Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit miami-airport.com
Baggage Services at Miami International Airport
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In this section, you will find all the information you need about managing your baggage at Miami International Airport (MIA), from where to store your bags to what to do if you lose something. The official information is complemented by the real experience of other travelers so you know what to expect in each situation.
Quick Questions about Baggage
- Can I store my luggage at the airport? Yes, there is a baggage check/storage service on the second level of Concourse E. It is useful, but travelers warn that the fees can be high.
- How long does it take for bags to come out on the carousel? A long time. The slowness of baggage delivery is one of the most consistent complaints at MIA. Be prepared for waits that can easily exceed an hour.
- What do I do if I lose something? If it's in the terminal, contact the Lost and Found office. If it's on the plane, contact your airline directly.
- Are the baggage carts expensive? Yes. Travelers consider the $9 fee for a self-service cart to be high, especially for a short use.
- Do you recommend wrapping luggage? Yes, it is a well-regarded service to protect suitcases from potential damage or tampering, although its cost is also considered high by some.
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Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Mishandling of luggage is a reality: Reviews frequently mention that baggage handlers treat suitcases roughly. Use sturdy luggage and pack fragile items carefully.
- Patience is your best ally at baggage claim: The slowness of delivery is a chronic and systemic problem at MIA. Don't make tight plans right after landing, as you will almost certainly have a long wait.
- Differentiate clearly where you lost your item: The management of lost items is fragmented. An item lost on the plane is the airline's responsibility, in security it's the TSA's, and in the terminal it's the airport's office. Knowing who to contact will save you time and frustration.
- International connections with baggage: If you arrive on an international flight and connect to a domestic one, you must collect your checked baggage to go through customs and re-check it. This is a process that often causes confusion and delays.
Lost and Found
The lost and found office is located on the fourth level of Concourse D. Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The office does not charge any fee to file a lost item report or to get help in its search. It is also not affiliated with any company or website that charges a fee to search for lost items. All items found in the terminals, parking lots, handling areas, or the employee shuttle service are securely stored for 30 days.
To report a lost item, you will need to complete the following form. If the item was stolen, you may also want to file a stolen property report with the Miami-Dade Airport Police.
Once ownership of the item is confirmed, you can pick it up during regular business hours by presenting your photo ID and claim number. Shipping costs associated with the return of found items will be the responsibility of the customer, including taxes, customs duties, and import fees for items shipped outside the United States.
For items lost on the plane, contact your airline.
Items left at TSA checkpoints are received the next business day.
For items lost at the rental car center, contact Tel +1 888 761 8227.
User Experience: The process can be frustrating due to the decentralization of the service. The lack of communication between the different entities (airline, TSA, airport) complicates the recovery of items. Travelers report that the wait for lost or delayed luggage can be particularly tense when it contains important items or medicine.
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Baggage Checkroom / Storage
Located on the second level of Concourse E and open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Daily rates are subject to baggage size. With proper identification (driver's license, birth certificate, passport), affidavits can be obtained for USD 10.00 at the baggage checkroom. Other services, such as notaries and baggage accessories, are also available. For more information, call Tel +1 305 869 1163 or go HERE.
User Experience: The baggage storage is a highly valued resource for passengers with long layovers who wish to explore the city. However, the main negative point mentioned by travelers is that the fees can be high, especially for large suitcases or if they need to be stored for several days.
Baggage Wrapping
Baggage wrapping service is available at stations located along the second level of the terminals, before the security checkpoint. The wrapping is a non-toxic, 100% recyclable, tamper-resistant plastic film.
User Experience: This service is considered practical and effective for protecting suitcases from theft or damage, given the airport's reputation for rough handling of luggage. It provides peace of mind, although the cost is perceived as high compared to other airports.
Baggage Carts
Passengers can rent self-service baggage carts for USD 9.00. These are available throughout all concourses, in the parking garages, and within the Federal Inspection Services facilities.
User Experience: The carts are a practical and necessary resource due to the enormous distances at the airport. However, the $9 fee is universally considered excessive by travelers, especially for a use of just a few minutes.