MIA travel tips for the winter holiday season

During the 18-day winter holiday travel period from December 19, 2025 to January 5, 2026, Miami International Airport is expecting 3.3 million passengers, which would be a 3% increase over last year’s record season. Peak days, are projected on December 20, 26 and 27, and January 2 and 3, when MIA expects more than 190,000 passengers each day.

With record travel expected, MIA recommends the following travel tips:

Check-In:

• Arrive at MIA three hours before your flight to give yourself enough time for parking, airline check-in, and the security screening process.

• Do your airline check-in online before arriving at MIA.

• MIA also provides updated flight information online and on its mobile app.

Parking:

• The new 2,240-space Ibis Garage will open on December 19, joining the Dolphin and Flamingo garages to give MIA travelers a total of 10,500 spaces – its highest total ever. All three garages will be accessible at MIA’s main parking entrance.

• Discounted parking is also available at MIA’s remote Economy Park and Ride lot, and Valet Parking is located directly across from MIA’s check-in area at doors 2 and 20 in both the Dolphin and Flamingo garages.

• MIA’s Cell Phone Waiting Lot, which provides 60 free parking spaces for non-commercial users waiting to pick up travelers, is located just off LeJeune Road and N.W. 31^st Street, accessible from LeJeune Road heading north or south.

TSA Screening

• Since July 8, 2025, passengers traveling through domestic airports are allowed to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints.

• Pack essential items such as medicine, travel documents, a phone charger, and a change of clothes in your carry-on instead of your checked bag in case your flight gets delayed and you are not able to quickly retrieve your checked bag.

• To expedite TSA checkpoint screening, follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or gels in your carry-on, and avoid accessories that resemble weapons and other prohibited items. Find more TSA tips on the TSA website.  

• Find the fastest TSA checkpoint for your flight with MIA’s real-time updates on checkpoint wait times online.

International Travel

• Some countries require that your passport have at least six months of validity beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Learn about your destination’s passport requirements by visiting the U.S. State Department’s destination web page.
• Eligible international travelers can use the free, secure Mobile Passport Control app on their smartphone or tablet to submit their passport and customs declaration information.
• Special accessibility lanes in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area are available for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility arriving from foreign destinations by completing an accessibility lane request form online 48 hours before arrival.

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