MIA provides holiday travel tips, launches campaign against unruly behavior
During the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period from Friday, November 19 to Tuesday, November 30, Miami International Airport is expecting its busiest travel days since the pandemic began, with nearly 1.7 million passengers projected – for an average of 140,000 passengers per day.
Overall, MIA is projecting an 11-percent increase during this Thanksgiving travel period compared to its record year in 2019. The busiest day is expected to be November 28, the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day, with more than 156,000 passengers projected that day.
Below are some tips to make traveling through MIA easier:
- Arrive at MIA at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to allow enough time for the airline check-in and security checkpoint screening process.
- Passengers are encouraged to do their airline check-in online before arriving at MIA.
- Parking spaces are expected to be limited. Travelers should consider drop-off options such as a ride-share service, taxi or Miami-Dade Transit’s Orange Line.
- To expedite TSA checkpoint screening, wear easily removable shoes, follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or gels in your carry-on, and avoid accessories that resemble weapons. More TSA tips are available at the TSA website.
- Find the fastest checkpoint for your flight with the MIA QueueAnalyzer, available online at MIA’s mobile app and website, for real-time updates on security checkpoint wait times.
- Avoid waiting in line to order food and drinks with MIA2GO, MIA’s mobile ordering service that lets you quickly browse menus, order and pay before making your contactless pick-up at restaurants throughout the airport.
On November 17, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié and MIA’s local and federal security partners to also launch a new campaign against unruly travel behavior before the Thanksgiving holiday season, and to remind travelers about the following:
- Facial coverings continue to be required by the Federal Aviation Administration inside all U.S. airports.
- Unruly passengers face civil penalties up to $45,000, being banned from flying, and potential federal prosecution.
- FAA regulations direct airlines to not allow anyone to board their aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.
- FAA regulations also prohibit drinking alcohol aboard a plane that is not served by the airline.
- Miami-Dade Police will arrest and remove intoxicated individuals from MIA.
- At the first sign of any unruly behavior, call Miami-Dade Police at 9-1-1.
We have worked so hard to rebound from the pandemic and make traveling safe again, so we can visit family and friends. Don’t put a damper on holiday cheer, or leave your family and friends waiting, because you argued over wearing a mask or were intoxicated. Travel responsibly by complying with the federal mask law, limiting your alcohol consumption, complying with airline instructions, and notifying police or airport staff if you see bad behavior starting. If you take out your phone, use it to call 9-1-1, not take a video! Let’s enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season together.
To request materials in an accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office at 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).