The Miami International Airport saw 36.2 million passengers travel through it in 2017, making it one of the busiest airports in the country. It welcomed 17.8 million international passengers, surpassing 2016’s numbers.
With so many people flying to and from the city, it can be an intimidating and overwhelming place for first-time visitors. To help you out, here are 8 tricks for successfully navigating Miami International Airport.
Book a flight more than 3 weeks prior to traveling
To get the best price, be sure to book your flight well in advance. A CheapAir.com study showed that the best time to book domestic flights is seven and a half weeks in advance. For international flights, the study indicated that it’s better to start monitoring the price fluctuations at the earliest possible time.
Book a night flight
If you wish to avoid long queues and waiting times, consider booking a flight that departs at night. Although the airport is still busy at night, it’s not as hectic as during the daytime, which is when most families take their flights.
Weigh in Your Luggage At Home
If you need to pack several items for your trip, Lifehack suggests weighing your luggage at home to make sure they’ll still be within your airline’s limit. You won’t have to take out anything important and you’ll be wasting less of your time in the very busy airport.
Check Options for Transfers
Having your transport ready as soon as you arrive saves time. Miami International has an in-house taxi service, but it may entail queuing given the number of flyers passing through the air hub. A good alternative is to use transport apps. Wingz includes Miami International Airport as an option, making your trip from the airport to your hotel or anywhere else hassle-free.
Install ‘My TSA’ app
TSA’s rules may apply differently among many states. For example, the security checkpoint wait time in the Chicago O’Hare International Airport may take longer than in Miami International. To be aware of the exact TSA protocols, install the ‘My TSA’ app on your phone so you have a quick reference.
Examine the layout of the airport
Getting familiar with the entire building’s layout is especially helpful for first timer visitors to Miami International Airport. Like many international air hubs, this massive complex houses multiple terminals, as well as an extensive array of shops and restaurants. You can easily get lost if you don’t know your way around, which might lead to unnecessary delays. Check out the map on the airport’s offical website; or better yet, save it on your smartphone so you can easily take a look when needed.
Use the nearest lounge to your boarding gate
Miami International Airport has numerous lounges, which are helpful if you need to unwind before a flight. That being said, you have to be mindful of its location relative to your boarding gate, and make sure you can get there easily.
Store your luggage
In case your flight is delayed or canceled and you have to stay in the airport, you don’t need to lug your luggage around the entire time. You can head to the baggage check of Concourse E in Central Terminal, which allows flyers to store their stuff from 5 AM to 9 PM daily.
One of the most stressful parts of any trip is navigating an airport, especially if it’s as large and crowded as Miami International. Thankfully, it doesn’t always have to be the case, considering there are hacks which could help you have a relatively hassle-free experience.