Is the Miami International Airport the worst in the Nation? (Fort Lauderdale: rental car, rental)

[Just Cause I want to post]

I had a transfer flight from Miami to Tampa with american airlines. It was one of the most scarring ventures of my life. I was trapped at Miami airport for 7 hours for american to get a 3rd plane to take us a half hour distance. 2 PLANES BROKE!. I WAITED 14X THE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR A 30 MINUTE FLIGHT. I am never flying American ever again. They wouldn't even give me my money back for how long I waited. I could have gotten a taxi and gotten back to Tampa quicker than waiting for that plane.

[perry335654]

Originally Posted by Just Cause I want to post

I had a transfer flight from Miami to Tampa with american airlines. It was one of the most scarring ventures of my life. I was trapped at Miami airport for 7 hours for american to get a 3rd plane to take us a half hour distance. 2 PLANES BROKE!. I WAITED 14X THE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR A 30 MINUTE FLIGHT. I am never flying American ever again. They wouldn't even give me my money back for how long I waited. and gotten back to Tampa quicker than waiting for that plane.

So why didn't you just utilize that $500 cab fare if you were in such a rush

[oronzous]

Blame AA, not MIA

[perry335654]

Originally Posted by oronzous

Blame AA, not MIA

Exactly, they're separate and apart from each other.

[Git Her Done]

MIA is the worst Airport in the World.

[ElGuito]

The thread comes alive after 7 years of silence, and on a complaint about an airline, not the airport per sé.
For the amount of people that MIA handles, at least in 2015, seems to me a a moderately good operation. I assume that most of the grievance will be with International flights, and on arrival. If you are a foreign national or a green card holder, yes, prepare to add at least 1 and a half hour in line to reach the ICE Agent. US Citizens can go thru in less than half an hour, even less if the kiosks that scan your passport "recognize" You. One suggestion for the MIA Authority, have separate lines at that pre-check for US Citizens; at least a few months ago that pre-check was a funnel for EVERYONE, and rather than the posters announcing how great the internal tram is, post clear signs along the way on where said tram is to reach the ICE booths.
Departure didn't seem to be much of a hassle, bring a printed or scan on your fancy phone, copy of your reservation code and bar code. Doesn't seem you have to bring your check in suitcase to an X-Ray machine yourself, at least the airline I use grabs them at the counter.

[perry335654]

Anyone who says Miami International Airport is the worst is an ignorant idiot:


http://www.miami-airport.com/pdfdoc/...de_(Final).pdf

[Sgreen1430]

Personally have never had an issue with MIA or American Airlines, it's one of the busiest aswell, and growing quicker then the others, so there is bound to be problems here and there, it's life and it sure as hell isn't the worst.

[OptimusPrime69]

I hate Miami airport in the sense it's so big and one has to walk miles to get to baggage claim after "de-planing" your plane. Also, the baggage carousels are chaotic and take forever. ... Generally, I hate MIA. I like Fort Lauderdale airport better.

[BNBR]

Originally Posted by ElGuito

The thread comes alive after 7 years of silence, and on a complaint about an airline, not the airport per sé.
For the amount of people that MIA handles, at least in 2015, seems to me a a moderately good operation. I assume that most of the grievance will be with International flights, and on arrival. If you are a foreign national or a green card holder, yes, prepare to add at least 1 and a half hour in line to reach the ICE Agent. US Citizens can go thru in less than half an hour, even less if the kiosks that scan your passport "recognize" You. One suggestion for the MIA Authority, have separate lines at that pre-check for US Citizens; at least a few months ago that pre-check was a funnel for EVERYONE, and rather than the posters announcing how great the internal tram is, post clear signs along the way on where said tram is to reach the ICE booths.
Departure didn't seem to be much of a hassle, bring a printed or scan on your fancy phone, copy of your reservation code and bar code. Doesn't seem you have to bring your check in suitcase to an X-Ray machine yourself, at least the airline I use grabs them at the counter.

They have seemingly moved everyone through the passport check quite fast the last few times I've been into MIA. I fly international a few times per year out of MIA and generally painless. In fact, BY FAR, the worst part is waiting for luggage because the A380 carries so much crap. Then when you get your luggage, the line for customs. It takes us 2 - 3 hours to get out of the airport. Immigration is the fastest part, without a doubt.

I'm flying to Norway again in January and decided to try a smaller plane out of Fort Lauderdale. We'll see how that goes. I may skip the A380's moving forward if this is faster.

On domestic flights I use MIA and FLL interchangeably and both are totally fine. Anyone who thinks either is the worst airport is a moron.