Time between Flights

[Hiker]

Any suggestions on how much time I should allow for my wife's connecting flight in Miami.  I found one flight with 2 hours, one with 3 hours 40 min, and one 4 hours 30 minutes.

I am considering the middle one because I don't want her to feel rushed etc.  I would prefer the two hour though.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[cancunhound]

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

The 3 hours 40 min would be the safer as suggested below.  I always use the shortest layover however - if there is a snag she would be able to catch a later flight.  With that visa in hand she can use the US resident lines (right side in Miami) - she does not have to wait in the long non-resident lines.  If she speaks english she should pass quickly.  Make sure she does not carry anything unknowingly prohibited - last time I witnessed a nice elderly lady who was stopped by the FDA dogs in the baggage claim area - she had a couple of small seemingly harmless plants in her bags - bad idea, I guarantee she did not catch a connecting flight!

[Onephd]

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003


might want to opt for the longer one since I hear Miami customs is a pain. I don't know for sure, But I heard a lady that frequently travles there from Colombia and she was complaining about the Miami airport.   Better for her to maybe have to wait a while than to miss her flight and then have to wait hours if not another day.

[wizard]

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

Definitely allow at least 3 hours for your wife to clear immigration, gather her bags, clear customs, recheck her baggage and then find her departure gate...

I came through Miami last week with a 2 hours layover and I barely made my connection... The security folks in customs took everything out of my bags and checked it all for explosive residue... It was a first for me...

[lswote]

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

[This message has been edited by lswote]

Nevermind, I didn't notice the thread below.

Anyway, I would leave more than 2 hours, as the time through baggage and customs will probably run over an hour, maybe two.

[Edge]

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

I would go with the 3 hr. 40 minute.  I think two hours would be pushing it and you might miss the connection.  It took my wife around 2-3 hours from what I remember and I do not recall hearing it being done in less than two hours.

[Hiker]

... in response to Re: Time between Flights, posted by Edge on May 20, 2003

Thanks guys, I am going with the 3hr 40 min.  I was hoping you would say 2 hours is more than enough time, but if I have waited this long, I am sure I can squeeze another couple hours into it.  Also I hadn't noticed when I asked this question, that the nation is now on level Orange alert.  I am sure this could slow things down also.

Thanks.