Miami International, oh how it has changed... (Miami Beach: rental car, rental)

[FlyMIA]

Just thought I will put up some info about arguably one of Miami's most important if not most important asset and a huge economic hub for this city, Miami International Airport.

MIA in 2011 was Americas fastest growing airport
MIA was named one of U.S BEST (not worst) airports in the US
MIA now has the most amount of international flights (not passengers) in the U.S. MIA ranks 2nd in international passengers in the U.S. after JFK LAX is 3rd.
Even though AA is in Chap 11 and rumors are a merger with US Airways is likely AA continues to grow at MIA especially with international flights, MIA is AA's biggest international hub and it recently added its 4th European non-stop destination from MIA, Barcelona Spain. AA will also start new service to Manaus in June, TAM already flies the route.
British Airways recently started a 3rd daily Miami-London flight.

The new Immigration and Custom facility in the North Terminal should be finished soon along with the operation of the new baggage system in the North Terminal finally completing the long overdue project. This will also allow all American Airlines One World Alliance airlines to share the terminal.

Aerofolt, Russia's national airline will be starting non-stop service between Miami and Moscow in October, Transaero Airlines already flies Miami-Moscow 3 times a week.

I just think it is nice to see something in Miami working well, shaping up and being what it can be. MIA has always been an important airport airline gateway and Miami has always been a very important aviation center. IMO MIA represents MIA fairly well both bad and good, and just like how MIA has gotten its act together if the city and county could the potential is great.

MIA the airport is showing its true potential and reaching it, becoming one of the premier hubs in North America.
Miami International Airport reaches Q1 passenger high - South Florida Business Journal

Miami International Was the Fastest Growing American Airport in 2011 - Miami News - Riptide 2.0

MIA ranks 10th among America?s best airports - South Florida Business Journal

Miami International Airport - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[MiamiRob]

FLY? always good to hear good economic news whether it be about Miami or South Florida in General! We are a major hub and very important internationally!

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by MiamiRob

FLY? always good to hear good economic news whether it be about Miami or South Florida in General! We are a major hub and very important internationally!

Absolutley, MIA has really grown up the last few years. But it has always been a very important hub since the days of Pan Am at 36th street field, the flying boat clippers from diner key and Pan Am, Eastern, Braniff and National Airlines and now American Airlines.

And MIA being the biggest international cargo hub in North America and number 4 in overall cargo in the US top 10 in world. The importance of the city of Miami to the aviation world is something which is not widely known to Miami residents. For example Airbus and Embrea have their North American HQs here. Airbus has a large traning facility here. The ICAO has their US office here.

I think Miami-Dade county and the State need to take more advantage of Miami's role in the aviation world.

[r_k]

Do you know when the new immigration facility will be open? That seems the main sore point for international visitors.

[Chelito23]

The North and South Terminals are certainly praiseworthy. The Central Terminal is still chaotic, crazy and crowded with minimal facelifts. MIA has improved a lot, but I don't think it is time to take it's bows until everything is done facility wide. If you get stuck in an old terminal, your experience will not be the same as the rave reviews from the newer sections.

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by r_k

Do you know when the new immigration facility will be open? That seems the main sore point for international visitors.

By the end of the summer I think, it is soon it will happen this year.

Originally Posted by Chelito23

The North and South Terminals are certainly praiseworthy. The Central Terminal is still chaotic, crazy and crowded with minimal facelifts. MIA has improved a lot, but I don't think it is time to take it's bows until everything is done facility wide. If you get stuck in an old terminal, your experience will not be the same as the rave reviews from the newer sections.

Concourse F is not the worst place in the world but yes the central terminal passenger gates are not good at all. Thankfully, however, a very nice majority of passengers use either the North or South Terminals.

From how MIA was 10 years ago it is a pretty huge improvement.

[JackTheRipper]

That's good to hear .

[portorro]

Although MIA is impressive, its still a mess.
For a business traveler or even weekend trips is a nightmare. Taxing, long TSA lines, renting cars, restaurants, easy access, etc etc.
I used to hate flying into FLL but nowadays I see it as a blessing. Not only the whole airport experience but also renting a car. I arrived at MIA several times and there are no cars available!! That NEVER happens at FLL.
Connections via MIA are ok. But to land in SoFla...FLL.

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by portorro

Although MIA is impressive, its still a mess.
For a business traveler or even weekend trips is a nightmare. Taxing, long TSA lines, renting cars, restaurants, easy access, etc etc.
I used to hate flying into FLL but nowadays I see it as a blessing. Not only the whole airport experience but also renting a car. I arrived at MIA several times and there are no cars available!! That NEVER happens at FLL.
Connections via MIA are ok. But to land in SoFla...FLL.

I never had to rent a car at MIA obviously but MIA has much better food options, I never have had too long of TSA lines but nothing you can do about that. FLL has many more delays due to only have one long runway, and MIA is in a great location for Miami and Miami Beach. Much much better than FLL.

As for the rental car that's not an airport problem that's a rental car company problem. Also now MIA has the rental car center, no more buses. Take a monorail from the terminal to the center and all companies cars are there in the same garage it's great. Also MIA will soon have a direct metrorail station.

When is the last time you flew into MIA? IMO FLL is a small, mostly outdated mess. But it also depends on where your going. North Dade or Broward of course FLL is better in location.

The one benefit of FLL is lower fares because FLL has the low cost carriers while MIA is American Airlines and a plethora of international airlines.

[hurricaneMan1992]

I've been critical of the improvements that have been going on at MIA in the past few years, but I've got to admit, the airport is really coming in to its own now. Except for the out-dated central terminal (which is actually used by lots of international airlines...go figure). Having the Metrorail access this summer will definitely be a plus, even if it's not technically direct service (have to transfer to the MIA mover). I guess when you think about it, it's impressive to have such a facility just a few miles from the city center.

And the best part of all...unlike a certain, much newer and much hyped, "fish tank" facility, MIA doesn't have a leaky roof and cracks in the garages.