FLL -vs- MIA Which Airport Do You Prefer? (Miami, Fort Lauderdale: hotels, live)

[Milwaukee City]

Just wondering what airport is easier to fly into and drive to and drive from? All the times I have been at FLL, I really never had any problems dropping and picking people up. It's been awhile since I lived in FL, so just wondering also if anything else has since changed since 2002.

I have a friend from SF who always demanded to fly into FLL even though we were staying on South Beach for the weekend.

Any other insight?

Fort Lauderdale

Miami International Airport - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[r_k]

There isn't that much difference in driving in and out. I would go with just two factors (1) Cost/timing of the flight and (2) your destination in the area (e.g. south beach is a lot closer to MIA). One new thing since last year is an "airport flyer" bus that takes you pretty directly to/from MIA to south beach for $2.35 pp each way.

[ace587]

FLL is so much better because its a smaller airport and doesnt get as crowded as MIA. I prefer it because you can easily drop people off and pick them up. I usually hang out at the cellphone area and save some parking money. Its just an easier airport to deal with.

[boxus]

Which ever one has the cheapest flight.

But if everything equal, then MIA if going to South Beach.

[WINTERFRONT]

I like MIA cuz it's more futuristic like

[ace587]

Originally Posted by WINTERFRONT

I like MIA cuz it's more futuristic like

how so? maybe im missing something. I havent been there and i while but i found FLL more modern

[doggiebus]

I haven't flown out of MIA in ten years probably, I just refuse to deal with MIA and all the craziness at it. Years ago I had to fly out of FLL because someone else booked the flight for me, and after that experience at FLL I have only flown out of MIA once because someone else booked my ticket, otherwise FLL is my first choice. I want a simple relaxing experience when I fly. Every time I take someone to MIA it just seems so crazy there. I don't know if it is the type of people that fly in and out of MIA or if it the volume of flights out of MIA compared to FLL or the staff, it just seems way more hectic at MIA vs FLL. Another benefit of flying in/out of FLL is the airlines like Virgin, Jet Blue and Frontier which have the TVs at all seats.

[StilltheSame]

FLL - hands down. MIA is a nightmare - on a good day.

[Coconut1]

Either works for me. FLL is ultra crazy in the mornings.

Usually FLL has cheaper flights so I go with them.

MIA will be significantly better once the Metrorail extension is complete.

[♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥]

Whatever is closer. To me is MIA. I don't have any problems with the airpot. The airport is bigger and might be confusing for some people.
I prefer MIAs layout. I have never seen significantly cheaper rates in ft lauderdale.

I guess if your destination is Aventura, you could choose between the two, but to me anything further south doesn't merit the extra driving, and if Broward is your destination, it only makes sense to use the Ft lauderdale airport. I just don't see airports in the same categories as hotels. The time you spend there is rather short, especially for domestic flights. If you don't check your bags it's even shorter.