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 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.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.
ARCHIVE: 2015-19 AA Guide: MIA / Miami International Airport, MCT / Connection, etc.
Mar 25, 2019, 4:53 am
#571
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
Metrorail tickets can be bought with a CC.
Mar 25, 2019, 4:43 pm
#572
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: AA EXP, Hertz Gold Plus, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 338
This is likely the best way to do this. There is a Whole Foods supermarket a few blocks from the Government Center Metrorail stop that should have what you need.
Mar 25, 2019, 5:28 pm
#573
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 234
I chose to walk to Fresco, it was a nice, refreshing (ok, I lied, it was BLOODY FREAKIN' HOT!) 25-minute walk from the Rental Car Center. There is a little outdoor shopping mall/plaza there and there's also a K-mart so it's perfect for bargain shopping. I have found that tickets Northern Europe - Latin America are quite expensive so often it's cheaper to purchase separate tickets via Miami and have a lot of safety margin hours in Miami. During such a layover it's perfect to go to this plaza to purchase Betty Crocker brownie mix, 87 different kinds of m&m:s, butterscotch morsels or whatever American food you enjoy, but can't get hold of at home. I can inform our Latin American readers that Spanish is widely spoken at the plaza.
Thank you everyone who contributed on this topic.
Thank you everyone who contributed on this topic.
Mar 26, 2019, 3:13 pm
#574
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA Plat
Posts: 26
Reporting back on our connection from earlier this month in case helpful - I made it to the departure gate in under 30 mins (carry on only + Global Entry/precheck), those with checked bags + Global Entry/precheck made it in 45-60 mins just before boarding started, but those with checked bags / no Global Entry/precheck missed the flight and were rebooked on the 10pm MIA-ORD. The biggest issue apparently was having to go airside to re-check bags as this was two separate tickets (both on AA but no thru-checking).
Mar 26, 2019, 11:04 pm
#575
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
So, I wouldn't consider 47min a sensible connection time (D->I) even though I'm reading that it meets MCT.
But I figured I'd ask the opinion question: Would you choose PHX-MIA-MXP with said 47min connection, or PHX-LHR-MXP with a 4 hour connection (longer than is necessary at Heathrow but not enough to really go into town)? This is for my coworker's college-age daughter in Y.
Edit: Since weather plays into these things, this is for the summer.
But I figured I'd ask the opinion question: Would you choose PHX-MIA-MXP with said 47min connection, or PHX-LHR-MXP with a 4 hour connection (longer than is necessary at Heathrow but not enough to really go into town)? This is for my coworker's college-age daughter in Y.
Edit: Since weather plays into these things, this is for the summer.
Last edited by Gig103; Mar 26, 2019 at 11:35 pm
Mar 27, 2019, 2:33 am
#576
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
So, I wouldn't consider 47min a sensible connection time (D->I) even though I'm reading that it meets MCT.
But I figured I'd ask the opinion question: Would you choose PHX-MIA-MXP with said 47min connection, or PHX-LHR-MXP with a 4 hour connection (longer than is necessary at Heathrow but not enough to really go into town)? This is for my coworker's college-age daughter in Y.
Edit: Since weather plays into these things, this is for the summer.
But I figured I'd ask the opinion question: Would you choose PHX-MIA-MXP with said 47min connection, or PHX-LHR-MXP with a 4 hour connection (longer than is necessary at Heathrow but not enough to really go into town)? This is for my coworker's college-age daughter in Y.
Edit: Since weather plays into these things, this is for the summer.
Plane will be boarding as she lands... add taxi time, deboarding (from Y), heading to new gate (which could be quite a haul)... in a likely best case she is walking on her plane as one of the last passengers.
Now add in...
possible short delay on takeoff...
possible headwinds...
possible short delay on landing...
possible/likely MIA afternoon thunderstorms...
I think she is looking at a likely missed connection.
4 hours in LHR on a coach ticket is not too long.
I tend to be conservative on my connections, so there is no way I would do 47 minutes, even first to first.
Mar 27, 2019, 5:11 am
#577
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
So, I wouldn't consider 47min a sensible connection time (D->I) even though I'm reading that it meets MCT.
But I figured I'd ask the opinion question: Would you choose PHX-MIA-MXP with said 47min connection, or PHX-LHR-MXP with a 4 hour connection (longer than is necessary at Heathrow but not enough to really go into town)? This is for my coworker's college-age daughter in Y.
Edit: Since weather plays into these things, this is for the summer.
But I figured I'd ask the opinion question: Would you choose PHX-MIA-MXP with said 47min connection, or PHX-LHR-MXP with a 4 hour connection (longer than is necessary at Heathrow but not enough to really go into town)? This is for my coworker's college-age daughter in Y.
Edit: Since weather plays into these things, this is for the summer.
47 minutes in Y... no way.
Plane will be boarding as she lands... add taxi time, deboarding (from Y), heading to new gate (which could be quite a haul)... in a likely best case she is walking on her plane as one of the last passengers.
Now add in...
possible short delay on takeoff...
possible headwinds...
possible short delay on landing...
possible/likely MIA afternoon thunderstorms...
I think she is looking at a likely missed connection.
4 hours in LHR on a coach ticket is not too long.
I tend to be conservative on my connections, so there is no way I would do 47 minutes, even first to first.
Plane will be boarding as she lands... add taxi time, deboarding (from Y), heading to new gate (which could be quite a haul)... in a likely best case she is walking on her plane as one of the last passengers.
Now add in...
possible short delay on takeoff...
possible headwinds...
possible short delay on landing...
possible/likely MIA afternoon thunderstorms...
I think she is looking at a likely missed connection.
4 hours in LHR on a coach ticket is not too long.
I tend to be conservative on my connections, so there is no way I would do 47 minutes, even first to first.
Agree that 47 mins doesn't leave a lot of room for error, however for what I assume is a novice traveler connecting in MIA will be leaps and bounds easier than LHR. No terminal change, bus ride, reclearing security, etc. Just get off the plane and walk to the next gate
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Mar 27, 2019, 6:00 am
#578
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Let me explain something about MIA (by home airport) and the banking of flights. Even if the a/c lands early you can almost bet you are going to the holding area (the exception of 777 flights that use specific dedicated gates). Many a late afternoon and evening I've seen over stressed paxs looking at the possibility of making their connection, often the only one of the day/evening, just fading away and the emotions and drama begin. 47 minutes at MIA, no way.
Mar 27, 2019, 7:06 am
#579
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
To play devil's advocate, while there's certainly a chance all those bad things could happen, there's also an equal (if not greater) chance that the flight from PHX will depart on time and arrive into MIA on time if not 10 or 15 mins early. Headwinds, short takeoff and arrival delays, etc. are all built into AA schedule block times.
Agree that 47 mins doesn't leave a lot of room for error, however for what I assume is a novice traveler connecting in MIA will be leaps and bounds easier than LHR. No terminal change, bus ride, reclearing security, etc. Just get off the plane and walk to the next gate.
Agree that 47 mins doesn't leave a lot of room for error, however for what I assume is a novice traveler connecting in MIA will be leaps and bounds easier than LHR. No terminal change, bus ride, reclearing security, etc. Just get off the plane and walk to the next gate
.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.
4 hours in LHR vs 47 minutes in Miami? No brainer for a novice to choose the connection in LHR.
But I am risk-averse.
Let me explain something about MIA (by home airport) and the banking of flights. Even if the a/c lands early you can almost bet you are going to the holding area (the exception of 777 flights that use specific dedicated gates). Many a late afternoon and evening I've seen over stressed paxs looking at the possibility of making their connection, often the only one of the day/evening, just fading away and the emotions and drama begin. 47 minutes at MIA, no way.