Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit miami-airport.com
Services and Amenities at Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) offers a wide range of services, but travelers' experiences reveal a mixed reality. Many officially listed services suffer from poor maintenance, lack of staff, or simply do not meet expectations. Below, we detail what you can expect from each amenity, combining official information with the honest perspective of those who have already passed through.
Quick Questions about Services at MIA
- Is the Wi-Fi good? Free Wi-Fi ("MIA-WiFi") exists, but reviews indicate it often doesn't work or is very slow. If you need a reliable connection, consider paying for the premium service. The best option is to get an eSIM
- Are there enough outlets? No. This is one of the most universal complaints. Charging ports are scarce, in poor condition, or simply do not work. A power bank is essential.
- Can I refill my water bottle? Not easily. The airport lacks modern bottle-filling stations. You will have to use the traditional water fountains, which are often dirty or dispense warm water.
- Where can you smoke? Designated areas are outside the terminals. The only post-security option is the bar at the TGI Friday's restaurant in Concourse D.
- Is it advisable to exchange money at the airport? Absolutely not. The ICE currency exchange offices are consistently reported by travelers as a "scam" with abusive exchange rates and commissions. It is better to exchange money in the city.
Image
AI-generated image
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Maintenance is the big problem: Many of the services listed on paper fail in practice. Be prepared to find dirty bathrooms, and out-of-service escalators and elevators.
- Cleanliness is inconsistent: Although some areas may be clean, complaints about dirt in the waiting areas, stained carpets, and poorly maintained bathrooms are very frequent.
- The airport is very cold: Especially at night, travelers report that the air conditioning temperature is excessively low. Always bring a jacket or coat.
- Comfort is limited: The seats are hard, often with armrests that prevent lying down, and are scarce during peak hours. Finding a comfortable place to rest during a long layover is a real challenge.
- Recycling is nonexistent: Despite the signage, travelers have observed that the cleaning staff mixes all the trash, without separating recyclables.
Dining Options
Concourses D, E, F, G, H, and J
Inside the facilities, you will find a wide variety of dining options, ranging from snacks, cafes, bakeries, and fast food to fine dining. However, travelers warn that many establishments close early, leaving very few options for those with night flights or delays.
Shopping
The MIA terminal hosts a wide range of stores offering innovative shopping experiences and a variety of products, from magazines to luxury leather goods and the latest fashions, as well as duty-free options.
Currency Exchange
There are currency exchange counters throughout the airport, available from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm.
- 4 locations along the second level of the terminals
- 2 in the reception areas (first level of concourse E and third floor of concourse J)
- 3 past the security checkpoints of concourses J and D
- 1 in the satellite building E
User Experience: The warning is unanimous and blunt: AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Reviews describe the practices of the ICE currency exchange offices as fraudulent, with terrible exchange rates and hidden fees that result in significant financial losses. It is much more advisable to exchange a minimal amount or wait to do it in the city.
ATMs
ATMs located in all concourses and all levels of the terminals.
User Experience: The ATMs are functional and conveniently located. They are a much safer and more economical alternative than the currency exchange offices for obtaining cash.
Wi-Fi and Internet Access
Internet access on the MIA network is free with advertisements. Connect to the "MIA-WiFi" network. There is also an uninterrupted standard service for USD 4.95 and a premium service for USD 7.95. As mentioned before, we highly recommend getting an eSIM
User Experience: The free service is consistently rated as poor or non-functional. If you need a stable connection for work or video calls, the only reliable option is to pay for the premium service.
Auditorium
Two auditoriums with multimedia facilities on the fourth level of concourse D and on the third floor of concourse J. They can be reserved for special events and meetings by calling Tel +1 305 871 4100 ext. 2238.
User Experience: The service is valued by business travelers, as they can hold meetings or events directly at the airport without needing to travel, making the most of the time between flights.
Expedited Security Screening
To avoid long lines when traveling, you can consider the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs. Both offer you an expedited service so you can navigate the airport faster.
User Experience: For frequent travelers, enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry represents a significant time saving, especially during peak demand, although it does not guarantee avoiding interaction with TSA staff, who are often criticized for their treatment.
Plane Fun
Plane Fun is an interactive children's space located in concourse E, gate E5. It is also accessible from concourse D.
User Experience: Families consider this area a great advantage, as it allows children to release energy before the flight, making the wait much more pleasant.
Chapel
The airport's prayer room is located on the first level of concourse D, between the international arrivals hall and carousel 22.
User Experience: Users appreciate the quiet space offered by the chapel, ideal for a break or a moment of reflection amidst the airport's activity.
Spa Services
The XpresSpa is located on the second floor of concourse D. Services include manicures, pedicures, and massages.
User Experience: The experience is a lottery. Although some travelers enjoy a good massage, many others complain that the place is often unstaffed, appointments are not honored, and the service is mediocre for the high prices.
Yoga Room
You can find a quiet space dedicated to practicing yoga on the first level of concourse H, near gate 21. Open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
User Experience: It is a highly valued corner for those looking for a space to stretch and relax in silence before a long flight.
Smoking Areas
They are located outside the terminals, on level 1 (arrivals) and level 2 (departures), opposite concourses D, E, F, H, and J, and inside concourse D, at TGI Friday's, near gate D36.
User Experience: The designated smoking areas are convenient, with the one at TGI Friday's being the only post-security option in the entire airport, a key piece of information for smokers with long layovers.