Record crowds are expected to flow in and out of South Florida airports over Memorial Day weekend. It’s also the start of the summer travel season and likely a sign of things to come.
Expect a packed airport, but know that preparation and patience can go a long way.
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Miami International Airport estimates that passenger traffic will increase 10% during Memorial Day weekend compared to the same period last year, setting a new record. It expects more than 160,000 travelers each day during the holiday weekend beginning Thursday, May 23.
She also expects that parking garages will become almost full. That is expected to continue into June, with local schools starting their summer holidays, the airport says.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport expects more than 630,000 travelers from May 23 to 28. That is 5.4% more than last year. About 105,000 people will use the airport on each of those six days. It says May 24 and May 27 will be the busiest days.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration expects “the busiest summer travel season ever” in the US. She predicts that more than 18 million passengers and crew will be screened at airports in the United States between May 23 and 29, a 6.4% increase over the same period. in 2023. TSA expects Friday, May 24, to be the busiest travel day of the Memorial Day weekend, with three million passengers.
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Here’s some advice from the two South Florida airports and TSA:
Miami International Airport
Parking
▪ Try to have a friend or family member drop you off, or use a rideshare service, taxi, or the Metrorail Orange Line if you’re traveling Thursday through Sunday.
▪ Half-price parking is available in MIA’s remote Economy Park and Ride lot. Valet parking is located directly across from the MIA check-in area at Door 2 and Door 20 in the Dolphin and Flamengo garages.
▪ MIA’s Cellphone Waiting Lot has 60 free parking spaces for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. It is located just off LeJeune Road and Northwest 31st Street.
Check in
▪ Arrive at MIA three hours before your flight.
Check in online before arriving at MIA
▪ If your flight is delayed, please be patient with airline representatives and stay in touch with your airline.
▪ Use the MIA website and mobile app to receive updated flight information.
TSA screening
▪ Pack essential items such as medicines, travel documents, a phone charger and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked bag.
▪ Wear easily removable shoes, follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or gels in your carry-on luggage, avoid accessories that resemble weapons and other prohibited items.
▪ You can find the fastest TSA checkpoint for your flight by using MIA’s real-time updates.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Arrival
▪ FLL has similar advice about arriving early, but says that while it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, during peak travel periods such as Memorial Day weekend, “ it is best to follow any updated information. guidance from your airline as they may require additional time for check-in and baggage processing.”
Traffic
▪ If you are picking up friends or family at FLL, consider using the upper level departure road when the lower level arrival road is congested. This applies to both arriving and leaving the airport.
Parking
▪ The airport recommends having family or friends drop you off, or taking a cab or taxi. “The garages are expected to reach full capacity this weekend.”
Weapons
▪ Those traveling with a licensed firearm must follow TSA protocols to pack and transport the weapon in a secure, hard-sided container as checked luggage. If you are caught with a gun at TSA, you could be fined and arrested.
Transportation Security Administration
Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule
▪ All liquids, sunscreen containers, and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on luggage as long as each item weighs no more than 3.4 ounces or less and is placed in a quart bag. Each passenger may carry only one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.
Please be ready for the checkpoint and bring valid ID
▪ Arrive at the checkpoint with a mobile or printed boarding pass and a valid ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler age 18 and older will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S.
Be patient
▪ Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint, at the gate or during the flight may face significant penalties and possible criminal charges.
Call ahead if you need support
▪ Passengers with disabilities or medical conditions can call the TSA Cares Helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 with any questions. If you call at least 72 hours before your trip, TSA Cares can arrange assistance at TSA checkpoints for those with specific needs.
