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View of MIA's South Terminal - Photo by Steven Brooke

We are experiencing great changes in the way you, the traveling public, will be using the United States air transportation network. The added requirements of safety and security will impose some new constraints on how to use the aviation system. With that in mind, we are offering the following tips on how to get from the start of your trip to your destination, with as little inconvenience as possible. Most important, give yourself extra time and please be patient. Every procedure we are undertaking is in an effort to ensure that your travel is safe, secure, and efficient.

Review Information about Connecting Flights

Before Coming to the Airport

Call your airline to confirm your flight and departure time. Visit the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for flight delay information.

Parking

Upper Short-Term Parking lot (Departure Level) is open. All vehicles entering may be inspected, as well as baggage in the vehicle.

Lower Short-Term Parking lot (Arrival Level) is open for daytime use on a reduced schedule. Vehicles may not be left overnight. All vehicles entering may be inspected, as well as baggage in the vehicle.

Long-Term Parking Garages (Dolphin & Flamingo) are open. Please follow signs. Vehicles, as well as baggage in the vehicles, entering Dolphin & Flamingo Garages are subject to inspection prior to entering.

The availability of curbside baggage check-in is available on an airline-by-airline basis. Please check with your airline to determine if they are currently offering this service. Curbside pick-up / drop off: Do not leave your vehicle unattended at curbside. All unattended vehicles will be immediately towed at the owner's expense.

Checking in for a Flight

You will be required to have valid government-issued ID when you check-in for your flight. Please be prepared to show ID as well as boarding cards at each stage of the boarding process.

If you are utilizing an E-ticket or ticket-less travel, please confirm with your airline what you will need at check-in. You may need to have a specific written confirmation document such as a letter from the air carrier acknowledging your reservation.

At Security Screening

Screening checkpoints are now the responsibility of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a Federal agency.  Please check MIA's Security Tips section for additional information about security.

At all Times

Control all carry-on bags. Never leave anything unattended as it could be subject to tampering. All unattended bags will be removed. Never carry anything onboard the aircraft for another person, especially for someone you do not know. Report any unattended packages or baggage anywhere in the airport or on the airplane to airport security personnel or airline personnel.

Connecting Flights at MIA

There are three terminals at MIA (view map)

There are two U.S  Customs and Border Protection (federal inspection process) areas (view map):

  Level 1
  Level 3

Allow between 1 ½ to 2 hours to clear U.S  Customs and Border Protection. Clearance times for the federal inspection process vary - contact your airline or locate an airline representative for assistance.

Baggage Claim during Connections:

• International flights connecting to US destinations - claim luggage before clearing US Customs.
• International flights connecting to international destinations - confirm with your airline that your luggage was checked directly to your final destination.
• Domestic flights connecting to international destinations - confirm with your airline that your luggage was checked directly to your final destination.

Skyride Connector (moving walkways):       (view map)
All three terminals and concourses are connected via a Skyride Connector (moving walkways) located on the third level of each terminal. Allow 15 minutes to move between South / North Terminals. Review additional information about security checkpoints.

View Airline Directory - Baggage Claim - U.S. Immigrations / Customs - Real Time Flight Information - Flight Planner

For information or assistance while at MIA, pick up one of our 24 hour white courtesy phones or visit our Information Center at the Central Terminal Concourse E, Level 2, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please keep these tips in mind as you plan your trips and when you arrive at the airport. If we work together we can make the system safe and effective for every traveler. Your safety and security is our number one priority. For additional information you may call us at 305-876-7000 or e-mail us.