www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Any and all info appreciated guys. Coming into Miami on Friday night at 5:20 PM on May 30 and have a flight to LA leaving at 7:30 PM. Doesn't seem like it should be a problem but have never taken this route back before. Thanks Much ...
Soulcal

miami sucks ...last time i was there it was like a comedy show...first there are 25 lines half or more for visitors and the other for people without visa's (us only) well i got in the worst line ...lines next to me ...5 people to one in oursgoing through..and the guy was a real smart ass ...ok back to your question,it always seems as there is no way i am going to make my next flight but i always do ...the airport is big and you must keep focused....and you will make it ...plus i think if they know you are in the airport ..they give you a little more time (coming off a flight)

here's the deal with Miami. If you are standing at the back of the room, facing the booths, go ALL the way to the right. You cannot even see the last 4-5 booths because of a wall. Work your way over there. The amount of room between the booths and the wall gets smaller and smaller the further to the right you go. So, the last booth has enough room for only maybe 3-4 people. What that means is those lines are always SUPER short. Because they are hidden, people don't know about them. You have to manuver a little to get over there. Lastly, don't check luggage if possible. If you do check luggage Immigration will not be your problem.
good luck.

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I have found in Miami Customs to be pretty swift. The walk to get there can be 15 min. Go all the way to the right. They move it pretty quickly. I have been thru there 10 times in the last two years.

That is really cuttin it close as I have missed many connections from Miami to Tampa because of Customs. 1st, Your flight may be delayed leaving CR. 2nd, if you have checked luggage your screwed since you will have to recheck this luggage after going thru customs in Miami for your connection. 3rd, even if your first class don't count on your luggage coming out first at baggage claim, mine is always almost last. I've always flown American and they do put you on the next flight for free if you miss your connection, pending seats available. Good Luck!!!

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"You can only keep a secret between two people if the other one is dead." Ben Franklin

Will never, ever fly AA to CR again, 1 time was enough, 3 hour delay on arrival, overnight on return home, all plane related problems. Good luck and next time try the direct on www.Taca.com from LAX to SJO

Thanks for the info. Nice to know the secret about smaller lines on the far right. Much appreciation ....
Soulcal

Soulcal- yes, go to the right and you will be all set. Plenty of time to make your connection to LAX.

I would allow an hour, in case U.S. Customs desires to view your digital camera.

Try just using just carry on. This way you save yourself some valuable time. I just went thru Miami and it was a good hour and 20 min to get everything set

MIA has been doing a lot of renovations over the past year. I would suggest checking out their website and studying a map. The place can be pretty confusing and even flying on the same airline you can find yourself making a long hike to get to your gate.
http://www.miami-airport.com/html/passe ... ation.html

After you go through immigration and customs you will have to recheck your bags. Then you'll be funneled into the main terminal. Don't panic. Either whip out the map you printed before you left home or find an airport layout.

The place is so screwed up the only flight monitors I could find were as I was leaving customs and all it had was ARRIVING flights. I had to go to the American Airlines ticket counter just to find my departure gate.

Two hours should give you plenty of connection time but DO NOT WASTE TIME going back through security. There will be many people coming in off the street that have no clue how to handle the security process and they will hold you up.

Good luck.

Wit

ES, I've had problems w/AA also at times. The trip was very short notice on my part, I only made my flight reservations a week ago yesterday. However, a BIG part of the decision that made it easier was the flight I found out of LA on Kayak, $340 round trip, all taxes. I couldn't believe it either but there it was and I was on my way. LA/Orlando/Miami/CR. And coming back, a bit better, CR/Miami/LA.

I live in San Diego so getting to LA isn't a problem. I've been through Miami once due to an AA screw up. And the Miami airport seemed like a mess back then.

Thanks for all the good advice. I'll definately stay to the right. Anything wierd happens going/coming, I'll write about it. Pura Vida!
Soulcal