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 27, 2020, 7:03 am
#121
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Des Moines, IA, United States
Posts: 246
Flight out of MIA the day after Superbowl
On Monday, the day after the Superbowl, we have a flight from MIA to CUR at 12PM. I'm not a AA customer typically so I have no status with them. I've also never flown out of MIA before. We do have TSA Precheck. My biggest concern is the crowd at the check-in counter (international flight with bags to check).
We'll have a rental car to return as well. I'm driving down from South of Orlando near the Disney area. I've given us 4 hours for the drive (with a SunPass). Is that enough?
Knowing nothing about MIA, and then complicating it because it's the day after the Superbowl, ultimately I'm trying to figure out what time to set for an arrival at the rental car return in order to give us adequate time.
I've asked American on Twitter if they have more flights than a typical Monday that day. All they said was "we recommend arriving two hours early for international flights and you can always come sooner."
We'll have a rental car to return as well. I'm driving down from South of Orlando near the Disney area. I've given us 4 hours for the drive (with a SunPass). Is that enough?
Knowing nothing about MIA, and then complicating it because it's the day after the Superbowl, ultimately I'm trying to figure out what time to set for an arrival at the rental car return in order to give us adequate time.
I've asked American on Twitter if they have more flights than a typical Monday that day. All they said was "we recommend arriving two hours early for international flights and you can always come sooner."
Jan 27, 2020, 7:34 am
#122
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
On Monday, the day after the Superbowl, we have a flight from MIA to CUR at 12PM. I'm not a AA customer typically so I have no status with them. I've also never flown out of MIA before. We do have TSA Precheck. My biggest concern is the crowd at the check-in counter (international flight with bags to check).
We'll have a rental car to return as well. I'm driving down from South of Orlando near the Disney area. I've given us 4 hours for the drive (with a SunPass). Is that enough?
Knowing nothing about MIA, and then complicating it because it's the day after the Superbowl, ultimately I'm trying to figure out what time to set for an arrival at the rental car return in order to give us adequate time.
I've asked American on Twitter if they have more flights than a typical Monday that day. All they said was "we recommend arriving two hours early for international flights and you can always come sooner."
We'll have a rental car to return as well. I'm driving down from South of Orlando near the Disney area. I've given us 4 hours for the drive (with a SunPass). Is that enough?
Knowing nothing about MIA, and then complicating it because it's the day after the Superbowl, ultimately I'm trying to figure out what time to set for an arrival at the rental car return in order to give us adequate time.
I've asked American on Twitter if they have more flights than a typical Monday that day. All they said was "we recommend arriving two hours early for international flights and you can always come sooner."
AA Guide: MIA / Miami International Airport, MCT / Connection, etc.
Jan 27, 2020, 7:38 am
#123
Join Date: May 2001
Location: (AA EXP)
Posts: 609
Let's work backwards: With a flight at noon, and bags to to check with no status, two hours would be the minimum time I'd allow for check in. Monday mornings take extra time even with Pre-Check, so day after Superbowl will have even longer lines. So that's 10a. It will take at least a half hour to drop the car, take the escalators to the tram and ride the tram to the airport (there are expensive gas stations near the terminal, or prepay the gas). So you'll need to drop your car by about 9:30a, which is still within the "rush" hour in Miami. Orlando to Miami is usually a 3 hr drive, but I'd allow 4 because of the traffic at that time of day. So 5:30a departure from Orlando would be my suggestion. Any other time, I would seriously consider coming down the night before, but suspect hotel rates are out of hand for that evening. Good Luck!
Jan 27, 2020, 7:48 am
#124
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
On Monday, the day after the Superbowl, we have a flight from MIA to CUR at 12PM. I'm not a AA customer typically so I have no status with them. I've also never flown out of MIA before. We do have TSA Precheck. My biggest concern is the crowd at the check-in counter (international flight with bags to check).
We'll have a rental car to return as well. I'm driving down from South of Orlando near the Disney area. I've given us 4 hours for the drive (with a SunPass). Is that enough?
Knowing nothing about MIA, and then complicating it because it's the day after the Superbowl, ultimately I'm trying to figure out what time to set for an arrival at the rental car return in order to give us adequate time.
I've asked American on Twitter if they have more flights than a typical Monday that day. All they said was "we recommend arriving two hours early for international flights and you can always come sooner."
We'll have a rental car to return as well. I'm driving down from South of Orlando near the Disney area. I've given us 4 hours for the drive (with a SunPass). Is that enough?
Knowing nothing about MIA, and then complicating it because it's the day after the Superbowl, ultimately I'm trying to figure out what time to set for an arrival at the rental car return in order to give us adequate time.
I've asked American on Twitter if they have more flights than a typical Monday that day. All they said was "we recommend arriving two hours early for international flights and you can always come sooner."
I picked that location because I am considering the drive from MIA to that hotel after an overnight flight from EZE (Buenos Aires), if I want to just sleep after the long flight, instead of making my connecting flight
Last edited by mvoight; Jan 27, 2020 at 8:00 am
Jan 27, 2020, 8:15 am
#125
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
There's a check in lane to your left when you get off the escalator after you walk across the moving walkway to the terminal. It's open sporadically (like anything TSA there's no common sense) and usually few people use it. While it doesn't have a dedicated TSA lane it's often faster than the sole dedicated TSA lane for Concourse D and E (don't get me started). I'd leave by 5AM. Traffic from Boca on down can be a nightmare if there's an accident.
Feb 2, 2020, 1:20 pm
#128
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: BDL, BOS
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA EXP, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 627
Domestic to Int'l Advice from a Floridian?
Hi All, I'm hoping someone who is a Florida local could help me with some advice.
My wife and I are flying AA internationally to GCM out of MIA on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:40 pm
Here are my questions:
1. If we check-in via mobile app and are not checking luggage, what is the LATEST we can get to the gate? Do they have to check passports manually before a certain time? (We both have TSA-Pre and I have Clear.)
2. How long will it take my wife to get from Frontier (Terminal C) to the AA gates?
3. Given the traffic uncertainty from West Palm Beach during rush hour, do you think that the Tri-Rail (or Brightline?) is the best bet (2-hours from Magnolia Station to MIA on Tri-Rail), rather than taking an Uber or rental car?
Thanks so much for your help!
My wife and I are flying AA internationally to GCM out of MIA on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:40 pm
- I'm coming from the West Palm Beach area by rental car, Uber, or Tri-Rail (from Magnolia Station)
- She's coming via a Frontier Airlines flight that arrives MIA at 5:50 pm
Here are my questions:
1. If we check-in via mobile app and are not checking luggage, what is the LATEST we can get to the gate? Do they have to check passports manually before a certain time? (We both have TSA-Pre and I have Clear.)
2. How long will it take my wife to get from Frontier (Terminal C) to the AA gates?
3. Given the traffic uncertainty from West Palm Beach during rush hour, do you think that the Tri-Rail (or Brightline?) is the best bet (2-hours from Magnolia Station to MIA on Tri-Rail), rather than taking an Uber or rental car?
Thanks so much for your help!
Last edited by ymx; Feb 2, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Feb 2, 2020, 3:15 pm
#129
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Hi All, I'm hoping someone who is a Florida local could help me with some advice.
My wife and I are flying AA internationally to GCM out of MIA on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:40 pm
Here are my questions:
1. If we check-in via mobile app and are not checking luggage, what is the LATEST we can get to the gate? Do they have to check passports manually before a certain time? (We both have TSA-Pre and I have Clear.)
2. How long will it take my wife to get from Frontier (Terminal C) to the AA gates?
3. Given the traffic uncertainty from West Palm Beach during rush hour, do you think that the Tri-Rail (or Brightline?) is the best bet (2-hours from Magnolia Station to MIA on Tri-Rail), rather than taking an Uber or rental car?
Thanks so much for your help!
My wife and I are flying AA internationally to GCM out of MIA on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:40 pm
- I'm coming from the West Palm Beach area by rental car, Uber, or Tri-Rail (from Magnolia Station)
- She's coming via a Frontier Airlines flight that arrives MIA at 5:50 pm
Here are my questions:
1. If we check-in via mobile app and are not checking luggage, what is the LATEST we can get to the gate? Do they have to check passports manually before a certain time? (We both have TSA-Pre and I have Clear.)
2. How long will it take my wife to get from Frontier (Terminal C) to the AA gates?
3. Given the traffic uncertainty from West Palm Beach during rush hour, do you think that the Tri-Rail (or Brightline?) is the best bet (2-hours from Magnolia Station to MIA on Tri-Rail), rather than taking an Uber or rental car?
Thanks so much for your help!
Do not do Brightline; it does not go to the airport, you have to take a bus.
Do not do Uber; crazy expensive.
Your best bet s a rental car. Use Waze and decide if the turnpike or 95 express lanes is the best option. (My guess is the express lanes before 5pm.) The rental car return is connected to the airport and the people mover will drop you off near the AA check-in counter.
Check-in via the mobile app is fine. Sometimes they need a document check, but that can be done at the club or the gate. There is no requirement to get the airport 2-3 hours early, except to be at the gate before they close the door.
As to how long it takes to get from C to D gates, that depends on the security lines at D. The pre-check lines can get long in the late afternoon but should be manageable.
Feb 2, 2020, 3:20 pm
#130
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: BDL, BOS
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA EXP, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 627
Do not do Tri-Rail; third world and lots of stops!
Do not do Brightline; it does not go to the airport, you have to take a bus.
Do not do Uber; crazy expensive.
Your best bet s a rental car. Use Waze and decide if the turnpike or 95 express lanes is the best option. (My guess is the express lanes before 5pm.) The rental car return is connected to the airport and the people mover will drop you off near the AA check-in counter.
Check-in via the mobile app is fine. Sometimes they need a document check, but that can be done at the club or the gate. There is no requirement to get the airport 2-3 hours early, except to be at the gate before they close the door.
As to how long it takes to get from C to D gates, that depends on the security lines at D. The pre-check lines can get long in the late afternoon but should be manageable.
Do not do Brightline; it does not go to the airport, you have to take a bus.
Do not do Uber; crazy expensive.
Your best bet s a rental car. Use Waze and decide if the turnpike or 95 express lanes is the best option. (My guess is the express lanes before 5pm.) The rental car return is connected to the airport and the people mover will drop you off near the AA check-in counter.
Check-in via the mobile app is fine. Sometimes they need a document check, but that can be done at the club or the gate. There is no requirement to get the airport 2-3 hours early, except to be at the gate before they close the door.
As to how long it takes to get from C to D gates, that depends on the security lines at D. The pre-check lines can get long in the late afternoon but should be manageable.
Two more questions:
1. So my wife will have to clear security between C and D even though she is on a domestic flight?
2. I am worried about rush hour traffic and was told that I could transfer easily from the Brightline station to the orange line and get to MIA in 15-20 minutes from there. Given traffic uncertainty do you still think a rental car is the abetter option?
Feb 2, 2020, 3:37 pm
#131
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Thanks so much for the tips!
Two more questions:
1. So my wife will have to clear security between C and D even though she is on a domestic flight?
2. I am worried about rush hour traffic and was told that I could transfer easily from the Brightline station to the orange line and get to MIA in 15-20 minutes from there. Given traffic uncertainty do you still think a rental car is the abetter option?
Two more questions:
1. So my wife will have to clear security between C and D even though she is on a domestic flight?
2. I am worried about rush hour traffic and was told that I could transfer easily from the Brightline station to the orange line and get to MIA in 15-20 minutes from there. Given traffic uncertainty do you still think a rental car is the abetter option?
2. Yes, you can transfer to the Orange line, but the total time for Brightline + transfer time + transfer will be greater than just getting in the car and going. Depending on your exact timing - before or after 5pm - will change the time it takes to MIA. We drive from just north of West Palm and we rarely worry too much about traffic. We plan extra time, but the express lanes save a lot of time. Or you could do the turnpike to the express lanes and really lock your total time in. Brightline + Orange Line is a more certain time, which will be typically longer than the average time given the above route. (Even an accident on 95 does not mean you are screwed, the airport is West of Miami. There are various ways to get there, even on surface streets. Accidents do happen, so that is something to consider. What time are you heading to the airport and what day of the week?
Feb 2, 2020, 8:55 pm
#132
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: BDL, BOS
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA EXP, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 627
My international flight departs this Thursday at 7:40pm; assuming I should get to MIA no later than 6pm.
So I was planning on leaving the Jupiter area about 3pm either by rental car or via Uber to the West Palm Beach Brightside station.
So I was planning on leaving the Jupiter area about 3pm either by rental car or via Uber to the West Palm Beach Brightside station.
Feb 2, 2020, 10:27 pm
#133
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
Programs: AA 1MM Lifetime Gold, AA Platinum, WS Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 7,607
Frontier uses G. Not connected to D or E which are connected to each other. From G the E gates are worth a glance because they may be quieter than D. E has Clear and a home made version of Pre-check. D has actual Pre-check. Fastest navigation between terminals is outside where the arc is smallest.
Feb 3, 2020, 5:12 am
#134
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
I would guess Uber will cost a few hundred dollars. A one day, one-day direction rental from Jupiter will be considerably less, typically ~$60 all in.
Your wife, depending on how fast a walker she is, where she is on the plane, pre-check line, etc..(and assuming an on-time arrival) should be airside by 6:30ish.
A long time requiring a DeLorean because there is no terminal C. It was a stubby little set of gates torn down with the big D terminal project. No A nor B either. Also demolished.
Frontier uses G. Not connected to D or E which are connected to each other. From G the E gates are worth a glance because they may be quieter than D. E has Clear and a home made version of Pre-check. D has actual Pre-check. Fastest navigation between terminals is outside where the arc is smallest.
Frontier uses G. Not connected to D or E which are connected to each other. From G the E gates are worth a glance because they may be quieter than D. E has Clear and a home made version of Pre-check. D has actual Pre-check. Fastest navigation between terminals is outside where the arc is smallest.
Terminal C - aka The Central Terminal - is alive and well and consists of Concourse G,F and E.
Terminal N - aka The North Terminal - is also alive and well and consists of Concourse D.
Terminal S - aka The South Terminal - is also alive and well and consists of Concourse H and J.
Fronter does, in fact, arrive at Terminal C, concourse G. No need to talk about the past, or the future when all Terminal and Concourses will be connected airside. OP needed to know if his wife could get from Frontier to American airside. As I stated previously, the answer is no.
Feb 3, 2020, 6:24 am
#135
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Depending upon where you are in West Palm I personally do Brightline and from there (across the Brightline MIA station) take the Orange Line to MIA. If you book for the first time there are coupons for Brightline or treat yourself to their F car (very reasonably priced).