Miami,
20
December
2021
|
13:31 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

MIA provides travel tips for record winter season forecast

Miami International Airport is expecting record-high passenger traffic during its 17-day winter travel period from Tuesday, December 21 (the first official day of winter) through Thursday, January 6, with a total of 2.6 million passengers projected – a six-percent increase over the same period in 2019. That equates to an average of 156,000 travelers per day.

The busiest days are expected to be January 2 and 3, when more than 165,000 passengers are projected on each day. MIA set an all-time, single-day passenger record on November 28, the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day, with 164,000 passengers.

Because of the projected increase, MIA is providing the following travel tips to help passengers fly safe and fly smart this winter:

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

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 5,664 unruly passenger incidents so far this year nationwide, with 72 percent of those incidents 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 Aviation Administration inside U.S. airports, 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.
  • Intoxicated individuals will be arrested and removed from MIA.
  • At the first sign of any disruptive behavior, dial 9-1-1.
  • If your flight gets delayed because of bad weather, aircraft maintenance, or an airline staff shortage due to the pandemic, we ask that you please remain calm with airline and airport employees as they work on resolving the problem.
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To request materials in 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 in 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).