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 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.
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 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.
AA Guide: MIA / Miami International Airport, MCT / Connection, etc.
Apr 10, 2019, 7:21 am
#46
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Flying SKB-MIA-TPA on a Sunday evening in May with a 2 hour layover in MIA. No GE or Pre-Check although will use Mobile Passport which we had a great experience with last year flying from Munich into MIA. Would it be worth it to carry on our bags instead of checking them due to potential time savings?
Apr 10, 2019, 11:01 am
#47
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: Double OWE (AA EXP, QF Plat), FI Gold
Posts: 1,887
Flying SKB-MIA-TPA on a Sunday evening in May with a 2 hour layover in MIA. No GE or Pre-Check although will use Mobile Passport which we had a great experience with last year flying from Munich into MIA. Would it be worth it to carry on our bags instead of checking them due to potential time savings?
Apr 11, 2019, 12:07 am
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward
Posts: 38,314
Afternoon flight into Miami during the summer? I think there is a very strong chance of thunderstorms, gate issues, gates far apart.
Heck, it could take 15-20 minutes to get off the plane in coach. If any other delay ate 15-20 minutes, novice missed the ONLY international flight on AA to MXP.
Heck, it could take 15-20 minutes to get off the plane in coach. If any other delay ate 15-20 minutes, novice missed the ONLY international flight on AA to MXP.
Apr 23, 2019, 4:59 am
#49
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,269
Need help convincing my wife about minimum connection time at 5AM
Hi. I'm trying to book a flight from Quito, Ecuador to Detroit through MIA for my wife's family. My wife really wants a direct flight from MIA to DTW, but the only option is a flight with a connection time of two hours and nine minutes. It arrives at 4:51 AM (yes, overnight flight) and departs at 7:00 AM. First, is Customs even open and operating at 5 AM? Second, even if it is, two hours and nine minutes isn't enough time, is it? You have to get your bags, go through customs, go through immigration, go through security and get to the gate at least 15 minutes before departure. While theoretically possible, that doesn't seem likely at all.
There's another option which has a three and a half hour connection, arriving at 4:51 AM and leaving for Charlotte at 8:30 AM, followed by a two hour and fifteen minute layover in CLT. That's plenty of time to get lunch and then they would arrive in Detroit at 2:45. Going through an extra airport is always a little bit of a hassle, but all things considered, it doesn't seem too bad in this case.
I'm sure if we book the direct flight with the two hour and nine minute layover, her family will miss the connecting flight and end up with a long delay while American finds another way to get them to Detroit. If that were to happen, is there a risk that American would not get them to Detroit until the next day?
There's another option which has a three and a half hour connection, arriving at 4:51 AM and leaving for Charlotte at 8:30 AM, followed by a two hour and fifteen minute layover in CLT. That's plenty of time to get lunch and then they would arrive in Detroit at 2:45. Going through an extra airport is always a little bit of a hassle, but all things considered, it doesn't seem too bad in this case.
I'm sure if we book the direct flight with the two hour and nine minute layover, her family will miss the connecting flight and end up with a long delay while American finds another way to get them to Detroit. If that were to happen, is there a risk that American would not get them to Detroit until the next day?
Apr 23, 2019, 5:37 am
#50
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Hi. I'm trying to book a flight from Quito, Ecuador to Detroit through MIA for my wife's family. My wife really wants a direct flight from MIA to DTW, but the only option is a flight with a connection time of two hours and nine minutes. It arrives at 4:51 AM (yes, overnight flight) and departs at 7:00 AM. First, is Customs even open and operating at 5 AM? Second, even if it is, two hours and nine minutes isn't enough time, is it? You have to get your bags, go through customs, go through immigration, go through security and get to the gate at least 15 minutes before departure. While theoretically possible, that doesn't seem likely at all.
There's another option which has a three and a half hour connection, arriving at 4:51 AM and leaving for Charlotte at 8:30 AM, followed by a two hour and fifteen minute layover in CLT. That's plenty of time to get lunch and then they would arrive in Detroit at 2:45. Going through an extra airport is always a little bit of a hassle, but all things considered, it doesn't seem too bad in this case.
I'm sure if we book the direct flight with the two hour and nine minute layover, her family will miss the connecting flight and end up with a long delay while American finds another way to get them to Detroit. If that were to happen, is there a risk that American would not get them to Detroit until the next day?
There's another option which has a three and a half hour connection, arriving at 4:51 AM and leaving for Charlotte at 8:30 AM, followed by a two hour and fifteen minute layover in CLT. That's plenty of time to get lunch and then they would arrive in Detroit at 2:45. Going through an extra airport is always a little bit of a hassle, but all things considered, it doesn't seem too bad in this case.
I'm sure if we book the direct flight with the two hour and nine minute layover, her family will miss the connecting flight and end up with a long delay while American finds another way to get them to Detroit. If that were to happen, is there a risk that American would not get them to Detroit until the next day?
Knowing MIA (and assuming they don't have Global Entry/Pre Check) 2 hours is dicey, remembering that around T-15 the GA for the DTW flight will probably close out the flight. If your wife's family is not "airport and travel" savvy I'd go for the second connection in CLT. They'd still arrive DTW mid afternoon.
Apr 23, 2019, 5:45 am
#51
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,995
Hi. I'm trying to book a flight from Quito, Ecuador to Detroit through MIA for my wife's family. My wife really wants a direct flight from MIA to DTW, but the only option is a flight with a connection time of two hours and nine minutes. It arrives at 4:51 AM (yes, overnight flight) and departs at 7:00 AM. First, is Customs even open and operating at 5 AM? Second, even if it is, two hours and nine minutes isn't enough time, is it? You have to get your bags, go through customs, go through immigration, go through security and get to the gate at least 15 minutes before departure. While theoretically possible, that doesn't seem likely at all.
There's another option which has a three and a half hour connection, arriving at 4:51 AM and leaving for Charlotte at 8:30 AM, followed by a two hour and fifteen minute layover in CLT. That's plenty of time to get lunch and then they would arrive in Detroit at 2:45. Going through an extra airport is always a little bit of a hassle, but all things considered, it doesn't seem too bad in this case.
I'm sure if we book the direct flight with the two hour and nine minute layover, her family will miss the connecting flight and end up with a long delay while American finds another way to get them to Detroit. If that were to happen, is there a risk that American would not get them to Detroit until the next day?
There's another option which has a three and a half hour connection, arriving at 4:51 AM and leaving for Charlotte at 8:30 AM, followed by a two hour and fifteen minute layover in CLT. That's plenty of time to get lunch and then they would arrive in Detroit at 2:45. Going through an extra airport is always a little bit of a hassle, but all things considered, it doesn't seem too bad in this case.
I'm sure if we book the direct flight with the two hour and nine minute layover, her family will miss the connecting flight and end up with a long delay while American finds another way to get them to Detroit. If that were to happen, is there a risk that American would not get them to Detroit until the next day?
2 hours and 9 minutes for someone traveling in business with Global Entry, pre-check and no bags is a no brainer.
For each obsticle, your connection time increases...
Late flight/gate agent not there... add 0-30 minutes.
No GE... add 10-30+ minutes.
Stuck in the back of coach... add 10-30 minutes.
Checked bags get delayed... add 10-30+ minutes.
No connecting bp... add 5-10+ minutes.
Walk to domestic security... 10-2+0 minutes.
Long lines at domestic security... add 10-30+ minutes.
So 55 minutes on a good day from landing to clearing security... 3 hours or more on a bad day.
Most days they make it. Some days they do not.
Apr 23, 2019, 7:28 am
#52
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Hi. I'm trying to book a flight from Quito, Ecuador to Detroit through MIA for my wife's family. My wife really wants a direct flight from MIA to DTW, but the only option is a flight with a connection time of two hours and nine minutes. It arrives at 4:51 AM (yes, overnight flight) and departs at 7:00 AM. First, is Customs even open and operating at 5 AM? Second, even if it is, two hours and nine minutes isn't enough time, is it? You have to get your bags, go through customs, go through immigration, go through security and get to the gate at least 15 minutes before departure. While theoretically possible, that doesn't seem likely at all.
There's another option which has a three and a half hour connection, arriving at 4:51 AM and leaving for Charlotte at 8:30 AM, followed by a two hour and fifteen minute layover in CLT. That's plenty of time to get lunch and then they would arrive in Detroit at 2:45. Going through an extra airport is always a little bit of a hassle, but all things considered, it doesn't seem too bad in this case.
I'm sure if we book the direct flight with the two hour and nine minute layover, her family will miss the connecting flight and end up with a long delay while American finds another way to get them to Detroit. If that were to happen, is there a risk that American would not get them to Detroit until the next day?
There's another option which has a three and a half hour connection, arriving at 4:51 AM and leaving for Charlotte at 8:30 AM, followed by a two hour and fifteen minute layover in CLT. That's plenty of time to get lunch and then they would arrive in Detroit at 2:45. Going through an extra airport is always a little bit of a hassle, but all things considered, it doesn't seem too bad in this case.
I'm sure if we book the direct flight with the two hour and nine minute layover, her family will miss the connecting flight and end up with a long delay while American finds another way to get them to Detroit. If that were to happen, is there a risk that American would not get them to Detroit until the next day?
You may want to consider Delta's non-stop leaving at 12:13 p.m.
Apr 23, 2019, 8:03 am
#53
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV,JAX
Programs: AA-LT Gold 1.2MM ,DL, Marriott LT TITANIUM; HH Gold, AMEX PLT
Posts: 495
We will be arriving from BGI at 7:59 pm and flying out of MIA to JAX at 9:34 pm. We have GE. We are a party of three and one person needs mobility assistance. We have also booked Five Star Service. Since this is the MCT, do we have a prayer of making that connection?
Apr 23, 2019, 8:15 am
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
With GE and Five Star you should be fine.
Apr 23, 2019, 8:47 pm
#56
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV,JAX
Programs: AA-LT Gold 1.2MM ,DL, Marriott LT TITANIUM; HH Gold, AMEX PLT
Posts: 495
Apr 29, 2019, 9:49 am
#57
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,457
If I might beg some sanity checking from the Hive Mind: looking at flights to join my Partner's family in Puerto Rico for Christmas. One of the options is inbound from LHR arriving at 3:40pm and departing for SJU at 5:25pm - and this would be Christmas Eve. We would probably be in economy for the day flight, though have status to grab MCE so can be near the front. I'm a UK citizen, and she's American.
My assumption is that this is doomed to failure in the vanilla form, unless Christmas Eve is actually a really quiet day to fly...? We have time to apply for GE though, and another arrival in the US to do the enrollment before Christmas - so does that make it more feasible?
There is a longer connection available [7:40], though that would mean getting to SJU very late. I'm also guessing that if we did miss the connection, the later flight would be highly likely to be full...?
Any other advice also welcomed!
My assumption is that this is doomed to failure in the vanilla form, unless Christmas Eve is actually a really quiet day to fly...? We have time to apply for GE though, and another arrival in the US to do the enrollment before Christmas - so does that make it more feasible?
There is a longer connection available [7:40], though that would mean getting to SJU very late. I'm also guessing that if we did miss the connection, the later flight would be highly likely to be full...?
Any other advice also welcomed!
Apr 29, 2019, 10:50 am
#58
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
I usually fly on or about Christmas Eve or day and find it pretty quiet. This week it might be more busy because the holiday is midweek and business travelers could try to rush it till the last minute, but I'd think that it should be fairly calm. Most of the int'l traffic to LatAm will likely have cleared out days ago.
Of course, GE definitely helps things - no doubt. Personally, my specific impetus for getting GE was one wait (as U.S. citizen) in the MIA passport control line...never again...
No way to know, other than to keep checking loads on ExpertFlyer or such. My gut tells me it would either be completely full or totally empty, and not anywhere in between - just don't know which. 
Overall, your connection time is tight but doable (or they wouldn't sell it), especially with GE and hand baggage. But plenty that can go wrong, of course. MIA isn't the most well-oiled of machines.
Have you thought about flying the LHR-MIA leg on BA metal? Looks like it gets in at 1410 so you would have an extra 90 min for your connection. Pricing doesn't look materially different and your profile notes you have BAEC membership...do you want to stick with AA metal for a specific reason (you noted MCE)?
Overall, your connection time is tight but doable (or they wouldn't sell it), especially with GE and hand baggage. But plenty that can go wrong, of course. MIA isn't the most well-oiled of machines.
Have you thought about flying the LHR-MIA leg on BA metal? Looks like it gets in at 1410 so you would have an extra 90 min for your connection. Pricing doesn't look materially different and your profile notes you have BAEC membership...do you want to stick with AA metal for a specific reason (you noted MCE)?
Apr 29, 2019, 12:34 pm
#59
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,457
I usually fly on or about Christmas Eve or day and find it pretty quiet. This week it might be more busy because the holiday is midweek and business travelers could try to rush it till the last minute, but I'd think that it should be fairly calm. Most of the int'l traffic to LatAm will likely have cleared out days ago.
Overall, your connection time is tight but doable (or they wouldn't sell it), especially with GE and hand baggage. But plenty that can go wrong, of course. MIA isn't the most well-oiled of machines.
Have you thought about flying the LHR-MIA leg on BA metal? Looks like it gets in at 1410 so you would have an extra 90 min for your connection. Pricing doesn't look materially different and your profile notes you have BAEC membership...do you want to stick with AA metal for a specific reason (you noted MCE)?
Have you thought about flying the LHR-MIA leg on BA metal? Looks like it gets in at 1410 so you would have an extra 90 min for your connection. Pricing doesn't look materially different and your profile notes you have BAEC membership...do you want to stick with AA metal for a specific reason (you noted MCE)?
May 2, 2019, 4:02 pm
#60
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Alpharetta, GA, USA
Posts: 946
Hi all,
Wife and I flying Iberia MIA-MAD in biz end of the month at 5:20pm. We arrive from ATL (separate ticket on DL) around 1:30pm. Plan to walk over and check bags with Iberia in E. 1) Should we go through security at E or D (pre-check)? 2) Should we go to Premium lounge in E or Flagship in D?
Thx
Wife and I flying Iberia MIA-MAD in biz end of the month at 5:20pm. We arrive from ATL (separate ticket on DL) around 1:30pm. Plan to walk over and check bags with Iberia in E. 1) Should we go through security at E or D (pre-check)? 2) Should we go to Premium lounge in E or Flagship in D?
Thx