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FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL

Navigating Lauderdale's growing airport

mlambert@MiamiHerald.com

Most flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport are bound to U.S. cities and the Caribbean. If you're looking for a flight on a small or discount carrier -- such as Southwest, jetBlue or Skybus -- Fort Lauderdale is your airport.

The following tips will help you when you're using FLL.

Getting there: A number of companies offer shuttle services from South Florida addresses to the airport. (SuperShuttle offers service from Miami International to FLL for $29 per person, one way; 800-258-3826, www.supershuttle.com.)

Getting around: The terminals aren't connected, so you need to take a free shuttle from one to another.

Valet parking: It's available in the Palm and Hibiscus garages for $21 per day.

Self-parking: Most parking is in the Palm, Hibiscus and Cypress garages in the center of the terminals ($15-$36/day). The Park 'n Save Lot ($9/day) west of I-95 is being expanded and should have 4,071 spaces by Feb. 4. In addition, there are three commercial off-site parking operations that will shuttle passengers to and from the terminals.

Parking for Southwest: The signage for this is confusing. Follow signs for the Cypress garage, but stick with the long-term parking sign (to the left, not the short-term / Southwest sign to the right.) Drive up to the ramp to the seventh level, then follow signs for Cypress Garage / Southwest parking.

Baggage: Yes, you can check curbside, but there may be a fee. For example, American charges $2 per bag for the first two bags.

Staying connected: FLL is wired for free WiFi, accessible throughout the airport. You just need a compatible wireless card in your laptop. Electrical outlets for charging laptops and other electronics are limited -- you'll find them around the wall in waiting areas -- but laptop charging stations are being installed this summer in terminals 1 and 2.

Charge up: The streetscape area in Terminal 3 has a Rapid Charge station where you can recharge your cell phone or iPod -- $3 for 30 minutes. (Devices that use a regular electrical outlet can use free outlets, above.)

Biz services: At the business center in Terminal 2, you can exchange currency, send a FAX, make a photocopy, wire money via Western Union and drop off U.S. mail. Currency exchange is also available during limited hours in Terminal 4, depending on the schedule of international flights. The airport is beefing up its business services; in July, Terminals 1 and 2 are expected to have computers available for public use as well as more places to charge laptops.

Chowing down: Terminal 3 has the largest grouping of food services -- including a Chili's with table service -- outside the security gates. Plus, during peak times from November to April -- Friday through Monday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. -- the FLLight Deck passenger lounge (also outside the security gates) offers self-service snacks, a bar, televisions and flight displays.

Dining delivery: In Concourse B, passengers stuck in their seats in the waiting area -- maybe they're traveling with young children or are waiting for an announcement about standby slots -- can get food delivered through a trial ''in-seat service.'' Sales people will come through the waiting area, take orders, and deliver food before passengers get on the plane. The trial service is the first in the country and could be expanded throughout the airport if it's successful.

Let them entertain you: The baggage-claim area of Terminal 1 has live music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Monday. The area also has a bar and pre-packaged sandwiches, soups and salads available.

Retail therapy: In addition to duty-free shops before and after security in Terminal 4, where most international flights depart, a duty-free kiosk has been added inside the secure zone in Terminal 2, since Air Canada flights were moved there. Passengers still must show a boarding pass for an international flight to buy from the kiosk; purchases are delivered to the plane.

Rental cars: Twelve rental car companies have space in the rental car center, in the Cypress Garage. It is accessible by bridge from Terminal 1 and from other terminals by shuttle .

Passenger pick-up: Cars aren't allowed to hang out in front of terminals. Instead, park free for a short time in the Cell Phone Waiting Area next to the Cypress Garage at the east end of the airport, and wait for the pick-up call.

Need some quiet? Terminal 3 has a Meditation Room at the south end on the departure level outside the security checkpoint. It's locked when not in use, but instructions on the door tell you whom to call.

Baggage storage: Available at all four terminals; prices may vary with the size of bag, but is usually $5 per bag per day. 954-394-8001.

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