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Going to U.S. in Nov. Trying to decide which is the better airport for immigration. Last time I flew to the states, was in line in immigration in Miami for almost 3 hours. Is Ft. Lauderdale any better ? Thanks in advance for your replies.

tuanis

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not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was

If you're flying American Airlines, immigration in Miami concourse D/E is faster these days. Last year they built a new central processing center with many immigration officers on duty even late at night. They have one line / queue serving all the immigration booths (similar to SJO), instead of the old system where you had to stand in a line for a booth and hope for the best.

If you're flying Taca, you're coming into Concourse J. Same situation as D/E with one line serving all booth. The times I've arrived at J immigration has always appeared quick, I imagine because there are less international flights arriving in this concourse.

If you're flying Jetblue into Ft. Lauderdale, that immigration line seems pretty slow but definitely not a three hour wait.

All of this is based on my observations when I fly into MIA/FLL. I'm a Global Entry traveler so I don't have to wait in line to clear immigration at either airport, so I can't tell you how long the average wait is.

mh

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mh

Have used both multiple times the last couple of years.....
I dont think one is better than the other. Pretty much depends on how many flights came in just before you did. Its all a matter of timing. I do hate that extra long walk in FLL from the plane to immigration.

With the Government shutdown ICE is at min staffing.

Expect long lines.

Miami ICE generally has long lines. You could get lucky and be passing thru at a good time.

Miami is a major international hub.

Miami has added a new/renovated ICE area, however they do not staff it with enough officers.

Miami in the evenings is the worst time of day to arrive.

Staffing for the evening shift is minimal thus the lines in the evening can be ridiculous.

Ft. Lauderdale is generally less of a zoo;
However, Spirit Airline's has a small hub at FLL and quite a few international arrivals that generally land at the same time.

USA ICE at all airports sucks these days! They blame a lot on the sequester, staffing, & requirements to finger print and picture visiting Foreigners.

I've seen long lines at both MIA and FLL - in fact, even though I travel internationally about 3 - 4 times of the year, I signed up for the Trusted Global program, which could be the best $100 you ever spend - you go to a kiosk, put your passport in, and go from there - there is also a special line for TG at Customs - even if you don't travel frequently, TG is well worth considering.

The lines suck, and the current nonsense in Washington will not make it better, although in theory incoming passengers should not be effected by it. Long lines, yes - Gov shutdown - no.