Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit miami-airport.com
Flight Arrivals at Miami Airport (MIA)
Check the real-time status of your arriving flight at Miami International Airport. See if it is scheduled, delayed, or has been canceled to coordinate your pickup or plan your connection.
Live Flight Status
Information provided by third parties, and subject to change without prior notice. Fly-mia.com is not responsible for any errors, modifications, or omissions of data that may occur.
Quick Questions about Arrivals
- How long does it take to get through immigration? It varies greatly. It can be quick (under 30 minutes) if you arrive at a good time, but be prepared for waits of over an hour during peak times due to long lines and lack of staff.
- Does it take a long time for luggage to come out? Yes, this is one of the most frequent complaints. Baggage delivery is notoriously slow, with waits often exceeding an hour. Patience is essential.
- Is the signage clear to find the exit or transportation? Not always. Many travelers, especially international ones, describe it as confusing or insufficient for finding the way to baggage claim, the MIA Mover, or the exit.
- Is it easy to get a taxi or Uber? The connection is good, but the pickup areas can be chaotic and congested. The MIA Mover to the transportation hub (including car rentals) is the most efficient option.
- Is there a lot of walking? Yes. From deplaning to the final exit, the distances are enormous, especially for international arrivals. With moving walkways often out of service, it's a physically demanding airport.
Image
AI-generated image
AI-generated image
What to Expect from the Arrival Process?
Passenger experiences upon arriving at Miami International Airport (MIA) vary. Some travelers highlight the organization of the facilities and the availability of transportation options, while others mention challenges related to baggage handling and wait times at immigration and customs. International arrivals, in particular, can be unpredictable, with processes ranging from quick and efficient to delayed due to congestion or lack of staff.
Immigration and Customs
User Experience: This is the first major bottleneck. Immigration lines can be endless, with waits exceeding an hour, especially for non-U.S. citizens. Travelers describe the situation as chaotic and poorly managed, with few counters open. Although some report a quick pass with Global Entry, for most it is a slow and exhausting process that tests their patience.
Baggage Claim
User Experience: Slowness is the norm. After a long wait in immigration, it is very common to have to wait another hour or more for the bags to appear on the carousel. Travelers criticize the poor management and rough handling of luggage, with reports of damaged suitcases. The lack of information and disorganization at the baggage carousels aggravate the frustration.
Post-Arrival Transportation Options
User Experience: Once past the checkpoints, the MIA Mover is highlighted as the most efficient option to get to the rental car center and the train and bus station. However, finding the MIA Mover station can be a challenge due to poor signage and long walks. The pickup areas for taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are often described as chaotic, congested, and poorly organized, especially during peak hours.
Rent a car upon arrival
Accommodation inside the airport or nearby
Recommendations Upon Arriving at Miami Airport
Carry-on luggage
Do not forget your belongings on the aircraft.
Connecting flights
If you are coming from another country and your connecting flight is domestic, you must collect your checked baggage and re-check it after passing through customs. This process is mandatory and often confusing for travelers. Allow plenty of extra time. If your connection is also international, you generally do not need to collect your suitcase.
Checked baggage
If Miami is your final destination and you checked baggage, go to the collection area and look for your flight's carousel. Be prepared to wait. If your luggage does not appear, go directly to your airline's counter in the arrivals area.
Immigration
Follow the signs for immigration. If you are a foreigner, have your passport, visa (if applicable), and your accommodation address ready. Answer the officer's questions concisely and directly. Avoid giving extra information that has not been requested.
Navigating the Arrivals Hall
After leaving Customs, you will find yourself on level 1 (North and Central Terminals) or level 3 (South Terminal). The signage to connect to the MIA Mover and ground transportation can be confusing. The most reliable way to get almost anywhere (rental cars, trains, buses) is to follow the signs to the MIA Mover on Level 3.
FAQs
For any other questions, check the Frequently Asked Questions by passengers.