Heading to the Fort Lauderdale airport during the holiday crunch? See these advisories

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is bustling as holiday travelers come and go.

FLL anticipates exceeding 2.1 million travelers Dec. 21-Jan. 6, an increase of 6% over the same holiday stretch las tyear.

Busiest days? The airport expects the peak numbers of travelers on Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-29, Dec 31 and Jan. 4. You will be at the airport with 124,000 other passengers each day over the 17-day peak holiday period.

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If you’ll be part of the crowd, here is some airport advice about parking, arrival and security to help make your trip smoother:

Parking

Onsite: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has three garages and an overflow lot that opens at peak travel times during the holidays or when the garages are full (signs and workers lead you to it).

Alternatives: There’s a cellphone parking lot where people can park for free while waiting to pick someone up from the airport. FLL has curbside valet, too. With the ongoing high demand for curbside valet service and self-parking options at FLL this year, especially during the holidays, airport leaders recommend getting dropped off by family, friends or a ride-share service (Uber, Lyft, etc.) because the airport’s onsite garages are likely to be filled.

Helpful tools:

▪ Use the FLL app to see real-time parking availability and to help locate your car if you forget where you parked.

▪ To find the closest parking location to your terminal, visit FLL’s website.

▪ Use Space Finder to check available spaces in the garages.

Parking fees:

▪ Long-term parking is $2 every 20 minutes, with a maximum $20 per day. Hibiscus Garage Levels 3 - 7; Palm Garage Levels 2-4; Cypress Garage Levels 6-9

▪ Short-term is $2 every 20 minutes with a maximum $36 per day. Hibiscus Garage Level 2; Palm Garage Level 1

▪ Curbside valet is $30 a day. For valet information, call 954-359-8108.

▪ Overflow parking is $10 a day.

▪ Off-site parking if airport lots are full: Park ‘N Go, 1101 Eller Dr. in Fort Lauderdale, and Self Park FLL, 901 Old Griffin Rd. in Dania Beach, are self-parking lots that offer shuttles to and from Fort Lauderdale’s airport. Park ‘N Go’s website notes that during peak times, the lot may occasionally switch to valet parking. To check prices, availability and cancellation policies for Park ‘N Go, visit gator.bookparkngo.com/. For Self Park FLL, visit selfparkfll.com

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Arrival

FLL normally advises getting to the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. But during peak travel periods, the airport recommends checking with your airline if additional time is necessary.

Traffic

If you are picking up friends or family at FLL, consider using the upper-level departures roadway when the lower-level arrivals roadway is congested. That goes for either arriving or leaving the airport.

Weapons

Those traveling with a licensed firearm must follow TSA protocols to pack and transport the weapon in a secure, hard-sided locked container as checked luggage. If caught with a gun at TSA, you could face a penalty as well as be arrested.

Transportation Security Administration

Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule

▪ Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosol, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

Be checkpoint ready and bring a valid ID

▪ Arrive at the checkpoint with a mobile or printed boarding pass and valid ID. Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 and older must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the U.S.

Be patient

▪ Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint, the gate area or in flight may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges.

Call ahead if you need support

▪ Passengers with disabilities or medical conditions can call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 with any questions. If you call at least 72 hours prior to travel, TSA Cares can arrange assistance at TSA checkpoints for those with specific needs.