MIA flight out at 9:30 AM

[tucho]

Haven’t cruise in a couple of years, going on the Glory in January. Wondering if we can make 9:30 fight out of Miami when we dock on the return. We are platinum so be one of the first off is not a problem. I know the itinerary said 800 am arrive. it’s a Sunday morning so traffic shouldn’t be that bad. Anyone attempted this feat with success?:confused:

[beerman2]

Haven’t cruise in a couple of years, going on the Glory in January. Wondering if we can make 9:30 fight out of Miami when we dock on the return. We are platinum so be one of the first off is not a problem. I know the itinerary said 800 am arrive. it’s a Sunday morning so traffic shouldn’t be that bad. Anyone attempted this feat with success?:confused:

 

You are going to get people say it is posssible and yes they have made it. The question becomes the what ifs and would/do you have a blackup plan.

 

Here's what could go wrong.

 

Diverted for med emergency

Customs not clearing ship right away

Accident on way to airport no matter how minor

Crew inspection time ( they happen from time to time with no warning)

Being pulled out of customs to inspect you belongings.

 

Do you want to spend the last night worrying about making it, your stress level will rise!

[TrinaLC]

More likely than not, do-able. But very very stressful and not guaranteed. Customs could be delayed in clearing the ship, or whatever.

 

How much luggage will you have? Being burdened with lots of it will slow you down.

[Namelocg]

I live here and I wouldn't attempt it. If the ship is on time it still has to clear customs before disembarkation can start. MIA can be a mess even on a Sunday morning. You need to be at the airport at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours before your flight to get through security which means you have to be there before the ship might even be docked. Find something later in the day or stay in Miami overnight and take that flight the next day.

[Need2Bcruzin]

No, no and no.

 

Passing security at MIA will slow you down considerably even if you arrive on time back at POM and do self assist.

There is a reason they advise a noon- or later flight.

[firemanbobswife]

If you do self assist it is easily doable pending nothing out of the ordinary goes wrong. I constantly take early flights and have never had an issue. Last month I was at my gate well before 8AM (as I have been numerous times before) and it was the dreaded D60 which is as far away as you can possibly get from when you enter the terminal.

[crusinpsychRN]

My nails would all be chewed off with anxiety.

[Jamericannn]

That is really cutting it close. I wouldn't chance it because of the possibility of unforeseen delays. No other options?

[JohnSpo]

Last month on Paradise from Tampa, I was one of the first off of the ship. We were delayed by customs and I did not get to my shuttle until 9:00am and this was only a short delay.

 

Good luck on that 9:30am flight. I wouldn't take a flight that early. I don't need that kind of stress at the end of a cruise.

[cb at sea]

Possible....maybe. Would I book it? Nope. I will (and do) book a 10:45 flight out...and we've made it every time...I think 9:30 will be pretty much a crapshoot...

[JohnSpo]

Also keep in mind, you cannot just show up for the flight at 9:30am. 9:30am is the time the plane pushes back from the gate. You need to present yourself at the gate no later than 20 minutes before departure time. If you are not there, your seat will be given to stand by passengers and airline employees flying as non revenue.

 

Out of curiosity, with all of the above replies, are you still willing to take the chance?

[CRocks]

Customs will decide!

[Tapi]

Can it be done? Yes

 

Is it a good idea? No

 

I'm Platinum and even with early debarkation there are times that I haven't been able to get off the ship until close to 10:00am. Other times I've been off the ship early enough to make an 8:30am flight.

 

My piece of advice? Book a later flight and if on the day you return you get off the ship fast enough, then standby on an earlier flight. Many airlines allow you to do so, some for free and some for a small fee.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[tucho]

Thanks for the responses. After further thinking about it saving a $120 on the fight isn't worth the stress.:)

[Elaine5715]

OP, good decision. That's why flights are cheaper before the recommended cruise line times. Also Florida ports can get socked in with sea fog in winter months.

[winddawn]

I used to love to cruise out of Miami, but since they expanded MIA airport, getting through the airport is a huge hassle. Gates are much further away from check-in than they used to be, and signage is poor. You might make 9:30, but personally I would not want to try to make it. That's from someone who made a 9:30 flight out of FLL after a Conquest cruise a couple weeks ago.

[cruisemainiac]

Thanks for the responses. After further thinking about it saving a $120 on the fight isn't worth the stress.:)

 

Bingo! You've just spent a week unwinding and relaxing, why undo that in a blink of an eye.

[riclop]

We have made a 9:27 three times.

[martinchem]

We've booked a 10:20 and really had two hours to sit around drinking coffee at the airport.

[Keith1010]

A flight this early has a lot of risk.

 

I would not take a chance booking a flight so early.

 

Keith

[PlayCousin]

A thread on how/when/why I missed my flight might be pretty entertaining and/or informative.

[etwright]

I would say it is possible...if all the stars and planets align just right. Would I ever attempt it? Absolutely not! never! We had an 11:30 flight out once and I was chewing my nails. We generally never book flight before noon if we are flying out the day of debark.

[BallFour4]

We've done it twice. Platinum self- assist, in a cab and at the curbside check in at the airport by 8:15am. Don't stop at the bathroom...

 

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Edited November 27, 2016 by BallFour4