I’ll spare you the fluffy intro and just come right out and say it: depending on the airline you’re flying, a 1 hour layover might not be enough time in Miami. But before your panic attack sets in, consider this:
- As long as you’re flying the same airline from one domestic flight to another, 1 hour is plenty of time. 40 minutes is probably sufficient.
- Going from a domestic flight to an international flight will take about an hour.
- Godspeed if you’re coming from an international flight and connecting to a domestic flight. 1 hour won’t be enough.
I don’t normally start my guides to airport layover times this bluntly, but when it comes to the Miami International Airport (MIA), this quick (and brutally honest) dose of reality is warranted. It’s a nice airport, but connections can be gnarly under specific circumstances.
The reason why a 1 hour layover is enough time in Miami (most of the time)
Even though I was quick to point out that 1 hour might not be enough time, the reality is that for most people flying through to Miami Airport, a 1 hour layover is all that’s really needed.
- All terminals are connected airside at MIA, meaning that you won’t have to go through additional security checkpoints to move from one to the other.
- If all you’re doing is connecting from one domestic flight to another, don’t worry – one hour is easy. Just walk from gate to gate. The farther the gate is away from from your arriving flight, the faster you’ll have to walk. Be prepared.
- One hour is also sufficient if you’re coming from a domestic flight connecting to an international flight. It’s a big airport, and you’re going to have to hustle, but it’s doable.
Reasons why a 1 hour layover might not be enough time
Although it’s not very common, having to walk from one end of the airport to the other to make your connecting flight in Miami is going to take a while. A 1 hour layover might not be enough time, because it’s a big airport, and it’s not very easy to walk from end to end.
Unlike many other major hub airports in United States, MIA doesn’t have an inter-terminal train connecting all terminals. There is one that runs up and down Terminal D, but you’re going to have to walk to get to any other terminal.
Additionally, a one hour layover is absolutely not going to be enough time if you’re coming from a international flight and connecting to a domestic flight. The customs and immigration process at MIA is notoriously slow. Personally, I wouldn’t even attempt to make a connection that tight.
What is the minimum layover for domestic flights in Miami?
Domestic to domestic connections in Miami can be made in as little as 40 minutes. This is especially true if you’re flying American Airlines, which occupies the entirety of Terminal D. Terminal D is massive, but there is a train (called the Skytrain) that runs up and down the length of it with four stops along the way. It’ll save you a bunch of time.
If you’re making a domestic to domestic connection but you’re switching airlines, you can still do it with less than an hour layover. Just keep moving, and try not to get distracted by the scent of Cinnabons until you reach your connecting gate.
What is the minimum layover for international flights in Miami?
Figuring out how long of a layover you’ll need for an international flight in or out of Miami is a little trickier. However, the most important thing to know is that in most scenarios, you going to need more than an hour.
Connecting TO an international flight
Connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight in Miami can be done in an hour. Although there are no additional security checks that you’ll have to go through to board your flight, you might have to walk a long way to reach it.
There is no designated international terminal at the Miami Airport (international flights depart from all terminals). It’s hard to say with any real certainty how long you’re going to need. In general, if you hustle, 1 hour should be enough time.
Connecting FROM an international flight
Connecting from an international flight to domestic flight in Miami is something I personally avoid if at all possible. I’ve always had bad luck going through passport control and customs at MIA. It’s a very busy airport, and sometimes it can take a while.
If there’s no way of avoiding it, my personal minimum layover time for an international to domestic connection in Miami is 2 hours.
A brief overview of the terminal layout at the Miami International Airport
The Miami International Airport is shaped like a giant horseshoe. It consists of three terminals (North, Central, and South) with five individual concourses (D, E, F, G, H, J). It’s a relatively simple design as far as major airports go, but looks can be deceiving. This is a massive facility, and they don’t make it very easy to get from one end to the other.
The nice thing about the design of the Miami Airport is that it’s really hard to get lost. It’s basically one long hallway in a U shape. Just start walking, and you’ll arrive at the next terminal before you know it.
Walking time between all terminals and concourses at MIA
If you love aimlessly walking through an airport on a long layover, Miami is the place to do it. It’s one of the most walkable airports in the United States, but it comes with a caveat: it’s a mother****** to walk from one into the other. Here’s how long it generally takes me:
Concourse D (East) to:
- Concourse D (West): 10 minutes (5 minutes if you take the Skytrain)
- Concourse E: 12 minutes
- Concourse F: 16 minutes
- Concourse G 20 minutes
- Concourse H: 24 minutes
- Concourse J: 28 minutes
Concourse D (West) to:
- Concourse D (East): 10 minutes (5 minutes if you take the Skytrain)
- Concourse E: 9 minutes
- Concourse F: 13 minutes
- Concourse G 17 minutes
- Concourse H: 21 minutes
- Concourse J: 25 minutes
Concourse E to:
- Concourse D (East): 12 minutes
- Concourse D (West): 9 minutes
- Concourse F: 4 minutes
- Concourse G 10 minutes
- Concourse H: 14 minutes
- Concourse J: 16 minutes
Concourse F to:
- Concourse D (East): 16 minutes
- Concourse D (West): 13 minutes
- Concourse E: 4 minutes
- Concourse G 4 minutes
- Concourse H: 8 minutes
- Concourse J: 12 minutes
Concourse G to:
- Concourse D (East): 20 minutes
- Concourse D (West): 17 minutes
- Concourse E: 10 minutes
- Concourse F: 4 minutes
- Concourse H: 4 minutes
- Concourse J: 8 minutes
Concourse H to:
- Concourse D (East): 24 minutes
- Concourse D (West): 21 minutes
- Concourse E: 14 minutes
- Concourse F: 8 minutes
- Concourse G: 4 minutes
- Concourse J: 4 minutes
Concourse J to:
- Concourse D (East): 28 minutes
- Concourse D (West): 25 minutes
- Concourse E: 16 minutes
- Concourse F: 12 minutes
- Concourse G: 8 minutes
- Concourse H: 4 minutes
Due to how long it takes to walk from one end of this airport to the other, I don’t recommend short layovers in Miami if walking is difficult for you.
There are moving walkways located pre-security, but to me, they’re not worth utilizing since you’re going to use up all the time you saved waiting in line at the security checkpoint to get back into the terminal.
How long of a layover do you need in Miami for a no-stress connection?
For a no-stress layover in Miami, my advice is to try and book flights with as much time between them as possible. Not only will it take a while to get from one end of this airport to the other, it’s a really nice facility with lots of great restaurants and shops. It’s a shame having to rush through it if you don’t have to.
Here’s how much time I would want for each type of connection scenario at the Miami airport:
Domestic to domestic layovers
In order to give myself plenty of time to use the bathroom and get something to eat without boredom setting in, an hour and a half would be just about perfect.
Domestic to international layovers
A 2 hour layover would be the perfect amount of time for me if I’m connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight in Miami. This would give me plenty of time to do all the things I would do for a domestic to domestic connection, plus account for the need to be on the plane sooner (per FAA regulations).
International to domestic layovers
Is preserving your sanity is your highest priority when making a connection from an international flight to a domestic flight in Miami, give yourself 3 hours. Maybe 4 if you’re a worrywart.
Useful tips for surviving a 1 hour layover at the Miami Airport
In general, I don’t recommend layovers of an hour or less in Miami unless you’re flying American Airlines. Yes, moving between all terminals a MIA is technically easy since they are all connected airside. However, The amount of time that it will take will be totally dependent on the airlines that you’re flying. Here are a handful of tips to help make it easier:
- Take advantage of the Skytrain in Terminal D. Although this train only operates within Terminal D, it’ll save you loads of time trying to get from one end to the other.
- If you’re willing to take the gamble of leaving the secure area to change terminals, the Skyride Connector located on level 3 is a fast way to get from one to the other. It might not save you any time if the line at the security checkpoint is long, but for gambling types, it may be worth the risk.
- As I always say in my airport layover guides, it’s smart to study the terminal map ahead of time to find out what terminals you’ll be arriving and departing from. If anything, it’ll help ease your mind and fend off anxiety-laden confusion when you arrive.
Need Help!!
I am booking a flight from Toronto (YYZ) to San Juan, PR. The flight is American Airlines both ways with a 1 hour layover in Miami, FL. Is this enough time to get to connecting flight? Do i need to transfer my own bags? and do i need to go through customs in Miami to get to my connecting flight?
Hi Stephania – yes, 1 hour will be ok, since you will be going through US customs and passport control prior to departing YYZ. You’ll arrive in Miami as if it were a domestic US flight, and your checked luggage will automatically be transferred.
1 hour isn’t a lot of time though – so be prepared to move quickly if you arrive in Miami a little behind schedule.
This was SO Helpful! Thank you!!
You’re very welcome Beverly!
Hi , American Airlines have changed my flights in March with only a 51 min transit for the last leg . I’m flying from HNL – LAX – MIA -GEO (Guyana). Is this cutting it a bit fine ?. Where do I clear Immigration ??. Regards
Hi Patrick – you’ll clear immigration at GEO, so your 51 minute layover at MIA won’t be an issue at all. Just walk from one plane to the next.
Hi we will be arriving from Dublin via London on Virgin Atlantic flight at 1425 we where hoping to make the American Airlines/ British flight at 1545 to Cancun…. will that be enough time? Do we have to go through customes and imagination? If we were to bring checked bags would we have to go out and go through security again? Or if we just had hand lauagge would it make things easier?
Hi Sarah – an hour and 20 minutes will be tight no matter if you have checked luggage or not (because you will have to go through customs and immigration upon arrival in Miami). It will be faster if you have just carryon bags however, so definitely do that if you can!
As long as you hustle, 1:20 should be enough time.
Hi I’m flying in on American Airlines arriving a little before 9am. My flight is to São Paulo at 10:30. Does this give me enough time? Thanks
Hey Jason – yeah, that’ll be easy if you’re arriving on a domestic flight! If you’re arriving on an international flight, it’s going to be tight since you’ll have to go though US customs and immigration first.
Hi, I’m flying Alaska airline from Seattle to Miami, arriving at 4.28pm. I’m then hoping to catch a flight with Avianca to Medellin, Colombia at 6.55pm. I’ll book the two tickets separately. I plan to only bring carry-on but I wasn’t sure if I’ll need to get out of the security gate to check in at Avianca ticket counter or there’s a transfer counter/facility inside the gate? Will two and a half hours be enough time?
Hi Yada – 2.5 hours will be easy for that kind of connection! All terminals at MIA are connected airside, so you won’t have to go through additional security checkpoints to move between them.
If you can check in online (via the Avianca mobile app), you will not need to to check in at the Avianca ticket counter. If you can’t, you will have to exit the terminal after you arrive and proceed to the main ticketing hall. Either way, 2.5 hours is more than enough time. Have a good trip!
Hi ,
I am flying from TPA to MIA with American airlines . I have 1:30 min layover for connection to Qatar airlines for DOHA. Is this layover is enough? do I need to clear security check again? Many Thanks.
Hey Mike! Nope, you won’t have to go through any security points to reach your connecting gate in Miami. An hour and a half will be more than enough time since all you have to do is walk from one gate to the next. Have a good trip!
Hi Scott!
Thanks, this article has been helpful. We’re looking to fly from London to Lima via Miami with different airlines (so that we can stay in Miami for a few days on the way back), so we will have to self transfer our baggage and go through customs as non-US passport holders.
Our options are a 2h55 layover or an 11 hour layover (which we would quite like to avoid!). Do you think it’s worth risking the shorter one? Both airlines fly in/out of the south terminal. Cheers.
Hey Mark – you’re very welcome! 3 hours will definitely be enough time to do the full customs/immigration thing and then check in again with another airline. You’ll use up a large chunk of it going through the entire process, but I can’t see how you’d have any issues.
Hi Scott,
I’m looking at flights between Boston and Liberia, Costa Rica through Miami. Would appreciate your advice on the following options. I included the arrival times in Miami in case you think the time of day is a factor in connection times.
Outbound options (from Boston): (1) Arrive in Miami at 10:42am with 1h37m layover, or (2) Arrive in Miami at 9:19am with 3h00m layover. All flights on American.
Return options (from Liberia): (1) Arrive in Miami at 5:18 pm with 2h27m layover, or (2) Arrive in Miami at 5:18pm with 3h45m layover. All flights on American.
Ideally, we would prefer opton (1) with the shorter layover in both directions. However, we don’t want to cut it too close – especially in July with thunderstorms.
Thanks!
Hey John! Yeah, option 1 for your outbound trip will be perfect – 3 hours would be overkill for that sort of connection. On the return, option 2 is what I would go for. Even though getting through customs and immigration is possible within 2 and a half hours, you just never know how long the lines are going to be. You’ll be fine either way, but I’d feel a lot less stress and anxiety knowing that I’d have enough extra time to absorb any delays. Have a good trip!
Thanks so much Scott! You rock!
Hi! What about a flight from London to Miami and onward to Costa Rica all on the same ticket. Do you have to go through immigration on such a connection (international to international?). Thanks.
Hi Shannon – yes, you will have to go through customs and immigration upon arrival in Miami unfortunately.
Great article, thanks.
I´ll be flying from Bogota (Colombia) to LAX, via MIA (2-hour layover, arriving at 6:30 am).
I wonder if this will be enough gap to make it on time for the connecting flight. The airline is American Airlines. Thanks.!
You’re very welcome Ernesto! Yes, that should be more than enough time given that you’ll be arriving so early in the morning (before things get really busy). Have a good trip!
My daughter and her new husband will be traveling to Barbados for their honeymoon in October from North Carolina. Looking at flight options, they can either have a 45 minute layover in Miami, or and 8 hr 15 minute layover in Miami (all flights on American). Do you think they are safe to book the short layover option? Thanks!
Hi Kathy – I’d personally go with the 45 minute connection. Chances are good they will make it without any issues, but if not…having to spend the night in Miami (and catch a flight the next day) won’t be the end of the world. It might actually be a fun way to kick off the honeymoon!
Hello and thank you for this very helpful information. I am flying AA from DFW to MIA to MDE. The two flights are on separate reservations with 75 minutes between landing and take-off. Will the separate reservations be an issue time-wise in making the connection? Can I check-in online for an international flight? Or will I have to leave the secured area to get boarding passes?
Hi Kathleen – you’re very welcome! It won’t be an issue at all if you don’t have any checked luggage. Yes, you can check in online for international flights. It’ll be a quick and easy connection with carry on bags only.
Having checked luggage will make things more challenging, so you’ll have to move as fast as you can. 75 minutes is possible if everything goes right!
Hi, this is a really helpful article.
We’re travelling from LHR to EYW via Miami. We have 1hr 45 mins to clear customs and re check baggage, do you think this will be enough time. We don’t have any other options unfortunately. We arrive into the central terminal from LHR and fly out of the northern terminal?
Hi James! It’s hard to know what terminals you’ll be flying in and out of ahead of time, as things change and many airlines (but not American) move around a bit.
That said, an hour and 45 minutes is going to be tight (especially with luggage). Try to get a seat as far forward as you can on your inbound flight so that you’ll be one of the first off – and then be ready to walk with purpose to passport control. You’ll be at the mercy of the MIA baggage handlers as you wait for luggage though, but getting to the baggage carousel as fast as you can won’t hurt.
Good luck!
Hi, my parents are travelling from Sao Paulo to MIA via Delta (Latam). They will need to clear customs, grab their luggage and check in for a domestic flight to MSP (purchased separate tickets). Are you able to tell me if the gates from International and domestic are close or do they need to get out of the security area to check in and go through customs again? They only have 2 hours between flights.
Hi Erika – yes, they will need to exit the secure area after going through customs. It will be required since they will need to check their luggage in at the Delta baggage counter for their flight to Minneapolis.
Of course, that also means having to go through security again to get back into the terminal.
Two hours is going to be a little tight for this sort of connection. I highly recommend switching to a different flight with a longer layover if possible.
Hi Scott – thanks for the informative post. Some time ago I booked a September flight with AA from Quito to LAX, connecting in MIA. Unfortunately, the connection time is only 1 hour, 40 minutes. Is there a chance we can make the connection, and would it help to use carry-on luggage instead of checking it? Any other suggestions?
You’re very welcome Reed! 1 hour and 40 minutes is going to be tight – even with carry-on luggage only. Your chances of making it with checked luggage aren’t very good in my opinion.
I’d highly recommend using the CBP Mobile Passport Control app to expedite the customs and immigration process (if you don’t have Global Entry). It’ll also help to be seated near the front of the plane so that you’ll be one of the first off when you arrive in Miami.
It’s possible!
Hi, due to a cancellation we’ve been offered a 1h44m connection (I can’t tell if I find the very specific flight arrival/departure times annoying or genius). Flying London-Miami-Cancun, all on American. Does this seem feasible? I gather we won’t need to pick up and re-check luggage in Miami so that should help. If it makes a difference, we’ll be in business class so can get off the arriving plane pretty quick and ahead of the crowds. Thanks as always!
Haha yeah, don’t even get me started on ultra specific flight schedules! The scary thing is that they’re pretty accurate most of the time.
Anyway, you will need to retrieve your luggage before going through customs in Miami unfortunately. It’s required of every passenger entering the US (even those connecting to international destinations).
An hour and 44 minutes is going to be a little tight if I’m being honest. You’ll most likely make your connection, but just be prepared for long lines.
Thanks Scott – MIA’s airport website says international to international can be checked through and AA have confirmed to me that they are able to do so for this. So if we work under the assumption that they can check it through, I’d hope the connection would be more likely to work?
Very interesting! Even I did not know this. In that case, yes – your connection will be a lot easier since you won’t have to mess with retrieving (and then re-checking) your luggage.
Thanks for checking! I was under the assumption that all passengers entering the US, regardless of their final destination, had to retrieve their luggage before going through customs. It’s so nice that this is no longer required.
Hello! I am a U.S. citizen returning home from central america. I am looking at purchasing an American Airlines itinerary from Managua to Boston with a 2 hour connection in MIA. Do you think this is sufficient time to clear customs? I will be checking a bag. There are no longer layovers offered!
Hi Alicia! Miami is always a bit of a wildcard in my opinion, but from my experience, two hours is enough time (most of the time). Things do occasionally get messed up, but your chances of making it through in under two hours are pretty good.
It doesn’t sound like you have much of a choice anyway. Just know that you’ll automatically be rebooked if for whatever reason you miss your flight. They will get you to Boston somehow.
Hi Scott! Hope you’re doing fine! I’m flying from the Dominican Republic to MIA, and have a 1h50m layover at MIA’s airport to then take a flight to Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The airline i’m travelling is American Airlines.
Hi Rosa – things are going well, thanks! Two hours is a safe amount of time for an international to domestic connection at MIA. Yes, sometimes things will can go wrong and it will take longer than that. However, it’s almost always enough time as long as you try to move as quickly as you can.
I think you’ll be fine. Have a great trip!
Hi Scott.Thanks for providing this ultra helpful site!
I’m flying to Peru for the 1st time ever on American DFW-MIA-LIMA in September. I’m not sure if my luggage gets checked directly through to Lima. They have changed my flights twice already. Currently the evening MIA-LIM connection is 1h 22m (with a late 50% of the time rating). Is this enough time? Do I opt for the flight with a 2h 14m connection instead?
Returning on AA the MIA-DFW connection I booked is 3h40m vs 1h50m; what do you think?
You’re very welcome Rose! 1 hour and 22 minutes is going to be perfectly fine, as you’re not going to have to do anything upon arrival in Miami (no security checks, no customs, etc.). Your bags will transfer automatically. Simply walk to your connecting gate!
Call me paranoid, but I would opt for the 3 hour and 40 minute layover on the way back. Getting through customs and immigration at the Miami airport in a timely manner is always a crapshoot, and if it were me, I would want as much time as possible. Have a great trip!
Hi Scott, just to follow up on my previous comments, you might find this useful info. Obviously it’s very much a “your experience may vary” but I’m pleased to say the transfer experience in MIA was excellent for me.
Our trip was international-to-international (ITI) on AA (Heathrow-Miami-Cancun), with a 1h 44m connection. I’d spoken to AA before, and they confirmed that Miami will check baggage through on ITI bookings dependent on destinations. Our bags were tagged to Cancun at Heathrow and did not require pick up and re-checking. From getting off the plane, through passport control and security, to being in the Flagship lounge took 45 minutes, and 10 minutes of that was us faffing around getting new boarding passes. Really good experience there. The lounge was great too!
Thanks for the update Richard! Not having to retrieve luggage when doing an international to international connection in the US is definitely something new. Perhaps they’re just testing it to certain destinations and will roll it out systemwide sometime in the future. At least we can only hope.
Glad everything went smoothly!
Definitely not everywhere yet, we had to pick up the luggage in Philly on the way back, but that was still nice and quick, just under an hour overall.
Hi Scott,
Our return flight is International to Domestic and we’re flying mid-week and late afternoon/evening on American Airlines from Turks and Caicos (PLS) 3:57pm-5:54pm to MIA and the next flight departs at 7:41pm to PA. We have global entry (and are planning on downloading Mobile Passport Control too) but it’s only a 1 hour and 47 minute layover to our next domestic flight. Is this too short of a layover with or without checked luggage? Would we even make the domestic connection if we have checked luggage?
Hi Jo – with Global Entry and no checked luggage, I don’t think you’re going to have any issues at all. Heck, you’re very likely to be fine with checked luggage as well (Global Entry is going to save you a lot of time).
Note that you can’t use Global Entry *and* Mobile Passport Control at the same time – you’ll have to pick one or the other. In my experience, Global Entry is usually faster since that’s what they give the highest priority to.
You’ll be fine!
Thank you for getting back to me and for also letting me know you can’t use Global Entry and Mobile Passport! In that case, we’ll use Global Entry. Our only other option was to change the flight to a 4+ hour layover, so I think we’ll stick to the current flight/layover we already have booked in Miami.
I’ve booked a flight in March 2024 from MSP connecting thru MIA to UVF. The layover is 45 minutes. Flight is on American Airlines for both flights. I’ve got ankle issues and can’t run. Is that enough time for me and my luggage to make the next flight?
Hi Crissy! 45 minutes will be enough assuming that your flight from Minneapolis arrives relatively close to on time. You’re not going to have to go through any security checkpoints, so it’ll just be a matter of walking from one gate to the next. And no need to worry about your luggage! 45 minutes is more than enough time for them to get it transferred do your flight to St. Lucia. Have a great trip!
Hey hey piggy backing off this message in 2025 now – we are flying Austin to Miami to St Lucia but are stressed about our checked luggage making to st Lucia if our layover on American Airlines is only 52 min between our Austin flight landing and Miami taking off to St Lucia.
My husband and I don’t think the walking will be an issue for us but will our checked luggage have enough time?
Hey Alex – you’d be surprised how fast they can transfer luggage from one flight to another in a major airport such as MIA. I don’t know how they do it, but you’d be pretty safe with a 30 minute connection or less.
Nothing to worry about IMHO.
Have a great trip!
Hey Scott, I’m considering booking a flight on March 2024 from San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) to London Heathrow (LHR), while making a stopover at MIA for 2hrs 30mins. Would that be enough time if we have to clear immigration and customs, and then having to re-check bags and going again through security?
Hi Jose! I think so. The speed of customs and immigration at MIA is always hard to predict, but if it makes you feel any better, that would be an itinerary I would feel comfortable booking for myself. A lot is going to have to go wrong for 2 1/2 hours to be not enough time IMHO.
Hi Scott. Your post has been the one that best explains on the entire internet based on this very complicated topic.
Still, I have doubts.
My situation is the following, I arrive in Miami on a flight at 1:00 p.m. from an international flight to the South terminal.
and at 3:10 p.m. I have to take a flight with another airline (Delta) from the same terminal.
I have seen the map and both boarding and disembarking gates are very close (5 minutes walking)
I am a person who can walk and run fast. But I know this depends on many factors.
My big question is, when going through immigration, should I remove the luggage and leave the airport security area completely, to check bags at the desk outside the airport?
Isn’t there a connecting flight area where there is a Delta desk and you can check your bags from there, without having to leave the security area?
Hi Carlos! You will actually be leaving the secured area once you exit customs and immigration. You can’t stay in – anyone with a connecting flight will be required to go through security again to get back into the terminal.
It’s been a while since I’ve done an international arrival at MIA, but most of the time, there will be a baggage recheck area immediately after you exit customs.
If your bag is already tagged to your final destination, you can just drop it there and proceed straight to the security checkpoint. If you need to check your bag in with Delta (to get it tagged to your final destination), you’ll have to go to the Delta ticket counter and take care of it there. You can then go through security to get back into the terminal.
Hope this helps!
Thank you very much for answering. what do you think?
Would you feel comfortable with an itinerary like that?
Do you think it’s enough time?
You’re very welcome! I think it will be enough time, but there will not be a lot to spare. Two hour international to domestic connections at MIA have always been a little tough, but you should be OK as long as your inbound flight is on time. You’re going to have to hurry though.
Personally, I would prefer to have a slightly longer layover. But if it’s the only option, I’d take it. Good luck!
Hi Scott
Thanks for the really useful explainer, which has put my mind at ease slightly.
I have a flight from Orlando to Miami and then onwards to London Heathrow. Both flights are with American Airlines and I have a 1 hour layover.
Will I have to clear immigration in Miami, and if yes, will 1 hour be enough to do this? I am travelling business class, so should be one of the first off the plane on landing. Obviously subject to any delays .
Cheers
Richard
You’re very welcome Richard! You’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about. Passengers on flights departing the US to international destinations are not required to go through customs or immigration.
And because you’ll be flying American Airlines the entire way, you’re not going to have to go through any security checkpoints in Miami. Just walk from one gate to another (which makes your 1 hour layover time not an issue at all). Have a great trip!
Hi, I’m flying from an international and contacting to a domestic flight but both flights are with American Airlines, will 1hr and 45 mins be sufficient time since both flights are AA?
Hi Nell! One hour and 45 minutes is OK most of the time, but customs and immigration at MIA can get backed up at times. Things go pretty smoothly more often than not though.
You’ll be fine since both flights are American Airlines. If for whatever reason you don’t make it to your connecting flight in time, you’ll automatically be put on the next flight. They’ll get you there!
Hi – Our Feb ’24 tickets got revised by AA for return flights from Guayaquil to IAH via MIA. Our layover time in MIA is now 2hr 50min around 12-2pm; both flights are on AA. We have Global Entry. What are your thoughts on the layover time? Thank you
Hi Allen – nothing to worry about! 3 hours is going to be more than enough time with Global Entry. You won’t have any issues at all.
great article. i have a question. Im arriving to MIA from ZUR and have to connect to a flight to Bogota. FLight ZUR-MIA is performed SwissAirlines and Mia-BOG with Avianca. Layovertime is exactly 110 minutes. Do you think we will make it? As far as i know the inbound and outbound flight arrive and depart on terminal J. Do i have to go trough customs and passport control anyhow? If yes, once these are cleared will i be in Airside still? or will i be in Landside and will i have to go again trough a Security check point?
Thanks
Thanks Eddy! As long as your flight from Zurich arrives relatively close to on time, 110 minutes should be ok. You are going to have to go through the full US customs and immigration process, which will leave you outside of the secure area once it’s all said and done. This means that you will have to go through security to get back into the terminal.
It’s a lot to do within that two hour window, but you’ll be fine as long as you keep moving as fast as you can.
Hello!! Thank you for the article!! I’ll be flying into Miami from Chicago with 49 minutes to catch the connecting flight to Costa Rica. Both through American Airlines. Still a couple weeks out so no gate info yet but would you recommend changing this flight?
Hey Sam – you’re very welcome! No, if it were me, I wouldn’t change it. You’re not going to have to do anything in Miami except walk from one gate to the next. No security checks, no customs, no passport control, no anything. You’ll be fine!
Great content! I would love your thoughts….
I am coming in from Mexico City via AeroMexico. Landing at 10:27AM on a Wednesday. Hoping to catch a 12:16PM flight on Delta. I have Global Entry and I am not checking a bag. Do you think this might work connection timing-wise? Otherwise, the next flight is 2:30ish.
Thanks so much!
Thanks Heidi! Yeah, with Global Entry, you won’t have any problems at all. Go for it!
Thanks so much for your help! Much appreciated!
Thank you for this article. We have a flight from Quito, Ecuador to JFK on AA with a connection in Miami of 1 hour 35 minutes. The first and second flight are on the same reservation #. Won’t the luggage go right through to JFK without picking it up in Miami and rechecking it? Also, we have global entry, will that help when we land in Miami and go through customs?
Hi Mary Lou – yes, your luggage will be tagged all the way to JFK. You’re still going to have to retrieve it before going through customs though.
Re-checking it after customs will be extremely easy (and fast) since it’s already tagged. Basically all you have to do is take it to the nearest American Airlines baggage drop and hand it over (no check in required).
Also, yes, having Global Entry will help a ton. Not necessarily with retrieving your luggage, but it will make getting through passport control much faster.
Thank you for this information Scott! i didn’t know I had to pick up and recheck my luggage. Hopefully I’ll make it to my flight to JFK in 1 hr 35 mins!
Hi Scott, I will be travelling from Medellin to Miami and connecting in Miami to London. My layover time is 1 hour and 10 minutes and I will only have a personal item, no checked luggage. Will I have enough time to make a connection? The best info I have is that my arrival is in south terminal and the connecting flight to london is in concourse F.
Thank you all in advance.
Hi Anthony! Even without checked luggage, 1 hour and 10 minutes probably won’t be enough time IMHO. This is because you’re going to have to go through US customs and immigration upon arrival from Colombia – which can sometimes take a while at MIA. You’ll then have to go through a security checkpoint to get back into the terminal for your connecting flight to London.
I highly recommend changing your flights so that you’ll have a longer layover.
AA changed our flight and left us with a 1:15 min layover in Miami coming from Kansas City to Antiqua. Our seats for both planes is in row 10…..will that be enough time? Thank you.
Hi Karen! That will be an extremely easy connection IMHO. Changing from one American Airlines flight to another at MIA is very simple (even when going from domestic to international), so you won’t have anything to worry about. Enjoy Antiqua!
Hi there Scott! I am hoping to get a flight booked soon and it looks like I will have limited options so I am hoping that my layover will be enough time. According to your calculations it might be too tight to consider. I am flying international (CTG airport) to Miami airport and it says I will have 2hrs 4 min layover. I should be arriving at 7:14pm so hopefully towards the end of typical travel time but I am not sure. I would then take off at 9:18pm roughly. I won’t be checking any bags so I wouldn’t have to pick those up before customs, but I am nervous about just getting through customs in general. I will also be remaining with American Airlines throughout the whole ordeal or at least that is what the flight information says. Any thoughts?
Hi Jess! Yes, I would book that if I were you. Two hours should be plenty of time given the fact that you won’t have any checked luggage. And you are correct – there are less international flights arriving into Miami at that time of day, so getting through passport control and customs should be relatively easy. I think you’ll be OK!
Hi Scott. I am travelling from Montreal (canada) to Belize with a stop over in in MIA. (1 hr 10 min). Do I go through US customs or just continue onto my connecting flight to Belize. I will only have a carry-on. I will be doing the same route coming back to Montreal. (2hr connecting this way)
Hey Judy! Nope, you won’t have to go through customs, passport control, or security upon arrival in Miami on the way down. Simply walk to your connecting gate. Note that you will be going through US customs and immigration prior to departing Montreal though.
On the way back, you will go through the full US customs and immigration process in Miami. Two hours should be enough time. Have a great trip!
Hi Scott,
Firstly thanks for this great source of info!
So, I am flying from Kingston Jamaica, connecting in MIA then to Dublin with a 1.45hr stopover.
Do you think that would be enough?
So it is an international to another international flight!
Thanks!
Neil
Thanks Neil! That’s fairly close to the minimum amount of time I would want for an international to international connection in Miami – but I think you’ll be OK as long as everything is running normally. Just be prepared to hustle.
Great! Thanks so much for taking the time to reply!
This is really helpful. I am freaking out because I am getting conflicting information. I have travel booked through American with a flight from St. Thomas to Miami arriving at 8pm and then a flight with American operated by Iberia leaving at 9:55pm to Madrid. Is that enough time? When I speak with American they tell me my bags will be checked through to Madrid, but when I speak with Iberia they tell me I will have to collect my bags and re-check in with them? Do you know the answer?
Hi Amanda – they’re both technically correct. Your luggage will be checked all the way through to Madrid, but you will still have to retrieve them before going through customs. Rechecking them after customs will be easier though since they will already be tagged to your final destination.
Look for a baggage recheck area immediately after exiting customs. This will save you the hassle of taking them all the way back to the Iberia check-in counter.
It’s a stupid process, I know, but that’s just the way it is. 🙂
And yes – you’ll have plenty of time IMHO!
Hi Scott — great info. In April, I’m traveling from Newark (EWR) to Miami on AA landing at 11:10 a.m. with a connecting AA flight to Nassau at 12:20 pm. Do you think that be enough time to make the connecting flight? Would I need to recheck bags in Miami since its an international flight? Many thanks.
Hi Stephen! No, you will not need to claim (and then recheck) your luggage. It will transfer automatically. Not only that, you will not need to go through any security or passport verification checks to reach your connecting gate. Simply walk from one plane to the next.
An hour and 10 minutes will be easy!
Hey Scott! My husband and I are booking a flight to his home in Brazil and are worried about the layover time at the Miami airport. From what you are saying 1 hour and 35 minutes should be okay for when we are going to Brazil (domestic to international), but on the flight back, our connecting flight from landing to then going to DFW is 1 hour and 35 minutes. We would arrive at the Miami airport around 6:50am and then the flight to DFW leaves at 8:30am We have not been able to find a layover time longer than this. What do you think?
Hi Kinsey – I wouldn’t be very comfortable with that, but it sounds like you don’t have any other choice. You might as well book it. Even if you do miss your connecting flight, it will be their responsibility to get you to DFW one way or another (which should be pretty easy for them to do considering that both MIA and DFW are hub cities for American Airlines).
Good luck!
Hi Scott, my family and I are flying into Miami from London and have 2hr 45m before our connecting flight up to Orlando. We’re not US citizens so I’m guessing passport control queues will be slightly longer and we’ll have to go through Customs etc, do you think that will be enough time to make the flight?
Hi Mike! Yes, I don’t have any reason to believe that it won’t be enough time. It will be a little slow to get through (as you mentioned) but many things will have to go wrong in order for 3 hours not to be enough.
On a side note, driving from Miami to Orlando isn’t all that bad actually. Hopping in a rental car and driving if everything goes to hell wouldn’t be the end of the world IMHO.
Hi Scott. We are travelling from San Juan to Miami flight AA1341 next Sunday and then on to London with Virgin on VS118. Looks like the AA flight normally comes in to gates D20-30 and the VS flight leaves from J7. We have a gap of just over 2 hours between them in theory, only carry on bags, so should be fine especially if we just walk through level 2 (rather than leaving the airport to use the people movers on level 3 and then gambling with security) but the AA flight keeps being delayed by up to an hour which is making us a little nervous. Your article is great and I think if I’ve understood it all correctly, providing we walk at pace we should be able to get between the gates in about 25 mins without any need to go through any customs check or security on the way? Thank you
Hi Gareth – actually, because you’re coming from a destination from outside the US, you’re going to have to go through the full US customs and immigration process upon arrival in Miami. Then, once you’re finished with that, you’ll have to go through security to get back into the terminal.
It’s a lot to do in two hours – but you should be OK considering that you won’t have any checked luggage.
That said, you’re going to have a problem if the flight from San Juan is an hour late.
Making things even more complicated is the fact that you’re flying two separate airlines. This won’t be an issue if you can obtain your VS boarding pass prior to arriving in Miami. If you can’t (and you have to check in at the VS ticket counter)…you might not have enough time.
Good luck!
Thank you Scott. It’s San Juan Puerto Rico we’re coming into Miami from in case that makes a difference? Trying to work out the best way to get to Terminal J when landing in D as i think even walking through terminal D airside means we still need to clear security to get into J? Many thanks for your help.
Got it – my apologies for misreading that. In that case, no customs and immigration will be required. And yes, you will need to go through a security checkpoint to get into Terminal J. Exit D and use the moving walkways (on level 3) to get to J. It’s a fairly simple transfer – except for the part about having to go through security to get back into the terminal.
I fly AA from LIM to San Diego, arrives to MIA 6:30am. Next fly out at 8:35am
I plan to have Global Entry Interview there. Please let me know if that enough time?
Hi Violett! That’s a bit risky in my opinion. Thinking back to my own Global Entry interview, they didn’t call my name until 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment time (it was busy with lots of other people waiting). Then the interview took about 20 minutes, so it wasn’t a quick process at all.
My suggestion is to keep your scheduled interview time (since they are so hard to get) and then book a later flight to San Diego. Two hours is going to be cutting it very (very) close. Good luck!
Hi Scott. I will be flying with only a carry on luggage. My flight is with Southwest from Atlanta to Miami. I have a 2 hour layover in Miami. My next flight is with Copa Airlines heading to Panama. Do I have to go through security or checkpoints to catch the Copa flight?
Hi Tilea – two hours will be perfectly fine with carry-on luggage only. You will unfortunately have to go through a security checkpoint though. FYI, your Southwest flight will arrive in Concourse G, and your Copa flight will depart out of Concourse J. You won’t have to walk far though – They are very near each other. Have a great trip!
Hi! I am scheduled to land in Miami Airport tomorrow morning at 9:44am on an American Airlines Flight. I am then scheduled to depart on another American Airlines flight out of Miami at 10:25am. I called to try to change my flight to a later time and an American Airlines representative said that the layover time of 41minutes was “within the acceptable window of time” to make the connecting flight. Since they are both American Airlines flights, and both Domestic flights, do you agree that I can make a short 41minutes layover??
Hi Anna – looks like I might be a little late to chime in on this, but hopefully everything went well! 41 minutes is indeed enough time to make an American to American connection at MIA. Hope you ad great flights!
Hi. I just found your website and it was helpful. I am travelling from SJU (San Juan, Puerto Rico) arriving at 1058HRS in Miami, and then leaving to JFK at 1155HRS. Both flights are from American Airlines. It’s somewhat a 57 minute layover, but, I’m anxious and do not want to lose my JFK flight. Do I have to go through security, or costumes, or something that might delay me by doing a long line? Thank you in advance! My flights are on September.
Hi Natalee – because puerto rico is a US territory, you will not have to go through customs or security upon arrival in Miami. Just walk from one plane to the next. Easy!
I have a 45-minute layover scheduled in April in Terminal D. Arriving from Boston, going to Bonaire, same terminal, looks like up to 30 gates apart. We have done this itinerary out of MIA several times, but recently with a longer 1 hr, 20 min. layover. I request wheelchair transport (I can walk but not fast) and my husband hoofs it alongside me). I have trip insurance purchased, so am half expecting to spend the night in MIA…but do you think this is a huge gamble since the Skytrain is not operating between Stations 1 and 2? This is the only reasonable itinerary right now.
Hi Joy – 45 minutes is probably going to be tough if you need wheelchair assistance. I would highly recommend choosing another itinerary with a longer layover.
That said, I don’t think it’s completely impossible. Especially if you let the cabin crew know of your situation ahead of time. They’ll do their best to get you to your connecting gate on time. And if it really starts getting close, they can call ahead and let them know that you are on your way.
I am landing with Viva Aerobus from Merida, MX to Miami at 4pm and have to connect to an Air Canada flight to Montreal at 6pm.
Is there enough time for everything…?
Thank you
Hi Francesco – you should be ok. I’d personally prefer a longer layover than that (especially when switching airlines), but 2 hours is certainly doable.
Just as I recommend for anyone else in this situation, you’ll have greater chances of making it if you can go without checked luggage.
I am flying from Saint louis to India.I have two connecting flights.
From st louis to miami the flight is operated by American airlines and I have 1h 22m layeover in miami to catch the qatar flight that operates from miami to doha. Is 1h 22m layer enough??
Hi Sheshi – that’s a long trip! Sounds really fun as well.
You’ve got nothing to worry about. An hour and 22 minutes is way more than enough time for a domestic to international connection at MIA. You will most likely have to walk to a different terminal, but everything is connected (and easy to navigate).
Hello!
I am traveling from Liberia (LIR) to Montreal (YUL) with an 1 hour 45 min connection in Miami, traveling with American Airlines both legs. Carry on only. Do you think this is doable?
Thanks!
Jay
Hi Jay – I wouldn’t worry. Not having to deal with checked luggage (and flying the same airline) is about the best you can do to speed things up. You’ll be fine.
Worst case scenario, they’ll just rebook you onto the next flight to Montreal. Miami is a massive hub for American Airlines, so there are certainly worse places to be stranded.
Have a great trip!