Is your Christmas week flight delayed at MIA or FLL? How to track your departure
It’s Christmas week, and you’re bound to face some challenges at South Florida’s two major airports.
Maybe it’s the weather up north that’s delaying your departure. Maybe it’s the parking crunch setting you back. And then there are the lines and hassle at the TSA checkpoints.
The best advice from MIA and FLL: Get there early. And be informed about your flight status.
Both the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports have flight trackers to keep you up to date. Here are the details:
How to track your flight at MLL and FLL
Miami: One of the MIA flight trackers shows a list of all expected arrivals and departures with options to use a drop-down menu to narrow results. It displays the carrier, flight number and where the plane is going to or coming from. It also gives real-time updates on the flight’s arrival or departure status, which concourse the terminal is in and the location of baggage claim. The other online tool lets you track by flight or route. If you know the carrier, the date and the flight number, this tool might be easier to use because it will only show information for your flight.
Fort Lauderdale: FLL’s flight tracker works by flight or route. You’ll need to know the date, along with the airline carrier and flight number or the departure and arrival airport. The tool also gives people the option to see a list of all expected arrivals and departures and details on the flight’s terminal and baggage claim, too.You can also check your flight status with the airline directly, which might be easier to do through the airline’s app. But you can also check via the airline’s website.
MORE: Heading to the airport for holiday travel? Check parking issues at MIA and FLL
When should you arrive at the airport?
When to get to the airport: The airports recommend arriving three hours before your flight departs to give yourself enough time for parking, check-in and the security screening process. The airports also suggest checking in online before arriving. If your flight gets delayed, be patient with airline employees as they work to reschedule, and remain in contact with your airline for flight updates.
What can you expect at airport security checkpoints?
Guidance from TSA:
Shoes: Since July 8, 2025, passengers traveling through domestic airports are allowed to keep their shoes on while passing through TSA checkpoints.
Bags: Pack essential items such as medicine, travel documents, a phone charger, and a change of clothes in your carry-on instead of your checked bag. That’s in case your flight gets delayed, and you can’t quickly retrieve your checked bag.
Items: To expedite TSA checkpoint screening, follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or gels in your carry-on, and avoid accessories that resemble weapons and other prohibited items. For more TSA tips, visit the TSA website.
Wait times: According to data MIA, from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19, average wait time across all TSA checkpoints at the airport ranged from 3 minutes, 51 seconds to 5 minutes, 44 seconds. Find the fastest TSA checkpoint for your flight with MIA’s real-time updates on checkpoint wait times online.