MIAMI AIRPORT review : 2 December 2008 : by C Gray
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |  |
Do not clear immigration in Miami if you are not capable of walking a long, long distance. My
husband and I are in our 70's and last month came home from the Caribbean through Miami. Our plane
landed at the very farthest point from immigration and we were concerned we might not be able to
complete the walk. We did not have long to wait at the Immigration line, but had a heck of a time
trying to figure out what carousel our luggage came in on. There were mobs of people and no help!
MIAMI AIRPORT review : 5 November 2008 : by N Emorinem
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |  |
Good to read some positive reviews here but my advice is to prepare for the worst if you ever have
the misfortune to go through MIA in transit. Having read some reviews here, I changed my return
flight to a later one as it seemed that 2 hours would not be enough to go through immigration &
customs. New arrangements provided for 4.5 hours. Well, I'm glad I did. After a 15 minute run from
the plane, I joined a queue at immigration at 5.45pm and was finally granted permission to enter the
USA at 7.30pm. Some people in my queue and those adjacent were pulled for questioning by officials
after queuing already for an hour or more. Guess they didn't make their connections. The baggage bit
was hopeless - despite being told that I would have to collect my bag and go through customs to
clear it and recheck it, it wasn't on the carousel (no signs telling you what carousel to go to -
you just have to wander up and down and hope you can spot your flight). Piles of bags everywhere -
some of them were from flights which had landed several hours earlier. The concept of customer
service is clearly non-existent in staff at this airport: to get help, I had to break up
conversations between staff who would have quote happily chatted indefinitely, looking at pictures
on their mobile phones, flirting with each other etc. if I hadn't forced my way into their
conversation. Turns out that despite what my Air Jamaica people were told in JA, my bag was checked
through already (apparently) though the staff at my departure gate denied this. I did have to check
in again at Departures and eventually arrived at my gate at 9pm for a 9.30 flight. Concourse E -
dismal place, rubbish facilities (hot dogs and a tiny Pizza Hut concession - and that's about it).
My bag did reappear in London. I dislike Heathrow and UK airports in general but it seemed like a
paradise of good signage, helpful staff and logical transit arrangements by comparison. If I can
avoid it, I will never go to MIA again, nor will I book flights requiring a transit at a US airport
- nearly missed my connection on the way out at JFK because of a 50 minute wait for baggage and
being misadvised about transfer of luggage to next flight from different terminal. But that's
another story.
MIAMI AIRPORT review : 14 October 2008 : by T Lazzari
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Customer Rating : 5/5 |  |
The new terminals are exceptionally attractive, organized and comfortable. If checking in with a
pre-printed boarding pass and carry-on only I can make it from curbside to gate in under 30 minutes
for domestic flights. The food options in the airport are good and service is generally above-
average for Miami.
MIAMI AIRPORT review : 29 September 2008 : by Paul Gurney
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Customer Rating : 4/5 |  |
First time flying in and out of the new South Terminal complex. Finally, there is a modern and
clean section to this airport with upgraded store selections compared to other terminals. On the
downside, it is very far and alot of walking when arriving in Terminal H and going to Immigration
and Customs in Terminal J. Why the moving walkway in secured Terminal H was not done in sections so
that more gates can utilize this system is beyond comprehension. Fastest and most pleasant TSA
check in any busy major US airport This was the nicest part of the South Terminal complex
MIAMI AIRPORT review : 2 September 2008 : by Martin Arida
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |  |
Even though the new E terminal is modern and spacious, the rest of the airport falls behind.
Arrivals area for international flights at D is shabby looking, cramped, confusing. Transferring
between flights, as noted by another reader, is a joke. To recheck a bag, one must leave the secure
area, follow some a path of yellow dots which lead only back to the terminal. Signage is unclear,
confusing. There's no intra-terminal TSA clearance like other major airport. It seems the airport
has gotten better from a few years ago when I was there last, but my biggest pet peeve about MIA is
that the airport official language is Spanish, not English. I was given directions several, by
airport staff, in Spanish!
MIAMI AIRPORT review : 20 June 2008 : by Brett Smith
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Customer Rating : 3/5 | |
Good, but not great, airport. It was spacious and clean, though signage to our terminal was a bit
tricky. Security check was not an issue. I was in the LTU/Air Berlin terminal, and they only had a
sandwich stand and newspaper shop after security, which was very disappointing. Also, upon arrival
from Germany, it was a long walk to passport control, and they only had customs reports in Spanish!
From my recent knowledge, Miami is still part of the USA. It wasn't a perfect experience, but I
would have no big worries about using MIA again.
MIAMI AIRPORT review : 11 May 2008 : by S Koenig
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Customer Rating : 3/5 | |
Decent variety of shops and restaurants, though better outside of security than inside. Various
terminals not all linked, so to get from one flight to another you may well have to exit the secure
area, walk a ways, and then go back through another security line (similar to many other airports;
need to keep this in mind when calculating transit times). Terminal J still in the process of being
finished, so fewer choices for dining and shopping than in some other areas (you can get to Terminal
H without exiting security). One nice thing about MIA is the number of hotels near the airport.
Even one inside the terminal itself, though it is not cheap and the rooms are rather small. Car
rental agencies are located a ways from the airport terminal.
Miami Airport by L Middleton
23 April 2008 Customer Rating : 
I live in Miami and use MIA about twice a month. It's about average in terms of comfort and
convenience when compared to other US airports but far inferior to some of the European and Asian
airports I've used. Downsides : poor signage (I have problems getting around the place and I've
used it for 4 years); a few shabby, 1970s era concourses badly in need to repair/upgrade; almost
always broken ticket reading machines when leaving the parking lot; and impossible-to-find rental
car areas (so friends tell me); slow customs. On the plus side are the newer areas of the terminal
especially new south terminal. But what happened to terminal A? I don't read the local paper and
was shocked to find that this new, modern, bright section of the airport has been closed for 3 years
and the AA Mexico flights shifted to drab, shabby terminal D.
Miami Airport by Byron Scott
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.
Miami Airport by Nick Finning
19 August 2005
Travelling from the UK to Honduras and we had the bad fortune to have a connecting flight out
of Miami -we had a two hour wait before our connecting flight so the massive queue at
immigration wasnt an issue. However to get to immigration they sent us on a 20min walk down
pointlessly long corridors that didnt seem to end - is it so hard to build on the level ?. On
our return journey we only had 1 hour to make our flight and there was already a massive line
of people at immigration - one of the officers decided it was the perfect time for his break,
then they split one of the lines into two. 20 of our group were 30 seconds from missing the
flight, and the staff were some of the rudest I have encountered.
Miami Airport by D Visser
2 August 2005
I have been travelling through MIA for yers now and I must say that this is one of
the worst airports that I have dealt with. I would think that things would slowly improve
with all of the construction works and such, but it just gets worse. Counters are being moved
each time I go, making it seem like a hellish version of musical chairs.
Immigration and customs are the WORST I have dealt with anywhere. Long, long, long
lines and the personnel have huge attitudes and treat you like trash. I get so annoyed with
being treated like a criminal, but that we can thank 9/11. TSA is a group of crooks that are walking
about with chips on their shoulders. They are supposed to instill a sense of security, but I always
wonder what they will now steal out of my bags. But without a doubt is the worst aspect is language. Being Miami the major
language is Spanish and you notice it right away at the airport. I speak the language, so no issue for
me, but what I do not appreciate is that I am always spoken to first in Spanish regardless of where I
go in the terminal. The quality of the English spoken is atrocious and ansolutely not
acceptable. When travelling to South Florida my favoured airport is FLL, but unfortunately all
the European airlines insist on flying to MIA. It'd really teach MIA a lesson if FLL made it
lucrative for the airlines to fly there than to MIA.
Miami Airport by Armen Terjimanian
19 July 2005
I just flew to Miami last week and this places needs help - fast. I understand there
is some construction going on but the airport is in dire straits. With increased
security, the airport is as crowded as it could be and the narrow passageways around
the concourse doesn't help. Check-in counters are too close to the walkways. Signage
is a mess--I was hoping to meet up with a friend of mine who was arriving on a flight
the same time as mine--but the lack of arrival monitors was attrocious. They have
plenty of Departure monitors but what about arrival times? Bad luck if your flight
arrives or departs at Concourse C--horrible waiting areas (not enough seats), and one
bar/restaurant. This has got to be the worst airport I've been to since Dulles.
Miami Airport by John Morfin
29 June 2005
MIA can only be described as bleak. There is nothing human about it. Snack bars are akin to eating
in someone's basement and offer very little and of poor quality. Immigration staff barely
acknowledge one's existence and are surly to sullen. Information people are very helpful and
pleasant, however. Interior distances are huge as from concourse E to A and if carrying much
luggage should not be attempted in case of short connecting times. I was surveyed on my MIA
experience with a 4 page questionnaire which I hope means they plan improvements.
Miami Airport by Javier Urra
29 June 2005
Things have improved at MIA. I have travelled some times to Latin America via Miami. Last May, I
went to Managua MGA from Paris CDG with American Airlines. AA flight frome Paris arrived at time.
First good surprise, baggage is now directly checked in until your final destination. It saves time
and you walk more comfortable at MIA. But the good thing is that international transfer passenger
were called and displaced to another immigration control. Yes, you've got to walk all along endless
corridors, but at the end, you arrive to almost empty immigration controls! I did not line, not
either on my return flight from MGA to CDG. So, finally I've got some time to eat and enjoy before
boarding my plane. It's not an 'excellent' airport, but for non US nationals thinking on using MIA as
a hub to Latin America, things are getting better
Miami Airport by G Erichsen
29 June 2005
My spouse and I this week completed a trip that took us to or through seven airports, and I must say
that MIA was the worst of all. I'm not sure I've seen a place with a poorer use (or lack of use) of
navigation signs. We arrived on a Delta/Comair flight to spend a night at a nearby hotel before
continuing on a journey to Latin America, and there was no way to tell without asking people
standing nearby which luggage carousel was the right one. Finding out where we could catch a shuttle
to the hotel was similarly difficult. The food selection also was poor, and the walks within the
terminal can get quite long. The one positive thing I'll say about the airport is that its in-the-
airport hotel proved to be quite convenient for a six-hour overnight layover on the way home. By
the way, we had no problems with immigration/customs on the way back into the U.S. The lines moved
quickly, and baggage inspection wasn't even cursory.
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