Source: MIA

With Miami International Airport’s record-breaking growth carrying over from last year into 2023, the airport is expecting its busiest spring break travel season ever this month.

Passenger totals at MIA in January and February were all-time highs for those months, with February bringing a total of 4.1 million passengers for an average of nearly 150,000 travelers per day – an increase of 7% over last February and 5% over February 2020 (pre-pandemic). According to aviation analytics provider Cirium, MIA is the fastest-growing U.S. airport in airline seats compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Since that upward trend is projected to continue in March when spring break periods for colleges and grade schools are scheduled throughout the month, MIA is providing the following travel tips:

  • Arrive at MIA at least 3 hours before a domestic flight and 3.5 hours before an international flight to allow enough time for parking, airline check-in, and security screening.
  • To expedite the airline check-in process, passengers should check in online before arriving at MIA.
  • In addition to MIA’s standard parking garages, two new parking options are now available: a remote Economy Park and Ride lot and Valet Parking in both the Dolphin and Flamingo garages.
  • Passengers departing from concourses D, E, H, and J during peak times can pre-schedule their TSA checkpoint screening time with MIA Reserve, a free reservation service.
  • To streamline TSA checkpoint screening, wear easily removable shoes, follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or gels in your carry-on, avoid accessories that resemble weapons, and pack medications in your carry-on instead of your checked bags for easier access. More TSA tips are available on the TSA website.
  • CLEAR, the expedited TSA checkpoint screening service, is now open to members departing from any of MIA’s concourses. CLEAR customers departing from Concourse D can use TSA checkpoint 5 to access Concourse D gates post-security.
  • Find the fastest TSA checkpoint for your flight online at MIA’s website or mobile app, for real-time updates on 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 still 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. 31st Street, accessible from LeJeune Road heading north or south.
  • MIA now offers special accessibility lanes for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility arriving from foreign destinations. By completing an accessibility lane request form at MIA’s website 48 hours in advance of their arrival, those passengers can request special queueing assistance in MIA’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area.
  • Eligible international travelers can use the free, secure Mobile Passport Control app to submit their passport and customs declaration information on their smartphone or tablet to avoid completing a paper form or using an automated passport control kiosk.