Disembarking from Fort Lauderdale

[debant]

Need to figure out what time to book flights home. What time do they have you disembark and is it the same process as it always was? 

[ClaudiaB]

We always got a flight about 10 am or so.  We carried our stuff off and lined up very early.  No matter what time they said was the official time to self-disembark, we were there an hour earlier.   Doing this it is possible to be among the first couple dozen off the ship, and if there are no customs problems, you can potentially grab a taxi and be at the airport before 8 am.   One time we were third and fourth off!   We have never pre-arranged a taxi and for sure we wouldn't book a group bus or van because they have to wait for everyone.   Sometimes we'll get a beverage at Cafe Bacio and maybe a muffin and eat it in line, but mostly we just get to the gate and get something to eat like a bagel there, or nothing at all, no matter.  

There is always a later flight we can take if something happens.   It's only about a 7 minute taxi from port to drop off at FLL.  

We have never missed a flight, or even come close.  Once our flight time changed to about 9:20 and we still made it.  We wouldn't have scheduled one that early but as it turned out we made it easily.  TSA PRE helps too.  

However, if timing makes you nervous then get a flight after lunch.  We've been lucky to always have direct flights to either New Orleans or Houston.  

 

[ClaudiaB]

Having said all this, we haven't sailed since Feb. 2020 so I have no idea what it's like now.  

[jelayne]

We have been at the FLL airport by 9:00 without carrying off our luggage and having a real breakfast.  Then there were times when walk off didn’t start until after 8 and it was chaos, we got off  at 9:30 and we were in a suite so had some priority.  We book a flight after 11 and it gets us home between 1-2.  
Did self debarkation once, never again.

Edited October 14, 2021 by jelayne

[neverlaysup]

We sailed on the Equinox in September and disembarkation was the easiest process ever. Our time to get off the boat was 8:30 and we had our luggage and were through customs by 8:40. We booked a 12:00 flight and had to kill 3 hours at FLL. I'm not saying it's gonna continue that way but it was pretty nice.

[zanderblue]

I’d say this depends on how much of a risk you are willing to take. 10:00am flight is comfortably doable if all goes well. We’ve made it to the airport several times before 8:30.

Our last disembarkation was a nightmare and we were in a line in immigration for hours due to problems with the immigration system. 

[Missymo]

Was on the 9/25 cruise, walk offs were first,@ about 7:30,  before passenger disembark.  You can contact an Uber just before  getting off ,or taxis are right there.and usually no problem for the first off passengers.  Customs was also a breeze ,being one of the first.   The airport is 3 miles away, should take about 10-15 minutes  so you should get there by 8 to 8:30 at the latest.  I would plan a flight earliest  around 10:30 - 11:00 AM.  

Edited October 14, 2021 by Missymo

[Travelexpert35]

I wouldn’t schedule a flight till noon so you’re not stressed and can enjoy your last breakfast onboard. The cruise lines have always mentioned what time you should book your return flight home. If you have time at the airport, sit outside and be maskless for awhile.