Miami International Airport (MIA) has proudly achieved a remarkable milestone in its history, setting a new record for passenger volume this past weekend. This surge is in anticipation of the peak holiday travel period, which spans from December 21 through January 6.
This past Sunday, MIA welcomed an impressive 171,371 passengers, marking the highest single-day passenger count in the airport’s history. This unprecedented volume of travelers is a testament to MIA’s commitment to providing exceptional service and a seamless travel experience, even during the busiest times of the year.
Over the 17-day peak travel period, we anticipate a total of 2.8 million passengers. This marks a significant increase of 6.1% compared to the same period in 2022.
Because of the projected increase in traffic, MIA is providing the following tips for its winter travel season:
· Arrive at MIA three hours before your flight to give yourself enough time for parking, airline check-in, and the security screening process.
· Do airline check-in online before arriving at MIA.
· If your flight gets delayed, please be patient with airline employees as they work to reschedule your flight and remain in contact with your airline for flight updates.
· MIA also provides updated flight information online and on its mobile app.
TSA Screening
· 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 cannot quickly retrieve your checked bag.
· 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 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.
Parking
· Please be aware that parking garages (Dolphin and Flamingo Garages) may have limited capacity as holiday travel approaches.
· Travelers should consider alternative transportation methods such as taxis, rideshare options, or Miami-Dade Transit’s Orange Line.
· Half-price parking is available at MIA’s remote Economy Park and Ride lot. Valet Parking is located directly across from MIA’s check-in area at doors 2 and 20 in 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. 31st Street, accessible from LeJeune Road heading north or south.
Concourse D
· While the Concourse D Skytrain remains out of service, a courtesy trolley service is available from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For assistance, look for one of the courtesy shuttle pick-up stations throughout Concourse D.
· An airside shuttle bus is available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with stops at gates D10 and D55.
· Starting Wednesday, December 20, through January 7, an additional airside shuttle bus is available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
· Passengers who require wheelchair assistance should contact their airline in advance before their flight.
International Travel
· If traveling internationally, eligible travelers can use the free, secure Mobile Passport Control app to submit their passport and customs declaration information on their smartphone or tablet and avoid completing a paper form or using an automated passport control kiosk.
· Special accessibility lanes are available for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility arriving from foreign destinations. By completing an accessibility lane request form at MIA’s website 48 hours before arrival, those passengers can request special queueing assistance in MIA’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area.
As we progress, MIA will continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that we maintain our reputation as a leading global airport and a key driver of economic growth in our region.