What to know when traveling through Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport serves the Miami metropolitan area and has over 1,000 daily flights with 167 domestic and international paths. It opened in 1928 and is nearly 100 years old, making it one of the oldest still operating airports in the world.

It paired with Pan American World Airways during this time, adjacent to the City Airport, which made it a significant airport in the eastern United States and included port-of-entry facilities: the first on the east side of the nation to offer this option. During the 1930s, it worked with Easter Air Lines (1931) and National Airlines (1936) to expand its service options for travelers.

During World War II, a Port Authority supported the Miami Army Airfield south of Pan American Field. As a result, it was an essential part of the war effort. Then, in the 1950s and 60s, it expanded its nonstop flight options beyond St. Louis and New Orleans.

In recent years, it started a $5 billion improvement plan to expand the airport between 2020 and 2035. This massive project looks to help with concourse optimization, provide two on-site luxury hotels, and expand cargo capacity. Plans for this renovation were started when it was projected that MIA Airport would need to process 77 million passengers for 4 million tons of freight by 2040.

Just as importantly, Miami International Airport is working to renovate all 203 public access bathrooms over the next five years, with Phase 1 completed in 2023 and Phase 2 in 2024. They’re also working to modernize 616 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways throughout the next several years, as well as the 126-passenger loading bridges, with 94 scheduled for completion by 2028.

MIA Airport Address

Miami International Airport is located at 2100 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33122, and can be reached by telephone at 305-876-7000. This 24/7/365 hotline is open for people interested in traveling through MIA Airport or anyone who needs to book a flight, learn more about potential slowdowns, track a flight’s progress, or simply check on parking options throughout the facility.

Art, Sculptures, Things to See in Miami International Airport

MIA Airport provides multiple unique art exhibits that make it an attractive place to visit. The Radiance of Proximity is currently on view, a painting project highlighting many local artists and the concepts of perspective and understanding. Genesis focuses heavily on a unique modern-art approach that illustrates the unique struggles that Miami residents have faced over the years.

Each terminal also provides different art options, such as the North Terminal’s popular paintings and the Central Terminal’s unique and attractive designs. This diverse array of art styles should give Miami International Airport visitors plenty of eye-catching things. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about the area and its unique art scene.

Destination Deco includes Art Deco objects from the Wolfsonian-FIU museum’s exhibition. Located near Gate D29, visitors can see these unique objects and learn more about this scene. It highlights the distinctive elements of the Art Deco movement and replaces some long-standing objects. As a temporary exhibit, it’s likely to change to highlight even more unique art.

MIA Airport Parking and Transportation

To streamline the process, reserve a parking spot at Miami International Airport before traveling. Great deals are available for guests who book early, and the daily rate is lowered if you are staying 7+ days. 

Hotels Near MIA Airport

If you need a Miami International Airport hotel while you travel, there are many options near MIA Airport to consider. Often, these hotels can guide you to Miami International Airport to ensure you get there on time. Just a few options for you to view here include:

• Holiday Inn Express and Suites
   2601 Northwest 42nd Avenue, Miami, FL
   Ph. +1.786.878.5555
   
• Ramada by Wyndham
   5001 Northwest 36th Street, Miami Springs, FL
   Ph. +1.305.440.1502
   
• Wyndham Garden Miami International Airport
   4909 Northwest 36th Street, Miami Springs, FL
   Ph. +1.786.4268
   
• Days Inn by Wyndham
   7250 Northwest 11th Street, Miami, FL
   Ph. +1.305-894-6952
   
• Element Miami International Airport
   3525 Northwest 25th Street, Miami, FL
   Ph. +1.844.631.0595

Terminal Map for Miami International Airport

The MIA Airport map site provides multiple maps you can use while visiting the airport. These include guides to animal relief areas, baggage claims, security checkpoints, immigration and customs, nursing suites, parking spots, and terminal maps. Keeping these maps available ensures you don’t get lost when traveling through this exciting modern airport.

Check Wait Times and Flight Status at Miami International Airport

At MIA Airport, you can check your flight status and wait times using their real-time flight status website. This site includes a variety of options that you can utilize to make sure you’re on time. These include diverse trackers that provide you with a myriad of information, including:

• Airlines that serve the airport, including phone numbers, airline codes, and ticket counter location
• Nonstop flights that might serve your designated city and improve your travel plan
• Arrival and departure tracker that keeps you updated on your flight’s upcoming travel
• Real-time flight tracking that lets you see where any delays might be happening

Food/Dining at MIA Airport

MIA Airport food is likely better than you think, and many MIA Airport Restaurants interest you. These include local favorites and a diverse array of food types, like:

• 305 Pizza: If you’re in Concourse D in the North Terminal, try this pizzeria to eat paninis, pizza, and much more.
• Bacardi Mojito Bar: A restaurant in North Terminal, Concourse D, provides bar-style meals, like burgers.
• Famous Famiglia: A South Terminal Concourse H-J Connector restaurant that provides excellent pizza.
• Fig & Fennel: At this North Terminal Concourse D restaurant, you can try out Mediterranean foods of surprisingly high quality.
• Gilbert’s Food Bar: Located at South Terminal, Concourse J, this dining option provides sandwiches, baked goods, desserts, and snacks in a homemade environment.
• Nathan’s Famous: Stop by South Terminal, Concourse H, to try out a Coney Island favorite with delicious hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries.
• Shula’s Bar & Grill: Formed by legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula, this bar has delicious steaks, burgers, and salads that might appeal to you.
• Spring Chicken: This North Terminal Concourse D restaurant provides fried chicken meals based on an in-house recipe.

Amenities and Pet Support at Miami International Airport

If you’re traveling with animals, three areas are reserved for your little friends. These include an area west of the North garage and near the North Terminal across from Door 5. There’s also a fenced area west of the South Short-Term Parking lot and close to Central Terminal F across from Door 15. You can also visit the fenced area south of the South garage near the South Terminal across from Door 28.

You can also choose from four indoor restroom spaces for your pets, including near gate D34 in North Terminal, near gate F7 in Concourse F, near gate G11 in Concourse G, and behind gate J3 in Concourse J. Take your pets to these areas to help them relax, meet new pet friends, and much more. Other amenities that you might want to know about when visiting MIA Airport include:

• Hand sanitizing stations spread throughout the whole airport
• Multiple private nursing stations for mothers with very young babies
• Easy-to-use baggage claim areas that can improve your travel

Fun for Kids and Teens at MIA Airport

As you travel through Miami International Airport, your kids might need some distractions. Thankfully, MIA Airport has a fun play area in Concourse E called “Plane Fun.” This playground has six areas where younger kids can pretend to be pilots. Model cockpits, practice takeoffs, and landings make this a popular destination for kids. Furthermore, there are thankfully multiple MIA Airport shops that you can visit to keep older kids and teens entertained, including:

• 98 Coast Av: Located at Central Terminal, Concourse E, Gate E-8, this store provides a broad range of beachwear for your family, which is perfect if you plan on hitting the beach.
• Air Essentials: Found in North Terminal, Concourse D, Gate D-44, this convenience store provides travel essentials and other items, like newspapers, books, and snacks.
• Bead Factory: A fun and arty jewelry store in South Terminal, Concourse H, that will appeal to the little crafty one in your family.
• Books & Books: Visit this North Terminal Concourse D destination to pick up a bestseller, a magazine, or even games to entertain your kids.

Miami International Airport Lounges

MIA Airport has multiple lounges where you can relax and meet new people. These include various options throughout concourses in the airport, including MIA Airport lounges like:

• Concourse D: American Airlines Admiral Clubs (One near gate D15 and another near gate D30), American Airlines Flagship, and The Centurion Lounge.
• Concourse E: Military Hospitality Lounge and Turkish Airlines Lounge.
• Concourse F: Club America (First Class Lounge) and Club America (Business/Priority Pass)
• Concourse H: Delta Sky Club and Turkish Airlines Lounge
• Concourse J: Avianca SALA VIP Lounge and LATAM Vip Lounge
• Moving Walkways, Light Rails, and Wheelchair Assistance at MIA Airport

Miami International Airport provides moving walkways on level three and between the Central Terminal and the MIA Mover Station. There’s also a light rail that carries passengers and wheelchair-accessible support to make your travel easier.

Security at MIA Airport

Airport security includes streamlined options and checkpoints throughout the facility and TSA precheck, which differs heavily from global entry options. Each terminal and concourse has multiple security stops, so check them before traveling.

Wi-Fi for Miami International Airport

MIA Airport provides free Wi-Fi use throughout the facility on the MIA-WiFi network. Note that your service comes with advertising, but you can upgrade your plan for uninterrupted service.