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Just how bad is Customs in Miami?
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=15433		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Niko [ Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Just how bad is Customs in Miami?
I've heard from multiple sources that Miami should be avoided if possible because customs there is a real pita. So is it so bad that I should pay an extra $100-$200 to go through Atlanta instead?
Phatlanta is usually a breeze but I just found a cheaper AA flight that goes through Miami.
Niko
Author:  Miami X [ Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:24 pm ]
Post subject:  MIA
Never had a problem in Miami, sometins a 10-20 minute wait
Author:  Mulletguter [ Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
My only complaint about MIA customs is the hike from the gate to migration. Other than that no problems
Author:  Zombo [ Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
I flew roundtrip to SJO out of Miami International back in 2003. I'll second what the posters above me said. The walk from the gate to customs upon returning to Miami was a bit of a hike. We waited in line for about 10-15 minutes, but the line seemed to triple in size soon after we were lucky enough to position ourselves.
Author:  Udo [ Mon Feb 05, 2007 10:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
It is an awfully long walk from the airplane through immigration and customs at Miami. However, since there are so many customs agents working, it's usually a fairly fast gateway as long as you don't look like one that would transport drugs. Dress like a conservative middle class tourist (put a camera around your neck) and you will fly through.

My only complaint in Miami is that after clearing customs, you have to put your checked luggage into a large room and then have to go through Miami Airport security. My luggage did not make it on my flight to Chicago even though I had a two hour layover.
Author:  JDinCT [ Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've been through Miami I&C or dozen or so times over the past few years without any problems, delays, etc. No need to worry about it.
Author:  Mucho Gusto [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:50 am ]
Post subject: 
JDinCT wrote:
I've been through Miami I&C or dozen or so times over the past few years without any problems, delays, etc. No need to worry about it.

I second that. I've flown AA from MIA to SJO a couple dozen times and never had a problem. It's definitely a long walk from your arrival gate to the immigration counter, but that's the only down side.

Yesterday, I arrived at MIA at 4:35 p.m., and I was on the highway, headed home at 5:25 p.m. MIA continues to be my airport of choice. YMMV.
Mucho Gusto
Author:  Chiefthunderpants [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Miami customs is like all other customs
1. how many people have arrived at about the same time
2. what is the staffing level vs the number of arrivals
Delayed flights or charters arriving 'unexpected' can cause delays everywhere
Author:  Kryan [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
When you arrive in Miami and go thru Customs it feels like you are still in a foreign country...... Except for the exceptionally long walk no problems with customs....

Miami airport is the pits....old terminals, no food, smelly restrooms.....
Author:  Udo [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
Miami Airport is a gutter. I had to stand in line for 15 minutes to get a beer during the NFL playoffs. Then there are the long walks from hell to get to a gate. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is my favorite Florida airport. It's new, clean, compact and a breeze to get in and out of with its rental car facilities built into the parking garage.
Author:  Jmacaula [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
Never been held up in MIA, its always JFK that seems to give me a hard time
Author:  Jdd [ Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Never had a problem with Customs in MIA.

jdd
Author:  JDinCT [ Thu Feb 08, 2007 10:24 am ]
Post subject: 
Standing in line at an airport bar for 15 minutes for a beer during the NFL playoffs, well, that sounds pretty good to me :lol:
Author:  Vfog [ Thu Feb 08, 2007 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Maimi Customs
Miami is usually no problem except for the long trek around the airport.
However, do not smile at the young ladies from the Department of Agriculture as they consider this suspicious behavior and will subject you to a search and glower at you while they check your bages for exotic plants (or whatver they are looking for).
Author:  Udo [ Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
A 15 minute wait for a beer at an airport bar is not an acceptable wait time to me! At Chicago's Ohare Airport, I can get a beer at any bar under 5 minutes on Thanksgiving weekend. I have had the same good experience at New York's Laguardia Airport too!
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