How crowded will the Miami airport get during Christmas travel? See what’s ahead

Heading to a South Florida airport for the holidays? Expect crowds.

First and most important, if you’re driving to or from MIA around 9 p.m., take note that parts of Dolphin Expressway become constricted at night and into the early morning hours. Several lanes on both sides of State Road 836 close due to ongoing construction of the overpass. So, give yourself extra time.

Then when you get to the airport, you’ll likely find long lines.

Peak travel days

MIA expects to serve a record 3.3. million passengers over the holiday period, which runs 18 days — from Dec. 19 to Jan. 5, according to Greg Chin, communications director of Miami-Dade Aviation Department. The volume is 3% higher than over the same period last year, he said.

Peak days, estimated above 190,000 daily passengers, are expected to be Saturday, Dec. 20; Friday, Dec. 26; Saturday, Dec. 27; Friday, Jan. 2; and Saturday, Jan. 3. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport hasn’t yet provided passenger forecasts.

Renovations underway

The holidays come as MIA is in the middle of $9 billion in renovations to be completed by 2039 while staying open 24/7. So, be aware of signs and detours that alert work in progress.

One sign of progress: An additional 2,240 parking spaces will open to the public on the evening of Dec. 19, a project completed on time and just in time.

For arriving travelers, note that signs for baggage claim may put you on the same floor as ticket counters for departing passengers. You’ll then have to take an elevator or escalator to go down one level to get your luggage.

If you get lost or have questions, or complaints, look for airport employees with blue vests that say “Lightning Crew” on the backs. They double as customer service representatives located throughout the airport, and can help you immediately.

Improvements at MIA

Travelers should also notice some already made improvements.

More escalators, elevators and moving walkways will be operating compared to prior years: 94% of the 616 MIA has are working as of Nov. 20, according to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. Of those out of service, 14 are having maintenance work and 25 are being replaced, part of the renovation plans.

MIA in November said it added automated passport screening capabilities that will reduce wait times. Customs and Border Protection’s Enhanced Passenger Processing added 12 face pods across three passport control areas in concourses D, E and J. Photos are taken and images are matched with CBP’s records within three seconds.