Jan 7, 2019, 11:20 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
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
AA Ticket Counter & Gates Map
MIA 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.
Checking in at MIA Link
Flagship Check-in: Yes
Arrival at the Airport
Longer security lines this spring & summer
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:
Arrival at Gate
You must be at the gate and ready to board the aircraft:
Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your seat assignment and the removal of your checked baggage from the aircraft.
Doors close 10 minutes before departure.
Time to baggage delivery: 30-55 minutes
AA Ticket Counters Link
Concourse D
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
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
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 MIA
On-Airport Hotel:
Wi-Fi:
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 Station
Things to Do
Is there anything to do at MIA? Coming soon!
Do I have time to go to Miami or Miami Beach?
The current thread is 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
AA Ticket Counter & Gates Map
Official MCT / Minimum Connection Times for MIA (assuming same terminal):
NOTE: Though 1:35 is the given MCT International to Domestic (and 1:35 international to international), one should not consider that useful for everyone connecting international to domestic unless one has Global Entry or luck.
International arrivals at MIA requires most passengers to fill out a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form 6059B - one per family - process U.S. Immigration, retrieve baggage at arrivals carousels, process through U.S. customs, re-check baggage, proceed to either the TSA connections security processing queue or landside and process TSA security (with onward boarding pass) to return airside. (Read on for exceptions.)
This does not apply if you are connecting international to international and have red "ITI" tags on your checked baggage. You will have to produce the Form 6059B and still pass through USCBP, albeit without baggage.
Other than for U.S. passport holders and passengers with USDHS ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization under the Visa Waiver Program), who may use kiosks that expedite the arrivals process, Immigration, Customs and TSA Security queues can at times be tortuous and one would do better scheduling a connection time closer to 2:30 (or even 3:00) for a comfortable international to domestic or to international connection for non-ESTA / non-U.S. passport holders.
If one is enrolled in Global Entry and can use the dedicated kiosks and expedited queues, the process is speediest as there are clearly marked queues after the self-clearing kiosks and one is not required to possess a Form 6059B.
- 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?
AA Wiki: Minimum Connecting Times
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?
AA Wiki: Minimum Connecting Times
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
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
Concourse E: Gates E2-E11 & E20-E33
Gates E20-E33 are located at the International Satellite Terminal, accessible via people mover on Level 4 just past the Concourse E security checkpoint. If the people mover is out of service, signs will direct passengers to the shuttle bus departing from the E1 Bus Station on Level 1
Concourse F: Gates F3-F23
Concourse G: Gates G2-G19
Concourse H: Gates H3-H17
Concourse J: Gates J2-J18
- American Airlines ticket counters are located at Concourse D, Doors 1-7 and Concourse E, Door 10
- American Airlines mainline flights depart from Gates D1-D51
- American Eagle flights depart from Gates D53, D55 & D60
Concourse E: Gates E2-E11 & E20-E33
Gates E20-E33 are located at the International Satellite Terminal, accessible via people mover on Level 4 just past the Concourse E security checkpoint. If the people mover is out of service, signs will direct passengers to the shuttle bus departing from the E1 Bus Station on Level 1
- American Airlines ticket counters are located at Concourse D, Doors 1-7 and Concourse E, Door 10
- American Airlines mainline flights depart from Gates E2-E11 & E20-E33
- airberlin ticket counter is located at Concourse E, between Doors 9 & 10; flights to Dusseldorf depart from Gate E10 and flights to Berlin 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
- Finnair ticket counter is located at Concourse E, Door 10; flights depart from Concourse F
- Iberia ticket counter is located at Concourse E, between Doors 13 & 14; flights depart from Gate E23
- Qatar Airways ticket counter is located at Concourse E, between Doors 9 & 10; flights depart from Gate E10
- WestJet ticket counter is located at Concourse E, Door 12; flights depart from Concourse F
Concourse F: Gates F3-F23
- airberlin ticket counter is located at Concourse E, between Doors 9 & 10; flights to Dusseldorf depart from Gate E10 and flights to Berlin 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
- Finnair ticket counter is located at Concourse E, Door 10; flights depart from Concourse F
- WestJet ticket counter is located at Concourse E, Door 12; flights depart from Concourse F
Concourse G: Gates G2-G19
Concourse H: Gates H3-H17
- LATAM Airlines ticket counter is located at Concourse H, Doors 24-26; flights depart from Concourses H & J
Concourse J: Gates J2-J18
- Delayed American Airlines international flights arrive at Concourse J when the federal inspection station at Concourse D is closed (generally between 11 PM and 3:30 AM)
- LATAM Airlines ticket counter is located at Concourse H, Doors 24-26; flights depart from Concourses H & J
Checking in at MIA Link
Flagship Check-in: Yes
Arrival at the Airport
Longer security lines this spring & summer
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)
Arrival at Gate
You must be at the gate and ready to board the aircraft:
- 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure
Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your seat assignment and the removal of your checked baggage from the aircraft.
Doors close 10 minutes before departure.
Time to baggage delivery: 30-55 minutes
AA Ticket Counters Link
Concourse D
Charter 1: Cuba charter check-in only; open dependent on charter flight schedule, located across from Door 1
Kiosk 1: self-service check-in; located between Doors 1 and 2
Main: full-service check-in; located across from Door 2
Flagship: full-service check-in; located between Doors 2 & 3
Priority: full-service check-in; separate queues for First Class & AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Business Class & AAdvantage Platinum, and AAdvantage Gold & Priority; late nights Priority and Main are consolidated at this counter; located between Doors 3 & 4
Kiosk 2: self-service check-in; located across from Door 5
Kiosk 3: self-service check-in; located across from Door 6
Rebooking Center: missed connection assistance for customers arriving on international flights only; located across from Door 6
Cuba Check-in: self-service check-in for customers traveling to Cuba only; located between Doors 6 & 7
Future Ticketing: located on Arrivals (lower) level, next to Carousel 27 Permanently closed
Concourse EKiosk 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
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 ECheckpoint 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
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 ETSA Pre✓ available 24 hours at Checkpoint 2, available during peak times only at Checkpoints 1, E, and D FIS
CLEAR available at Checkpoint E
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 MIA
Concourse D: Admirals Clubs above Gate D15 and across from Gate D30; Centurion Lounge at Gate D12 (take elevator in rotunda to Level 3)
Concourse E: Premium Lounge (take elevators just beyond security checkpoint to Level 5)
Dining & Shopping: Link to MIA services, dining guide, and interactive mapConcourse E: Premium Lounge (take elevators just beyond security checkpoint to Level 5)
On-Airport Hotel:
Miami International Airport Hotel (landside, Concourse E)
Currency Exchange: Coming soon!Wi-Fi:
Paid WI-Fi service available throughout terminal. Link to pricing information and connection instructions
Charging Stations: Coming soon!
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: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.
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 Station
Metrorail 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 estimatesMiami 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 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 StationSuper 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.
Greyhound bus service throughout continental United States
megabus low-cost express bus service to Orlando and Tampa
megabus low-cost express bus service to Orlando and Tampa
Things to Do
Is there anything to do at MIA? Coming soon!
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.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.
ARCHIVE: 2015-19 AA Guide: MIA / Miami International Airport, MCT / Connection, etc.
Dec 24, 2018, 4:28 am
#481
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Programs: IAMAW Local 368/HAL 2 Star Mariner
Posts: 740
The Concourse E TSA checkpoint is often preferable to the D ones because rarely is it crowded.
Dec 24, 2018, 8:37 am
#482
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,138
Jan 3, 2019, 12:13 pm
#483
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA Plat
Posts: 26
Intl to Domestic: 2 hours?
Hi all, would love to get your opinions on viability of a Miami flight connection: scheduled arrival from Guatemala City at 535pm and connecting to ORD at 735pm, in mid-March, both on AA metal.
This is a family trip booked by a travel agent (who seems to think this is a totally fine schedule) for a group of 7 that will have checked bags, ranging in age from 10 to 80. Some do not have Global Entry/precheck and are not terribly mobile. I feel like this would be by the skin of our teeth at best - though I may have a decent shot with a carry on and Global Entry assuming no delays (and if I ditch the rest of them, ha!).
Edited to add: The two flights are booked separately so different tickets/PNRs.
Thank you!!
This is a family trip booked by a travel agent (who seems to think this is a totally fine schedule) for a group of 7 that will have checked bags, ranging in age from 10 to 80. Some do not have Global Entry/precheck and are not terribly mobile. I feel like this would be by the skin of our teeth at best - though I may have a decent shot with a carry on and Global Entry assuming no delays (and if I ditch the rest of them, ha!).
Edited to add: The two flights are booked separately so different tickets/PNRs.
Thank you!!
Last edited by ordaxa; Jan 3, 2019 at 1:01 pm Reason: found out about separate ticket/PNR
Jan 3, 2019, 12:18 pm
#484
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Hi all, would love to get your opinions on viability of a Miami flight connection: scheduled arrival from Guatemala City at 535pm and connecting to ORD at 735pm, in mid-March, both on AA metal.
This is a family trip booked by a travel agent (who seems to think this is a totally fine schedule) for a group of 7 that will have checked bags, ranging in age from 10 to 80. Some do not have Global Entry/precheck and are not terribly mobile. I feel like this would be by the skin of our teeth at best - though I may have a decent shot with a carry on and Global Entry assuming no delays (and if I ditch the rest of them, ha!).
Thank you!!
This is a family trip booked by a travel agent (who seems to think this is a totally fine schedule) for a group of 7 that will have checked bags, ranging in age from 10 to 80. Some do not have Global Entry/precheck and are not terribly mobile. I feel like this would be by the skin of our teeth at best - though I may have a decent shot with a carry on and Global Entry assuming no delays (and if I ditch the rest of them, ha!).
Thank you!!
Jan 3, 2019, 4:48 pm
#485
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Two hours will be fine, depending on the wait for everyone's baggage and customs/immigration you most likely won't have a lot of extra time to loiter/shop/eat/whatever but if your flights are on time then everyone should make it (2 hrs. is more than enough with carryon/GE/precheck).
For the limited mobility passengers, you might consider contacting AA ahead of time and arranging for wheelchair service, as flights from Central America often arrive at the low-numbered D gates. This requires a lot of walking, even if you take the train. Wheelchair service also might expedite your passage through immigration and security a little, though I have no personal experience to confirm that.
I don't check bags and have GE, and it usually takes me 30 to 40 minutes from arrival and then to get through security. Even so, when I look at trips through MIA a 1:45 connection is the minimum that I would book, as I like to leave a little room for a delayed arrival. If I were checking bags and did not have GE, then it would be more like 2:30. Again, if there were a big cost savings or the only other option was an overnight stay, then I might chance it.
You should also look into Mobile Passport. I've seen a lot of people breeze right through immigration using that. One guy told me he dropped his plans to get GE after he started using it, since there are no lines departing customs in MIA.
Jan 4, 2019, 10:10 am
#486
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA Plat
Posts: 26
Thanks both for your input! Yes, both flights are on AA so good to know about the rebooking. I'll have the others look into mobile passport and will keep fingers crossed for no delays.
Jan 4, 2019, 11:10 am
#487
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
There should be a later flight to ORD although getting everyone onto that flight might be an issue. In the case of missing the initial flight the OP should be prepared to split up their party to be rebooked.
Jan 7, 2019, 10:51 am
#488
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Salt Lake City
Programs: DL PLAT and 2MM;AA EXP;MR GOLD;PC Gold
Posts: 543
AA desk in the post customs recheck area?
In a few weeks, I'll fly Europe to MIA on an AA ticket on AA equipment. I will then connect on a domestic, SEPARATELY ticketed, AA flight on AA equipment to home. Is there an AA staffed desk in or near the recheck area just after customs that will be able to tag my luggage that I retrieved in the customs area to my final destination? Or will this necessitate going out to the main lobby checkin counters? Usually there is an AA desk in the recheck area of their hubs - so I am expecting an affirmative answer - I've never done an intl to domestic change of any kind actually at MIA.
I understand all of the risks associated with separate tickets and I have plans to accomodate a worst case scenario of missing my domestic segment so no need to get into those issues. Thanks
I understand all of the risks associated with separate tickets and I have plans to accomodate a worst case scenario of missing my domestic segment so no need to get into those issues. Thanks
Jan 7, 2019, 10:57 am
#489
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
In a few weeks, I'll fly Europe to MIA on an AA ticket on AA equipment. I will then connect on a domestic, SEPARATELY ticketed, AA flight on AA equipment to home. Is there an AA staffed desk in or near the recheck area just after customs that will be able to tag my luggage that I retrieved in the customs area to my final destination? Or will this necessitate going out to the main lobby checkin counters? Usually there is an AA desk in the recheck area of their hubs - so I am expecting an affirmative answer - I've never done an intl to domestic change of any kind actually at MIA.
I understand all of the risks associated with separate tickets and I have plans to accomodate a worst case scenario of missing my domestic segment so no need to get into those issues. Thanks
I understand all of the risks associated with separate tickets and I have plans to accomodate a worst case scenario of missing my domestic segment so no need to get into those issues. Thanks
Jan 7, 2019, 1:52 pm
#491
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
In a few weeks, I'll fly Europe to MIA on an AA ticket on AA equipment. I will then connect on a domestic, SEPARATELY ticketed, AA flight on AA equipment to home. Is there an AA staffed desk in or near the recheck area just after customs that will be able to tag my luggage that I retrieved in the customs area to my final destination? Or will this necessitate going out to the main lobby checkin counters?
In case you were not aware, you have to go through security in either case.
Jan 7, 2019, 4:22 pm
#492
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Salt Lake City
Programs: DL PLAT and 2MM;AA EXP;MR GOLD;PC Gold
Posts: 543
Thanks to all the responses. Does the exit from customs dump one out right near an AA check-in area? If so, is that nearest to TSA pre-check? I see posts that talk about TSA pre-check in various locations and 'sometimes' open. I guess I am looking for the one nearest the AA check-in are I will encounter first upon exiting customs to the main lobby. It is just not completely clear, nor do the various maps I've reviewed online show EXACTLY where it is located.
Last edited by NW.BTR.Than.The.Rest; Jan 7, 2019 at 4:25 pm Reason: Add further information
Jan 7, 2019, 6:55 pm
#493
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Thanks to all the responses. Does the exit from customs dump one out right near an AA check-in area? If so, is that nearest to TSA pre-check? I see posts that talk about TSA pre-check in various locations and 'sometimes' open. I guess I am looking for the one nearest the AA check-in are I will encounter first upon exiting customs to the main lobby. It is just not completely clear, nor do the various maps I've reviewed online show EXACTLY where it is located.
That walk down the ramp frustrates me every time, because there are glass doors that, if you were allowed to use them, would put you right about where that escalator comes up.
Jan 12, 2019, 10:50 am
#494
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: London
Posts: 203
I have just made two transits through MIA. Outbound LHR-MIA-SJO immigration at MIA took just minutes, a lot faster than inbound back home at LHR. The line at MIA around 2pm was just 2 or 3 deep and at the desk passport scanning took seconds. The greeting was cheerful and friendly.
Baggage reclaim was a bit slower and the signage for transit passengers to deposit baggage for the onward flight was poor so that I ended up finding myself in the general check in area but the staff there seemed used to dealing with lost passengers.
Inbound from SJO to connect to LHR there were no checks and as I remained air-side that included secondary security checks too.
Baggage reclaim was a bit slower and the signage for transit passengers to deposit baggage for the onward flight was poor so that I ended up finding myself in the general check in area but the staff there seemed used to dealing with lost passengers.
Inbound from SJO to connect to LHR there were no checks and as I remained air-side that included secondary security checks too.
Jan 12, 2019, 11:17 am
#495
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: BAEC OW Gold/Emerald
Posts: 539
If the connection is long enough and you are able to access AA's flagship lounge- MIA is not all bad. Did a connection in December and was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the lounge.