Tips for MIA layover ????

KTinTX · Post by **KTinTX** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:34 pm

A couple of STJ virgins headed down in June, but we've never flown either a) through Miami or b)on American Airlines (being in Houston we fly Southwest or Continental exclusively)

Does anyone have advice for killing a layover of 2-3 hours in MIA? Is there anywhere decent to eat without having to go back through security? We've got about 2 hours going down and about 3 hours coming home. Definitely will need to eat during both.

Please tell me it's better than Wolfgang Puck Express in a vending machine!!!

seagrape · Post by **seagrape** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:52 pm

MIA is undergoing major renovations, so there still aren't many places inside security to eat. We used to arrive from SEA at 6am and have to wait until noon for our STT departure. We spent $75 for two for the AA Admiral's Club. They have food and you can take a nap and even a shower (very clean). Since you only have 2-3 hours, this probably isn't an option. The airport hotel has a pretty good restaurant, but of course you have to leave security. I guess it all depends on the time of day. We go through MIA often, so hopefully it will improve sooner than later!

Happy travels,
Seagrape

nothintolose · Post by **nothintolose** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 11:39 pm

Last summer in the American Airlines area there were a heck of alot more food choices than before, but all I can remember is getting Starbucks.

We usually just sleep in the uncomfortable chairs.

Make sure to pack a change of clothes for your return flight as we have spent the night in Miami on our last two return trips from STJ because of missing flights. I HATE flying through Miami now!

kellyanna · Post by **kellyanna** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:01 am

Drink Mojitos. You'll have time for 3 or 4 big ones.

There is a restaurant that serves food/sandwiches and makes fresh mojitos. Not sure which terminal it is in, but airport staff guided us to it. We didn't have to leave security.

iowaguy · Post by **iowaguy** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 2:23 am

Was in the Miami terminal a few days ago. There is a restaurant called The Islander in AA terminal that is pretty good. Mahi-mahi, jerk chicken, red stripes, etc Also, and surprisingly, one of the best mojitos I've ever had was from a Bacardi stand in the MIA terminal.

kellyanna · Post by **kellyanna** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 2:43 am

That's it. The Islander. It was the only sit down restaurant we could find. We ended up really enjoying it.

Randy in MD · Post by **Randy in MD** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:02 am

AA flys into and out of the D & E terminals. The Islander restaurant is located near the end of the D terminal (around gate D45). There are several other eateries near there (Asian, Pizza & a Deli) with a common sit-down area behind them. It's pretty crowded and you won't be too comfortable there but the food is OK. Other than that, there are numerous Au Bon Pain counters and Nathan's hot dogs. As mentioned, the airport is being renovated so by the time you get there you may find something new. One other word of advice: The D Terminal can be very cold so even though you're headed for the tropics, dress accordingly...

crasherino · Post by **crasherino** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:43 am

Last time I flew out of Miami, there was a Versailles outpost where you can get a delicious Cuban sandwich - not quite as good as the one on Calle Ocho, but a helluva lot better than the other crap they had there.

If you are flying AA, you should be able to find it. I'd say its definitely better than getting Wolfgang Express from a vending machine, and its an authentic piece of the city.

Schnell · Post by **Schnell** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:19 am

Second the temp of the AA terminal. It was like an icebox in the older portion that we flew out of. All 4 of us in our party were absolutely freezing. We ended up sitting in the newer section until boarding and then braved the cold.

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 2:40 pm

KTinTX wrote:A couple of STJ virgins headed down in June, but we've never flown either a) through Miami or b)on American Airlines (being in Houston we fly Southwest or Continental exclusively)

Does anyone have advice for killing a layover of 2-3 hours in MIA? Is there anywhere decent to eat without having to go back through security? We've got about 2 hours going down and about 3 hours coming home. Definitely will need to eat during both.

Please tell me it's better than Wolfgang Puck Express in a vending machine!!!

Hi from a fellow Houstonian. There aren't too many of us on the forum. I've been flying AA through MIA to STT for years, and I absolutely hate it. The only thing that's worse is the STT airport when the ac breaks down. The best advice is to eat at Islander and then belly up to a bar and have a few drinks.

When in June are you going? I'll be there June 16th for 9 days.

Margy Z · Post by **Margy Z** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 4:45 pm

Seems like MIA has been torn up since the 90's. You never know whether you are going to have a connecting gate just a few gates away or end up on an overland hike. I still prefer it to San Juan, though, better chance that your luggage will make your connection. The Islander is not bad at all. Here's a link to a guide to the bars and restaurants at MIA. I like this one because it's divided by concourse and tells you which side of TSA the places are located:

http://www.floridaairportguide.com/miam ... rants.html

Have a great time!

- Margy

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