MIA provides tips for spring break travelers

Miami International Airport is experiencing record-high passenger traffic this month, with March 20 bringing more than 167,000 travelers for the airport’s busiest single travel day ever. Over the past 30 days, travel is up 17 percent at MIA compared to the same period pre-pandemic, for an average of 157,000 passengers per day.

With travel expected to remain high the rest of the month because of the spring break peak season, MIA is providing the following travel tips to help passengers fly safe and fly smart:

·         Arrive at MIA three hours before a domestic flight and three and a half 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 is expected to be limited, especially on weekends. Travelers should strongly consider drop-off options such as a ride-share service, taxi, for-hire transportation or Miami-Dade Transit’s Orange Line.

·        As of March 1, travelers have a quicker way home from parking at MIA with MIA Quick Pay stations, self-service kiosks that allow passengers to pre-pay for their parking inside the garage and zip through the exit lane.

·        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.  

·       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.

·         Practice regular handwashing and make use of the hand sanitizing stations available airport-wide.

·         On-site COVID-19 testing (Antigen, PCR, and Rapid PCR) is available at two convenient MIA locations. Costs vary depending on the type of test.

·      MIA’s cell phone waiting lot, which features 60 parking spaces for non-commercial users picking up travelers, is located just off LeJeune Road and N.W. 31^st Street, accessible from LeJeune Road heading north or south.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 814 unruly passenger incidents nationwide this year as of March 7, with 66 percent of those stemming from arguments over the federal mask mandate at airports and in-flight, and many related to alcohol consumption. Travelers should be reminded of the following:

• Facial coverings continue to be required by the federal government inside U.S. airports until at least April 18, for the health and safety of all travelers.
• Unruly passengers face civil penalties up to $37,000, 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.