Time from Miami to FLL

[skiingwife]

We are cruising from Miami in December. My options for flights out of FLL are 11:30 and 12:45. We'll use a car service to get to the airport. If we get off the ship at 8:00, would we make an 11:30 flight? I'm not sure how long the drive will take -- mapquest says about 35 minutes but I'm not sure that accurate with traffic. Anyone who's done this - what was your experience with flight times? Thanks

 

[lorimay]

South Floridian here, I would give yourself at least an hour to get there, sometimes traffic in Miami can be at a stand still for no apparent reason.
Definitely do the early walk-off option and be sure a car is waiting for you.
The good news is most of traffic morning commute traffic is the opposite direction.

 

[skiingwife]

Thanks Lori. How is the Fort Lauderdale airport as far as size and security lines? Could it take a while or do things usually move pretty quick? If we are there 1 1/2 hours before our flight, is that usually early enough?

 

[professorandmom]

I flew out of FLL last December. FLL is very small, in my opinion, space wise and so there are some crowds. However, the size of the crowds in security were far less than say Orlando. I think you'll be fine. Interestingly, last December school children were in the airport singing Christmas songs (including Let it Go - which seemed like a big hit among the kids). You'll see MANY cruise folks from many lines in this airport
Have a great trip!

 

[lorimay]

Thanks Lori. How is the Fort Lauderdale airport as far as size and security lines? Could it take a while or do things usually move pretty quick? If we are there 1 1/2 hours before our flight, is that usually early enough?

We normally fly out very early, usually 6/7am flights so we have never really had more than 5/10 minute wait.
I think an hour and half should be good baring no issues.
When we sail whether we are driving or flying home, we always do the express walk off that could definitely save you time.
When we sailed The Wonder in Feb. out of Miami we were off the ship by 7:30am.

Have a wonderful time.