15 April 2008   Customer Rating :

lew through MIA in AA business class from ORD-SCL. Our flight was late into MIA due to snow in Chicago, but was still on the ground. I suspect it is AA's lack of planning, but I had a long walk from concourse D (no moving sidewalks) to concourse E. What I found most disappointing was that despite the fact AA had about a dozen flights leaving to South America around 1130pm, all but one of the food shops was already closed at 1030, and most other vendors were as well. It would seem that more vendors should be required to be open when there are many flights still scheduled to depart.

Miami Airport by John Oram

4 April 2008   Customer Rating :

As with my most recent posting on LHR, I have to speak as I find and MIA on 2 April was a good experience. It is a long walk from the gate (BA) to immigration but ours was the only flight and we were processed in five minutes. Officials were marshalling excess visitors into residents booths and keeping the whole thing moving. Surroundings were light and airy and fairly clean. They have introduced the ten digit scan but it was not unduly time consuming. My immigration official was pleasant. Baggage was fairly swift. The high outside temperatures seep into many parts of the building. The Alamo shuttle staff were very friendly. Alamo itself was a bit of a let down as there was a problem with our reservation and no easy access to baggage carts.

Miami Airport by G Tilley

28 March 2008   Customer Rating :

Being frequent travellers through London Heathrow, we thought we were prepared for anything until we had the misfortune to transit twice through Miami. After stepping off the plane into a rundown facility we then had a seemingly endless walk through a series of white-washed corridors only to emerge at the other end and be greeted with queues of hundreds of people and their baggage trollies spread across the whole of the concourse. The departure area for our continuing flight was equally unpleasant as it seemed we were leaving from the teminal that time forgot, the 1960's decor not in the least bit updated. Our return trip was probably worse, already delayed by an hour, immigration into the USA took over an hour (compared with other US airports where we have been through in less than 10 minutes). We then had to encounter another security queue. Unfortunately we were going through at a busy period with a number of international flights leaving at the same time. Nevertheless, the second TSA officer disappeared leaving one person to deal with the ever lengthening queue. Concerned at missing our flight we asked about the possibility of a quicker route through only to be bluntly told "you have plenty of time". Clearly this was not the case as we arrived at our gate as the boarding for our flight was well underway.

Miami Airport by M Creedy

25 February 2008   Customer Rating :

Every time I visit Miami I have to wait over two hours to clear immigration, as it is a free for all when you enter this department. I have been to Chicago O'Hare twice, and each time it took less than half an hour. Perhaps the MIA staff should look at the O'Hare operation and see where they can improve.

Miami Airport by Gary Ryan

24 January 2008   Customer Rating :

I recently had to do a trip via Miami (not staying there just in transit). I had 2.5 hour transfer time - had to wait 2hrs to get through passport control alone. There were about 20 people in front of me, when clearing passport control, I had to collect my hold luggage because Miami airport have a policy of not allowing baggage on connecting flights then I had to re-enter it into the system and I had a connecting flight. If you have a section for American residents and a section for Visitors, why not do a section for people in transit who have connecting flights within 2 hours. Sorry if this insults the people in charge of the running of Miami airport but it really would help with the frustration of some of your passengers who are not entering the USA, but on a connecting flight! It seems to work everywhere else in the world? When I came with my bag to the desk for my connecting flight I was asked why I was so late - can you imagine my frustration knowing I'd landed 2 and a half hours before and being asked why I'm late !? Get it right Miami!

Miami Airport by Vincent Smith

10 January 2008   Customer Rating :

MIA is my hometown airport. For someone who has been using this airport all his life, I'm use to the construction/traffic etc - so I know how to plan my way around these obstacles. Concourse J (the new one) is beautiful and different to the rest of the terminal. Immigration lines are a breeze as well as check in. As for the rest of the airport; and I mean AA territory (literally) this is where most of the complaints stem from. The check in area is very small, the roof is low, it feels gloomy, the carpet is outdated, etc. Then you have the entrance to Concourse D in addition to a very popular restaurant all established right smack in the middle of this small check in area. In other words, it does get very crowded at times in this extremely busy part of MIA. To add insult to injury, Concourse A is temporarily closed - so all traffic that was shifted to that area at one point is now back to Concourse C/D. Folks, brace yourselves if you are flying AA from MIA for the next 2-3 years because the lines will be outrageous. Check in online at home if you can (unless you have bags or traveling internationally) and get to the airport EARLY. Regarding customs/immigration arriving with AA, this should no longer be an issue (time wise) as most other carriers that shared the E immigration facility together with AA have now moved to the new Concourse J. So AA (together with only a few OneWorld partners) has the E immigration facility to themselves. The frustration may start once immigration/customs is clear - bags have been rechecked and one has to "find" the connecting gate. The signage is pretty clear for those who have to endure this, but it can be a bit complicated I will admit. Just ask for directions and you will be guided accordingly. It does involve having to go to level 2, since the exit for E Immigration is in level 1. The elevators and escalators are behind recheck. Once all construction to what will be known as "The North Terminal" for AA is complete (someday), then things will start to ease out for AA passengers at MIA. Unfortunately, it will still take some time as building an airport on top of another one without being able to close it is extremely time consuming. For those with a layover in MIA, its like any other airport - you have your shops, restaurants and there is a hotel inside the terminal by Concourse E where you can go to the Top of the Port Restaurant and enjoy a meal or cocktail while waiting for your next flight - away from all the terminal drama. It almost feels like an airline frequent flyer club. Surprisingly, the hotel is known as "The Miami International Airport Hotel". Regarding some comments complaining about how everyone at the airport only speaks Spanish or speak something that sounds like French, Miami's population is predominantly from Latin America and the Caribbean. Please don't feel stunned or out of place just because you hear anything but English in your surroundings. All employees that work directly with customer service do need to speak English. For someone who lives in South Florida, I will continue to use MIA. Even if the fare is slightly higher then departing from FLL, unless the drive is worth it, I will stick to MIA. FLL is also becoming heavily congested, perhaps worst then MIA.

Miami Airport by Paul Harvey

29 July 2007   Customer Rating :

Flew in from LHR arriving one hour late at what was supposed to be the peak time for European arrivals. Having read numerous reviews negatively commenting on the airport, I was prepared for the worse but - I found the airport clean and tidy and although it was a very long walk from the arrival gate to immigration, it was well sign posted. Immigration took some while to get through (one passenger every 12 minutes) simply because all of the computers broke down just as our flight got to the desks. Apart from some very unusual questions (why was my wife not travelling with me?), immigration was straight forward and polite. By then, because of the computer delay, all of our bags had arrived and been unloaded off the conveyor belt. After negotiating the two floors change between arrivals and passenger transport to the city, getting a fixed fare taxi was easy. The return experience was just as straightforward. Security was very thorough and duty free very efficient. There were plenty of seats at the departure gate (A18) although the departure area is somewhat light on passenger facilities such as shops and eating places. A good travelling experience.

Miami Airport by L Wood

27 June 2007   Customer Rating :

The lack of "no stars" means I have had to give Miami 1 star. This airport is truly the last stop before Hell. I travelled around the States for 2 months late last year and found the majority of airport staff to be professional, friendly and helpful - until I reached Miami "International", which is filthy, expensive and the unfriendliest place in the States. My partner & I are keen to return to Key West next year but even keener to avoid flying into Miami again.

Miami Airport by W Kilgore

8 May 2007   Customer Rating :

Myself and my wife have been going to Key West for years, and unfortunately this entails flying into Miami. We just came back from Roatan and once again leaving through Miami and coming back through Miami. In the future we will do everything in our power to avoid this airport. Customer service is in name only, I have never met a more snotty lot than the employees working for this airport. From curb side baggage handlers, TSA employees, ticket agents, and restaurant workers, they project the attitude that you are a hindrance to them and they have better things to do than be disturbed by your presence. It's not just airports in general, Atlanta is great, Orlando is fine, Tampa St.Pete was a joy, but it seems that the requirement to be hired at Miami is you have to have a smug ass attitude, and outright refusal to be helpful to anyone.

Miami Airport by Steve Maier

1 May 2007   Customer Rating :

We flew from concourse F internationally. This concourse needs some serious modernisation. It is run down and has almost no shops. Round about 5pm when Iberia, Air France, Lufthansa and TUI all leave at the same time for Europe it is crowded and cramped. The Club Americana lounge is overcrowded as well as it is used by all airlines flying from this concourse. In comparison to good airports like Charlotte and Chicago, I would rate MIA rather poor.

Miami Airport by Nick Jones

1 March 2007   Customer Rating : 

The USA and its friendly and hospitable people used to be my favourite vacation destination in the world until my recent experience with the Immigration officers at MIA. I arrived with my wife on BA from LHR. There was a problem with the fingerprint scanner which necessitated us being detained for an hour in a locked room. This I can almost accept but what I can't accept is the RUDE manner and behaviour of the immigration staff. They are a disgrace to their uniform and to the proud nation they purport to serve. If the US wants to continue to receive vacationers from the UK then these people need to be sent on a courtesy course. We are returning soon but despite the inconvenience will be flying into TPA.

Miami Airport by S Koenig

1 March 2007   Customer Rating : 

Have not had any major problems with the airport, apart from what seem very long walks between gates and luggage areas and exits. Some of the restaurants seem to close kind of early, leaving long empty hallways, but had no problem finding food and drink at 10 p.m. (before 7 a.m. it is much tougher). The hotel inside the airport is convenient, though pretty pricey for what you get. Ended up going to a display of several hotels and calling each one on the free phone to see what rates they were charging. I have gone through customs and immigration only in the early morning, upon arrival from Latin America, and never had problems with long lines, just long waits for my luggage to arrive. Not my favorite airport in the world but also far from my least favorite. I am usually transiting.

Miami Airport by Wendy Meehan

26 February 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

Whenever possible, we try to avoid MIA especially when returning from international destinations. We have never experienced this level of consistently offensive behavior anywhere else (US or abroad). The problems do not seem to be associated with a particular airline. After a lengthy journey (any international flight), passengers arriving at MIA must face stagnant long lines, barking orders and rudeness that makes the whole process miserable for everyone involved. Further, I am embarrassed for the US, as this is frequently a foreign traveler’s first experience of American culture.

Miami Airport by Randall Nelson

19 February 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

I found some of the comments in this forum about Miami International Airport to be offensive to legal immigrants and to Miami's great cosmpolitan and diverse population. As a resident of Miami I use this airport constantly and find that all signs, public annoucements are in English. The staff, both airline and U.S. Government, I have had contact with speak English professionally and usually speak other foreign languages given the airport's importance as an international gateway. While some of the facilities are indeed outdated and need remodelling, I find that the airport's location, its size and general configuration is excellent. While some people in this forum might find that Miami's diversity is a drawback, residents of the city like myself find that it is Miami's greatest attraction.

Miami Airport by Bob Vernola

26 January 2007

This airport has a very long way to go to be considered one of the top. This was our first experience with this facility and hopefully our last. It has probably the worse eating facilities beyond security checkpoint of any airport we've used. Section C was dismal in appearance and really needs some updating. Crowds were terrible and wait time at checkin for American Airlines was terrible. Of course, I'm sure lots of this has to do with the large cruise ship business in this city, but the administration at the airport really needs to update this place. As I said, if the future, I'll probably use Ft Lauderdale and then catch a cab or limo to Miami. Some of the flight information screens were not working after security checkpoint which made for a confusing situation when gates changed. Overall, a very dismal experience. Finally, expect very long walks to get to and from gates.

Miami Airport by Brian Randle

26 January 2007

Many of the complaints are not unique to Miami's airport. With TSA levels low (and set by the FEDS, not the airports) at most major aiports along with low levels of Immigration officers, wait times are long at most major international airports. I see that a lot of travelers complain about check in - again not the airport's fault or problem, take that up with the airline you are traveling on. As for the comments of Spanish being spoken throughout the airport, this is true, Miami is the hub to Latin American and the Hispanic population in Dade County is surging past 60%. English is spoken first, all over the airport, I also hear many other languages such as German, Spanish, Italian and French.

Miami Airport by Goan Sedat

19 January 2007

Overall a good experience in MIA after reading the other opinions and expecting the worse. Probably we were lucky, but on arrival there were only 6 or 7 people ahead of us at the immigration desk and luggage was already there when we reached the luggage claim area 15 minutes later. On the return flight, we were lucky enough to have our baby observed by a TSA clerk who invited us to pass through a separate security gate which took 30 seconds. Once inside, we sat at the only restaurant that actually had tables and watched how security check was becoming a nightmare for other fellow passengers as the queue was getting bigger and bigger (so although I did not experience it myself, I have to agree with the other comments on this site about how hectic this is). There were virtually no stores and only one fast food restaurant plus a Pizza Hut and a Starbucks, but these two did not have tables). Perhaps other terminals or groups of gates have better choices, but this was not our case.

Miami Airport by Joseph Cruz

9 January 2007

I share many of the sentiments expressed by previous reviewers, Miami has a long way to go from being classified as a world class airport and has it's problems. I travel through this airport every holiday season and mentally prepare my family and myself for the challenges of check- in, security etc. I must admit this past holiday season, check-in was a breeze at both COPA and United Airlines counters. I normally fly American. Gate security was hectic but organized and thorough. Terminal F gets an "F" for restrooms, the terminal also needs a makeover but it was clean! Coming back into the US, Customs was organized and we went through the first checkpoint in no time at all. Unfortunately baggage claim was the typical 45 minutes for international flights and by the time I cleared customs, it was about 65 minutes in total. I missed my connection, scrambled for a hotel. Airport information counter was very helpful with hotel information. I was also happy to find private overnight bag storage at terminal D, safe and secure, so I didn't have to lug 3 of 4 bags I had in and out of shuttles and hotels. I wish other international airports offered a similar service. All in all, Miami airport is an adventure, that is the only way to describe it!

Miami Airport by Peter Schweizer

9 January 2007

Departed from MIA on a TED flight to ORD. Check-in was a disaster with unfriendly & rude staff not capable of speaking English. Proper line to drop-off checked baggage at TSA did not exist and the entire area reminded me of a bazar. Security screening was okay and they did have dedicated lane for families traveling with infants. F concourse is a dump and the male restrooms do not have changing tables for infants. This airport is an embarrassment !!

Miami Airport by Scott Rimer

3 January 2007

This airport tops the list of worst. Unfriendly service, incredibly long wait times coming into the airport including wait time for US citizens. If you are an American avoid this airport at all costs they speak primarily Spanish and even public service announcements are first relayed in Spanish. The US has only one official language but this airport does not seem to understand this. Compound that with the other negative comments you read here and you will understand the truth applies not only to those visitors to the US but also the American citizens coming from outside the nations borders. Services lacking in all areas and an over worked staff struggle to keep up with a mass of humanity all trying in vain to get through the airport in time to connect to other flights. Book into Dallas if possible I can't say enough good about it. There they struggle with simular problems and nearly as many illegal and legal aliens coming in all speaking Spanish, but they have retained English and their friendly American attitude.

Miami Airport by Cornell Kaye

13 October 2006

MIA - until this year, I was a frequent flyer through here (usually from LHR on BA) but this hasn't stopped Immigration from forcing me to wait 3 hours in a side room whilst pretending to consider the dangers of allowing me to enter the USA without a booked return date. Eventually I was allowed out when I told the official I was a qualified nurse and would hardly therefore run the risk of illegal dishwashing in Fort Lauderdale for a few $ when I could so easily obtain an employment visa. I am in fact a qualified nurse but had no proof of it upon me. I also had a hard job getting them to understand that my lack of cash was due to the fact that I could use both my bank debit card and credit card freely and easily in the US and that the couple of dollars' change on me was for the Interstate 95 toll booth. I think I was fulfilling someone's 'pull' quota - although I couldn't help but notice that I was the only non-white detainee and I still wonder what humiliation my fellow detainees may have endured. I was lucky. Absolutely and without doubt the most appalling travel experience I've ever endured - every time it got worse and friends' reports from the last 6 months confirm all.

Miami Airport by Karl Moosbrugger

27 September 2006

I cannot subscribe to some of the negative comments. Arrived in MIA on a flight from FRA last week. Arrival was smooth. Practically no waiting time at immigration (2 people in front of me in the queue) and the immigration officer was polite and friendly. Baggage delivery took a while due to heavy thunderstorm/lightning but that's nobody's fault. Next morning departed on a domestic flight. Practically no waiting time at check in nor at security and the staff was always polite. I find the airport absolutely OK.

Miami Airport by Lauren Stover (a Miami Airport employee)

18 July 2006

MIA has got a bad rap. The airport's central terminal shops were just voted number one in a JD Powers study and as an airport worker, we get tons of compliments on our staff and the complexities we face operating an airport unlike any other. The new South Terminal is set to open in 2007 and will offer the amenities of a world-class airport. Yes we have our share of problems and know our limitations, and while that may not be apparent, there are 1600 County employees who dedicate their life to this airport in making it better every day.

Miami Airport by Sharon Verity

15 May 2006

I have become quite a frequent visitor to Miami, and I can easily say it is by far the worst airport I have ever been to. You are normally met after a long-haul flight by a wall of fellow passengers all cramming into the immigration hall. Then no matter which queue you pick, none of them seem to actually move. On my last visit we waited for 2 hours to get through immigration alone! At one point they even tried to close our booth and just stick us at the end of another queue. There does not seem to be any organisation at all and efficiency, well that is something I can only dream of!! I completely understand the need for tightening of security - however treating all visitors as potential terrorists is surely not the right approach especially as Florida thrives on tourism. As for the 'services' of the airport, these are somewhat lacking. I feel as though the whole airport just needs a complete overhaul on it's logistics, attitude and decor!!! Hopefully that will then mean a more pleasant start/end to a holiday in the States rather than the current experience endured by so many!

Miami Airport by Mat Callaghan

28 April 2006

Without doubt the world's worst major airport. Factors causing this include sheer size and number of destinations served. Appallingly confusing layout and little logic applied to gate allocations. Extremely tight security due to the number of destinations deemed 'dodgy' or 'druggy' it serves , meaning the expected rude, surly unpleasant entry to and exit from the USA is even worse here than at other US airports Appallingly poor range of shops, services and restaurants both land and airside (my top tip - find the hotel inside the terminal and use their restaurant - its about the only quiet, non-manic place there. If you have time book a day room and get a shower as well) 5) Set up and organisation for transit passengers, which at Miami is a large number of people. Little information, few staff, massive treks across terminals, little indication about where to check in for connection. Indeed if making a flight such as LHR to MIA then connecting to the Caribbean with American Eagle this sometimes entails a trek across 3 terminals to check in again and then a trek all the way back to find the gate. My only other top tip - if you are on a connection from, say, South America, which arrives early morning and your return to the UK is an overnight there is a place where you can dump all your bags for a fee, and you can then spend a pleasant afternoon on South Beach.

Miami Airport by Sue Lang

24 April 2006

We arrived into Miami airport on 30th March. What a nightmare! We stood in a queue of some that took well over 1.5 hrs to clear passport control. The immigration people seemed to be incapable of saying please and thank you. This is one airport we shall never return to!! When we returned home through this airport, while waiting in the departure lounge we noticed a bag had been left unattended for 20mins or more. This we duly reported twice and nothing happened - after 40 mins our flight was called and still no- one had looked at the bag - some security!!

Miami Airport by Tim Bennett

22 April 2006

Within 50 minutes of landing, had cleared immigration, retrieved our bags, cleared customs and were driving our hire car north to Orlando. No queues nor waiting and everyone was very helpful. On our return check in was easy, a little inconvenient having to queue to get bags through security following check in but not a problem, security line a little slow but again no major problem and the flight left on time for our return to LHR.

Miami Airport by Claire O'Donoghue

18 February 2006

Have had the misfortune of flying into miaa couple of times and have now vowed to avoid this airport at all costs. Immigration is a joke long lines that take hours to get thru and if you have a connecting flight the chance of making the connection are remote. The immigration office are the rudest people I have encountered. This applies to other staff I have encountered in this airport. Finding one that speaks English is the first problem. The airport is dirty and tired and the facilities are poor.

Miami Airport by Stephan Holowaty

1 February 2006

ZRH-MIA-ZRH: On departure, Miami is just another one of those totally disorganized and overcrowded US airports. Despite giving my checked-in bags a hand search, I do not expect the searcher to give public comments on what I carry in my luggage. Very unprofessional, slow, disorganized and in parts incompetent TSA staff - they seem to believe that long lines, embarrassing comments and hunting people from one line to the next discourages terrorists. Equipment and staffing quantity obviously don't allow for a professional, fast service. Only one of those guys seemed to know what he was actually doing. Arrival in MIA at first was a pleasant experience, as passing immigration has never been so quick to the US. However, my flight was coming in much after the "normal" arrival times from Europe, and I was lucky enough to be one of the first off the plane. Also, baggage delivery was a breeze. Later on, searching for the rental car booths was really a disaster - signage at the whole airport seems to be very random.

Miami Airport by Wendy Tien

30 November 2005

The signage is useless where it exists, totally failing to provide basic information (such as how to exit the airport or find the car rental). The staff are rude and all the gates seem to be miles from the security checkpoint. The gate areas are freezing and the rest of the airport is like a steam bath. The queue for the security checkpoint takes forever and you have to watch that security video in English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Kreyol - over and over again. The only bright spot is that if you are in the mood for Cuban snacks, you can get them - usually somewhat cold and greasy, but at least it's more interesting than most airport food offerings. On one of my trips I was detained at security and ran to the gate, only to be told by the AA gate agent that they needed to search my bags at the gate. After they went through my bag they told me couldn't board because it was too late and the airplane door had closed, even though the flight wasn't scheduled to depart for another 15 minutes. The gate agent then turned to the two passengers standing right next to me and let them board standby - giving away my seat! As there is absolutely nothing to do at the airport, I sat at the gate until the next flight watching DVDs on my laptop. Three hours later, when I queued to board the next flight (at the same gate), the same gate agent had me searched again even though I had not so much as left my seat. If I ever have to do it again, I'm flying to Fort Lauderdale and renting a car.

Miami Airport by Sue Perks

6 November 2005

I have to agree with all the comments about huge distances and almost total lack of signage. I went through MIA twice last month, and never again. It's the only airport I know where you have to check in a good 15 minutes walk from the security checks (depending on your gate). The airlines have those LED signs above the desk - but they use them to advertise their websites instead of telling you whether you are in the right queue - there are uniformed staff to ask, but they blanked me when I politely asked which queue I should join (several times). It's a mess.