MIA arrivals - huge delays leaving baggage area 29th May

We flew into Miami on VS5 on 29th May. Used the automated gates for ESTA holders, so through the border check quickly, We were PE and the bags came out within a few minutes, so we looked for the exit queue - and realised that the people that we were thought were just milling around was actually a huge snake that went twice round the baggage carousels for the exit. They were doing an additional border check, using just 5 agents at the exit to landside. They were having a "conversation" with everyone so it was slow going...
In the confusion of the queues where they crossed, my wife ended up - accidently - in the wrong queue so we only queued for about 45 minutes to get out; if we had joined the end of the queue it would have taken at least 90 minutes. Many passengers with connections were being walked to the front of the queue. It was mostly good natured and everyone was simply resigned to getting out eventually.

I don't know if this a regular occurrence at MIA now, but that additional check did cause a huge delay. Fortunately we were heading to an airport hotel so it didn't cause us any problems.

MIA immigration, been dire for years - so much so I've stopped flying into MIA.

MIA immigration, been dire for years - so much so I've stopped flying into MIA.

Could not agree more - have been through MIA a couple of times and the experience has always been poor. OK, the last time was a couple of months after 9/11 & there were National Guard soldiers everywhere / people were missing connections waiting in line.

Does not sound like a lot has changed, bar the removal of the National Guard & introduction of the TSA.

Appreciate the OP states that the delay was with US Customs (as opposed to immigration) but I still will avoid MIA if at all possible - it's not a pleasant airport.

MIA immigration, been dire for years - so much so I've stopped flying into MIA.

Could not agree more - have been through MIA a couple of times and the experience has always been poor. OK, the last time was a couple of months after 9/11 & there were National Guard soldiers everywhere / people were missing connections waiting in line.

Does not sound like a lot has changed, bar the removal of the National Guard & introduction of the TSA.

Appreciate the OP states that the delay was with US Customs (as opposed to immigration) but I still will avoid MIA if at all possible - it's not a pleasant airport.

Totally agree. Avoid MIA at all costs. Simply dreadful arrival process IMO and departures wise really poor too.

Does this tend to be the case for international arrivals only? What about domestic connections - would it simply be wiser to connect to MIA from somewhere else to save all the hassle?

(Wiser maybe, more convenient - debatable!)

The delays were (I presume) only for all international arrivals. We have been through MIA six times in the last few years and it has never been anything like as bad as that!

Domestic arrivals is fine, although depending on your airline it's a pit.

MIA can be OK, although I've never had a less that 45 min queue at immigration unlike other airports where I am frequently through in 5-10 mins. I am told that MIA is bad because:
a) In the terminal that VS uses the facilities are antiquated and lack capacity for the arrivals at busy times.
b) It's a key US customs and immigration training location so you get lots of green agents doing things slowly.
c) It's a major entry for drugs from the Caribbean and south american into the US so they're extra careful.

Just arrived at JFK on the VS111 and it's much the same. Short queue for the automated passport control machines, to lull you into a false sense of security. 20 minute queue to hand in the receipt and have your passport stamped. Another 20 minute queue to clear customs - and that's with hand baggage only.

Welcome to America!

(Oh to qualify for Global Entry!)

Does this tend to be the case for international arrivals only? What about domestic connections - would it simply be wiser to connect to MIA from somewhere else to save all the hassle?

(Wiser maybe, more convenient - debatable!)

Mainly international arrivals and departures for me. That said, I have been through domestically on AA twice and it was simply shocking too. Mind you I've had some pretty poor experiences through JFK of late too...

Jon

MIA is a cess pit and I vowed several years ago that I'd never use it again ( I spent hours in a room after I was pulled for secondary screening and then eventually released with no further explanation). Visits previous to this had a maximum wait of 3 + hours to clear immigration
I have reneged on this as I'm off with DL the Elder and Nessy on a road trip in the autumn to do things on her bucket list and Its the "best" entry airport to meet our ongoing travel needs.
I'm not relishing the prospect ....

DL

Have flown into MIA a couple of times in the last 12 months. The initial border check whether via the ESTA machines or the desk has been very quick indeed each time - a few minutes only and I have been at the carousel before the bags started to arrive. As has been mentioned, the problem comes when you leave the baggage hall and go through the secondary check/customs.

In case you are not aware, there are two exits from the hall. The one where the crew and global entry users exit has been better staffed and therefore quicker when I have been there. The queue for the other exit seemed longer as it snaked much further into the hall.

One thing is for sure, the staff guiding the queue have never had any customer service training. Very rude and constantly insisting people move into nonexistent spaces in front of them. The border and customs officers have been much more polite on recent trips than in previous years.

>>> In case you are not aware, there are two exits from the hall

Ah - interesting. As you come down the stairs into the baggage hall, the exit we used was to the left at that end; are you saying there is another exit at the "other end" of the baggage area? Our luggage was on a carousel half way down, so we didn't make it any further than that...

I'm off with DL the Elder and Nessy on a road trip in the autumn to do things on her bucket list and Its the "best" entry airport to meet our ongoing travel needs.
I'm not relishing the prospect ....

DL

May i ask where you are visiting on the trip DL? I ask as we are off on a road trip from Miami in April and I am trying to put together an itinerary (13 nights). We will spend a few days in Miami and then head off (hopefully in a convertible) to Key West but I also want to take in some other Southern Florida locations but my knowledge of the place is limited to say the least. Inspire me with ideas

I'm off with DL the Elder and Nessy on a road trip in the autumn to do things on her bucket list and Its the "best" entry airport to meet our ongoing travel needs.
I'm not relishing the prospect ....

DL

May i ask where you are visiting on the trip DL? I ask as we are off on a road trip from Miami in April and I am trying to put together an itinerary (13 nights). We will spend a few days in Miami and then head off (hopefully in a convertible) to Key West but I also want to take in some other Southern Florida locations but my knowledge of the place is limited to say the least. Inspire me with ideas

Our latest road trip is also a bit of a flight trip but not in FL after our entry point This trip sees us flying into Miami for a few days, then flying to Nashville and driving to Memphis ( which I've done before with Mr DL ) after a few days flying to Chicago ( to try and find my Great Grandfather's grave ) and then flying to Washington for the remaining days ( which DL the Elder and I have I done before).
The drive down to Key West from Miami is long ( I've done it 3 times) and if you get stuck behind a slow vehicle it takes forever....... Have you thought about heading up to Nashville / Memphis? It's an easy flight to Nashville with AA ( and a great use of any BA Avios you might have lying about ) and an easy drive to Memphis. Lots to do and see in both cities .
If you're determined to stay in FL how about driving down to Key West and then getting the ferry up to Fort Myers and spending some time around that area ( Sanibel, Captiva, Marco Island) ? You could then head North to the Panhandle area via Tampa ?
Alternatively head up the East coast of FL to Daytona ( the NASCAR experience is a hoot ) / Cape Canaveral ( the space centre is also highly recommended ) and then up to St Augustine and on to Jacksonville?

DL

If you're determined to stay in FL how about driving down to Key West and then getting the ferry up to Fort Myers and spending some time around that area ( Sanibel, Captiva, Marco Island) ? You could then head North to the Panhandle area via Tampa ?
Alternatively head up the East coast of FL to Daytona ( the NASCAR experience is a hoot ) / Cape Canaveral ( the space centre is also highly recommended ) and then up to St Augustine and on to Jacksonville?

That sounds like one big trip DL! Many thanks for your suggestions. We will stay in Florida as exploring the Keys is the main impetus for going. But I shall look in to your suggestions as I have never heard of most of those destinations. Cape Canaveral certainly would be of interest for us (geeky scientists).

Would you say South Beach would be the best location when staying in Miami?

Have to say, the above posts are making me dread arriving at MIA now!

If you're determined to stay in FL how about driving down to Key West and then getting the ferry up to Fort Myers and spending some time around that area ( Sanibel, Captiva, Marco Island) ? You could then head North to the Panhandle area via Tampa ?
Alternatively head up the East coast of FL to Daytona ( the NASCAR experience is a hoot ) / Cape Canaveral ( the space centre is also highly recommended ) and then up to St Augustine and on to Jacksonville?

That sounds like one big trip DL! Many thanks for your suggestions. We will stay in Florida as exploring the Keys is the main impetus for going. But I shall look in to your suggestions as I have never heard of most of those destinations. Cape Canaveral certainly would be of interest for us (geeky scientists).

Would you say South Beach would be the best location when staying in Miami?

Have to say, the above posts are making me dread arriving at MIA now!

MIA is vile - once you accept that and move on there's no problem ( Lord help them if they pull me again in November ....... ).
South Beach is lovely and everything is within a short walk - parking however comes at a premium . Much better IMHO than downtown Miami ....If you stay anywhere on SB book a sea view room - absolutely worth it.
FWIW Miami doesn't ever feel American- far more Latino than USA .
Being a geeky scientist is fine

DL

Ye gods. Flying there in a couple of months' time, must brace myself for a miserable experience with immigration.....

On a different tack, what's the situation with lounges when flying back from Miami? No clubhouse obviously, so do UC passengers have access to a faceless and soul-less lounge instead?

Oops, looks like there's a Virgin America lounge there, so I'm guessing that's where they send people. Not so bad then!

Afraid not: VX don't serve MIA (they use FLL instead) so VS use the Club America lounge on Concourse F which takes faceless and soulless to a whole new level.

Anyone flying out of MIA would be advised to make the most of the Florida sunshine and arrive at the airport as late as you possibly dare as there really is nothing worth arriving early for.

There is a new American Express Centurion Lounge at MIA so if you have an Amex Centurion or Platinum charge card you can access that. If you have an Amex Gold you can enter with a fee.

South Beach is lovely and everything is within a short walk - parking however comes at a premium . Much better IMHO than downtown Miami ....If you stay anywhere on SB book a sea view room - absolutely worth it.
FWIW Miami doesn't ever feel American- far more Latino than USA .
Being a geeky scientist is fine

DL

Thanks DL.
I may delay getting a car until we hit the road.
I agree, a sea view is a must.

There is a new American Express Centurion Lounge at MIA so if you have an Amex Centurion or Platinum charge card you can access that. If you have an Amex Gold you can enter with a fee.

Which is where we'll be I November .MIA is vile but serves its purpose.
CSS - not sure who VS use these days but certainly no CH .

DL

Reference the baggage hall exits: Yes there were two exits in operation on both of my recent trips. The one at the left end as you enter is the one that is also used by the crew and global entry. It was the quieter of the two when I was there. The other one was further down. it would be worth a look to see which is quietest before joining the queue.

The staff always make an announcement to advise where the bags are coming off and where the two exits are (including where crew should exit). The bags only tend to go round once and then are placed on the floor between the carousels. If you listen for the announcements, they can make it much easier to spot where yours may have been placed - especially when the hall is busy!!

There is a new American Express Centurion Lounge at MIA so if you have an Amex Centurion or Platinum charge card you can access that. If you have an Amex Gold you can enter with a fee.

I don't have any of those cards, so I guess it will be both faceless and soulless for us

I don't have any of those cards, so I guess it will be both faceless and soulless for us

I'm sure it won't be that bad

I have certainly been in worse!

http://www.miami-airport.com/club_america_f.asp

Spend a little longer on South Beach, have a bite to eat before setting off for the airport. Arrive 2 hours pre-flight and by the time you have got through security it will almose be boarding time.