One of the busiest holidays for travel a year is quickly approaching: Thanksgiving. This year, Turkey Day is expected to set record highs in all forms of travel, including roads, airports, and even cruises, with nearly 80 million travelers heading out for the holiday.
During the 12-day Thanksgiving Day travel period, from November 22 to December 2, Miami International Airport expects nearly 1.9 million passengers. MIA is setting a new traveling record, with a daily average of 157,000 travelers this year, showing a 2% increase over last year’s record numbers. The busiest days for travel are expected to be November 23, November 30, and December 1, with passenger traffic projected to exceed 168,000 passengers each day.
As the busiest American airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, MIA is receiving an unprecedented investment of $7 billion in capital improvements and $1.7 billion in maintenance upgrades.
Offering more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other American airport, MIA is the leading economic engine for not only Miami-Dade County but the state of Florida itself, generating business revenue of $118 billion and roughly 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida each year.
With record-breaking numbers expected, MIA is providing helpful travel tips to improve travelers’ airport experience during this busy time of the year.
Parking
Miami International Airport’s parking garages are likely to reach capacity during the peak travel season. MIA suggests travelers consider using the airport’s remote Economy Park and Ride Lot, Valet Parking, or being dropped off by friends and family rather than parking in one of the main garages. Other hassle-free options to get to the airport on time are a ride-share service, taxi, or Miami-Dade Transit’s Orange Line.
The airport’s Cell Phone Waiting Lot provides 60 free parking spaces for non-commercial users waiting to pick up tired travelers. It is located just off LeJeune Road and N.W. 31st Street. MIA’s waiting lot is accessible from LeJeune Road heading north or south.
Check-In
While it is recommended that flyers check in 30 minutes before their scheduled departure time, MIA encourages travelers to arrive at least three hours before their flight to ensure they have enough time to find parking, complete airline check-in, and get through the TSA checkpoint. To save time, you check in online with your airline before arriving at MIA.
MIA also provides travelers with updated flight information on its website and mobile app, helping you stay informed on the status of your flights. Remaining in contact with your airline is another way to check for flight updates. If your flight is delayed, the airport asks you to be patient with airline employees working hard to reschedule your flight. Fortunately, MIA is one of the five least weather-delayed airports in the country, according to travel industry analysts at Upgraded Points.
TSA Screening
You may find yourself caught in long security lines on your way to your flight, but with the MIA’s real-time checkpoint wait times online, you can see the fastest TSA checkpoint for your flight.
To help the security process run more smoothly, pack essential items like medicine, travel documents, a phone charger, and a change of clothes in your carry-on instead of your checked back if your flight gets delayed or you cannot quickly retrieve your checked bag. You can also help get through the TSA checkpoint screening more quickly by wearing easy-to-remove shoes, following the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or gels in your carry-on, and avoiding accessories that resemble weapons or other prohibited items.
International Travel
For travelers heading internationally, eligible travelers can use the free, secure Mobile Passport Control app on their smartphone or tablet to submit their passport and customer declaration information.
