[babyjsmom]

I am flying American to Guat from NY connecting in Miami..... I have heard some horrible things about flying into MIAMI.... anyone have any words of wisdom good or bad???? thanks.

ps - this will be our P/up trip bringing our son home

[ISAIAH'SMOMMY]

Just curious how much time you have on your layover? I flew through Miami 4x's and did not really have any problems. The terminals are very far apart from each other so depending on what terminal your Guatemala flight departs from could have a very long walk. One time we landed in terminal A and had to walk to E which took about 20-25 mins. My advice would be to check the flight schedule as soon as you get off and ask someone the exact direction you have to go. Depending on where your connecting flight is you may have to catch the shuttle type bus to get to some of the terminals. Also, always listen to the announcements overhead because 2x's we were waiting at one terminal and our flights were completely changed to another terminal. There are many times they will tell you on the plane what terminal the connecting flights are at but this too can change so always check when you get off. That is my experience with the airport, I hope this helps. Have a fabulous trip to pick-up your son and try not to worry about the airport.
God Bless,
Anne

[monti10]

I am going to pick up our son this weekend and this is my 5th trip to Guatemala. Each time I flew American through Miami. The first 3 trips were fine, but the 4th trip was nothing but delay after delay.

My husband is staying home with our twin daughters and since I am going by myself I am going through Houston.

Miami is a mess right now. The whole place is under construction. It can take you 20 minutes to walk to connecting flights. Make sure you have a stroller with you!!

If you need help I would let one of the American agents know. I am sure that they will help you!

Good luck and I am glad that this is a bring home trip for you!

Kelly M.

[tsawyer]

We flew in and out of Miami in June. We didn't have any problems and the immigration part was quick and smooth.

I must note, however, that Miami was our final destination. So we did not need to catch another plane out. I would suggest at least a couple hour layover just in case you encounter long lines.

Tom

[Chrysanthemum]

When I picked up my dd almost 3 years ago, my Dad was on vacation in FL and decided to meet me in Guat. He came thru Miami and said it went rather smoothly.
Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

[carl&hiromi]

We just picked up our daughter and came back on the 15th of September. You need to take an umbrella stroller with you because there was a long walk to get to the customs/immigration area (you can store the stroller in the closet by the plane entrance when you board). Once there, we had no problems. Just get into the US Citizen line. They will check your passport and then bring you into another area to process your immigration paperwork. After that you need to go claim your luggage for customs. We got through that with no problem (they didn't make us open anything) and when you go through the exit door to go to your next flight, there were people there to take your checked luggage from you to be placed on your flight without having to bring it to another counter.

Try to take the minimum items necessary on the plane, your return trip is not the time to try to take all of your luggage on the plane like some folks try to do. An umbrella stroller and diaper/baby supply bag should do the trick - remember you're going to have to carry everything a ways while pushing your stroller. Try to get an aisle seat for yourself - that way you can get up and down to go change a diaper or walk your baby around if he gets cranky.

Good luck to you - enjoy your trip and don't worry about the flight home.

Carl

[csw]

Hi
I flew through Miami from Guat 4x in 9 months..last time March 30th..never had a problem... I did have a 5 hour layover which was hard...but that was just one time..otherwise I would leave at least 2 hours between flights if you can...I flew on AA and used a great travel agent with bulk discounted rates...PM me for more info...have a great flight!

[babyjsmom]

Thanks for all your great advise....Hopefully I will be leaving soon and this will all be a memory! Have a great day- J