage was more than 30 minutes because half of the passengers on my flight were waiting near carousel. I went upstairs to use Pre Check on Checking Point #1. The amount of walking back and fourth on Concourse D was huge. I only spent 25 min at Flagship lounge and took train to D4 afterwards and arrived at T-20 min for my connection flight. My total connection time was slightly over 2 hours. I could save 5-10 min if I traveled alone (but I was not).
Jan 19, 2022, 5:33 am
#381
Join Date: Sep 2020
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,947
When connecting in MIA from international to domestic, is it always a case of having to collect and re-check your luggage when clearing customs? I seem to remember some situations in the past where my luggage was checked through to my final destination and we were specifically told not to pick up and re-check (although I may be misremembering things).
I have an upcoming itinerary where I'm uncertain whether I will take the domestic segment and likely won't know until the day I arrive in MIA (based on whether my meeting at the domestic destination I'm ticketed to is actually going ahead or not... if it's not then I would use a separate back up ticket I have from MIA to get me to an alternative domestic destination). But if my luggage is checked all the way through then the backup plan won't really work.
I have an upcoming itinerary where I'm uncertain whether I will take the domestic segment and likely won't know until the day I arrive in MIA (based on whether my meeting at the domestic destination I'm ticketed to is actually going ahead or not... if it's not then I would use a separate back up ticket I have from MIA to get me to an alternative domestic destination). But if my luggage is checked all the way through then the backup plan won't really work.
Jan 19, 2022, 5:48 am
#382
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Germany
Programs: BA GGL, CCR - TK G
Posts: 809
international baggage has to always be picked up..
BUT.. if it is on one ticket it will get checked thru.. you just have to collect it.. walk it thru customs.. and drop it off right there again at special desks.. no re chek in
BUT.. if it is on one ticket it will get checked thru.. you just have to collect it.. walk it thru customs.. and drop it off right there again at special desks.. no re chek in
Jan 19, 2022, 6:21 am
#383
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,376
When connecting in MIA from international to domestic, is it always a case of having to collect and re-check your luggage when clearing customs? I seem to remember some situations in the past where my luggage was checked through to my final destination and we were specifically told not to pick up and re-check (although I may be misremembering things).
I have an upcoming itinerary where I'm uncertain whether I will take the domestic segment and likely won't know until the day I arrive in MIA (based on whether my meeting at the domestic destination I'm ticketed to is actually going ahead or not... if it's not then I would use a separate back up ticket I have from MIA to get me to an alternative domestic destination). But if my luggage is checked all the way through then the backup plan won't really work.
I have an upcoming itinerary where I'm uncertain whether I will take the domestic segment and likely won't know until the day I arrive in MIA (based on whether my meeting at the domestic destination I'm ticketed to is actually going ahead or not... if it's not then I would use a separate back up ticket I have from MIA to get me to an alternative domestic destination). But if my luggage is checked all the way through then the backup plan won't really work.
Internationalmto Domestic you always need to reclaim luggage and rech3ck it. Some international to international destinations yiu have ITI where bags are through checked and you don’t need to reclaim. Not sure which the participating countries are but I know I’ve done ITI on UK-MIA-Cancun and vice versa.
Jan 19, 2022, 6:59 am
#384
Join Date: Sep 2020
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,947
Internationalmto Domestic you always need to reclaim luggage and rech3ck it. Some international to international destinations yiu have ITI where bags are through checked and you don’t need to reclaim. Not sure which the participating countries are but I know I’ve done ITI on UK-MIA-Cancun and vice versa.
Feb 5, 2022, 2:18 pm
#385
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 44
Apologies if this has been asked many times before, but I have a domestic to international connection on separate tickets and am wondering if I'll have enough time.
Arriving domestically on AA to D Concourse, will need to pick up luggage and then check in again with luggage for an AF flight which I believe is in Concourse H-South Terminal.
I am flying first/business so should get priority luggage pickup and priority check-in with AF. I also have TSA precheck. I have 85 minutes from landing to takeoff. Is that cutting it too tight? Is there a hard cutoff for check-in at 60 minutes prior to departure for my AF flight?
Any tips to get from one side to the other quickly?
The flight I am arriving on is currently landing at one of the D60 gates.
Arriving domestically on AA to D Concourse, will need to pick up luggage and then check in again with luggage for an AF flight which I believe is in Concourse H-South Terminal.
I am flying first/business so should get priority luggage pickup and priority check-in with AF. I also have TSA precheck. I have 85 minutes from landing to takeoff. Is that cutting it too tight? Is there a hard cutoff for check-in at 60 minutes prior to departure for my AF flight?
Any tips to get from one side to the other quickly?
The flight I am arriving on is currently landing at one of the D60 gates.
Feb 5, 2022, 7:10 pm
#386
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Gold Elite, Lowly kettle across every other loyalty program.
Posts: 778
Apologies if this has been asked many times before, but I have a domestic to international connection on separate tickets and am wondering if I'll have enough time.
Arriving domestically on AA to D Concourse, will need to pick up luggage and then check in again with luggage for an AF flight which I believe is in Concourse H-South Terminal.
I am flying first/business so should get priority luggage pickup and priority check-in with AF. I also have TSA precheck. I have 85 minutes from landing to takeoff. Is that cutting it too tight? Is there a hard cutoff for check-in at 60 minutes prior to departure for my AF flight?
Any tips to get from one side to the other quickly?
The flight I am arriving on is currently landing at one of the D60 gates.
Arriving domestically on AA to D Concourse, will need to pick up luggage and then check in again with luggage for an AF flight which I believe is in Concourse H-South Terminal.
I am flying first/business so should get priority luggage pickup and priority check-in with AF. I also have TSA precheck. I have 85 minutes from landing to takeoff. Is that cutting it too tight? Is there a hard cutoff for check-in at 60 minutes prior to departure for my AF flight?
Any tips to get from one side to the other quickly?
The flight I am arriving on is currently landing at one of the D60 gates.
Feb 5, 2022, 7:12 pm
#387
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,376
Apologies if this has been asked many times before, but I have a domestic to international connection on separate tickets and am wondering if I'll have enough time.
Arriving domestically on AA to D Concourse, will need to pick up luggage and then check in again with luggage for an AF flight which I believe is in Concourse H-South Terminal.
I am flying first/business so should get priority luggage pickup and priority check-in with AF. I also have TSA precheck. I have 85 minutes from landing to takeoff. Is that cutting it too tight? Is there a hard cutoff for check-in at 60 minutes prior to departure for my AF flight?
Any tips to get from one side to the other quickly?
The flight I am arriving on is currently landing at one of the D60 gates.
Arriving domestically on AA to D Concourse, will need to pick up luggage and then check in again with luggage for an AF flight which I believe is in Concourse H-South Terminal.
I am flying first/business so should get priority luggage pickup and priority check-in with AF. I also have TSA precheck. I have 85 minutes from landing to takeoff. Is that cutting it too tight? Is there a hard cutoff for check-in at 60 minutes prior to departure for my AF flight?
Any tips to get from one side to the other quickly?
The flight I am arriving on is currently landing at one of the D60 gates.
That window if extremely tight in my opinion. You only need a 15 minute delay in arrival for your plan to go to pot.
you *could* ask AA if they will through check your bag I doubt they will especially as it’s a different alliance but I’d be looking for an earlier flight into Miami and or making sure my Air France flight was flexible.
Feb 6, 2022, 3:13 am
#388
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,226
Not wanting to split hairs you don’t have a domestic to international connection you have an onward international flight on a separate ticket with no protection.
That window if extremely tight in my opinion. You only need a 15 minute delay in arrival for your plan to go to pot.
you *could* ask AA if they will through check your bag I doubt they will especially as it’s a different alliance but I’d be looking for an earlier flight into Miami and or making sure my Air France flight was flexible.
That window if extremely tight in my opinion. You only need a 15 minute delay in arrival for your plan to go to pot.
you *could* ask AA if they will through check your bag I doubt they will especially as it’s a different alliance but I’d be looking for an earlier flight into Miami and or making sure my Air France flight was flexible.
Feb 6, 2022, 11:05 am
#389
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 27
Concourse D Priority Business Class (not Flagship) check-in line length
Does anyone have any recent data points on Concourse D Priority Business Class (not Flagship) check-in line lengths? I have looked through the past few pages of the thread dating back to October and didn't see anything. We have a short-haul international flight that departs around noon on a Thursday in February and I'm trying to figure out how early to arrive for check-in so that we don't have to rush but also don't have to sit around for hours in the lounge/at the gate. We both have TSA PreCheck to help with security.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Feb 6, 2022, 3:41 pm
#390
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: DFW
Programs: OWE AA EXP;*A TK Gold; Marriott LTT; Hyatt Globalist; IHG Plat; National VIP
Posts: 3,097
Concourses D to H process
Trying to find info on getting from D baggage claim serving AA to H check in counters airside. Any idea on how to do it most efficiently and comfortably? How long would it take? Thank you.