How to Kill Time at Miami International Airport

More airlines use Miami International Airport (MIA) each day than any other airport in the Western Hemisphere. It is the major connecting point for flights between North and South America and the Caribbean. During flight delays or lengthy layovers, MIA offers travelers a variety of ways to pass the time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Comfortable Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Kits
• Travel Pillows
• Paperback Books
• Travel Magazines
• E-mail Accounts
• Travel Services
• Athletic Gear
• Travel Games
• Telephone Calling Cards

1. Figure out how much free time you will have. Check to see whether your flight is late and whether it will arrive/depart in the terminal's Concourse A, B, C, D, E, F, G or H. Note that MIA's terminal has four levels.

2. Consider using the MIA Hotel's Health Club, which is on airport property, if you have a lot of time before your flight. For a fee, you can use a heated rooftop pool, steam bath/sauna, whirlpool, Nautilus equipment and a racquetball court. You do not have to be a registered guest of the hotel.

3. Eat a quiet meal at The Top of the Port Restaurant on the seventh floor of the hotel. It boasts views of the Miami skyline.

4. Visit the poolside snack bar and viewing deck on the hotel's eighth floor.

5. Eat in the airport terminal if you prefer. You will have a choice of cafeterias, fast-food restaurants and snack bars.

6. Pamper yourself by having a facial, manicure or pedicure at the unisex hair styling salon on Level 2 of Concourse E.

7. Browse through the terminal's gift shops on Level 2 for items such as cameras, electronics, jewelry, apparel and souvenirs. You may have to check in or ship larger purchases (see Warnings, below).

8. Browse through the permanent art displays and temporary exhibits in the terminal.

9. Relax in minigardens on Level 2.

Tips & Warnings

• Utilize the moving walkways on Level 3 to go from one concourse to the next.
• Use airport courtesy phones or passenger service centers for further information about services, activities, and dining or shopping sites.
• Periodically check the arrival or departure monitors located throughout the airport for any changes pertaining to your flight.
• Always have a good paperback in your carry-on bag to help keep time moving during unavoidable delays in terminals and aboard airplanes.
• If you are departing on a flight, you must check in at your gate at least an hour before the flight, longer on international flights. Check with your airline.
• Keep in mind that many airlines have new carry-on restrictions and that you may have to check in larger purchases or have them shipped.
• Be aware that the MIA airport is undergoing a major renovation.