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Guide to Terminals at FLL Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL) is structured into four terminals arranged in a practical rectangular design. However, the passenger experience can vary drastically from one terminal to another. While some areas have been modernized and offer a smooth experience, others present significant challenges in terms of amenities, maintenance, and service options, painting a picture of contrasts that every smart traveler should know.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I walk between all terminals at FLL?
Yes, it is possible to walk between all terminals using the pedestrian walkways. The complete walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4 takes approximately 15-20 minutes. However, keep in mind that you will have to exit the security area, which means going through security again if you need to switch from Terminal 1 or 2 to 3 or 4.
Which terminal is the best at FLL?
According to the general passenger experience, Terminals 1 and 2 are perceived as more modern, cleaner, and with better services compared to Terminals 3 and 4, which are often described as outdated, more crowded, and with more limited food and rest options.
Is there a connection between terminals after passing security?
No, FLL has a significant limitation: there is no post-security connection between all its terminals. Only Terminals 3 and 4 are connected by a walkway that allows transit between them without having to leave the secure area. To move between Terminal 1, 2, and the Terminal 3/4 block, it is necessary to exit and go through security again.
Are there good food options in all terminals?
The dining offer is very uneven. Terminals 1 and 2 generally offer better and more varied options. In contrast, Terminals 3 and 4 are frequently criticized for their scarcity of restaurants and because the few that exist tend to close early, even when there are still scheduled flights.
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Critical Points / Traveler's Handbook
The Disparate Reality: The Gulf Between Terminals
There is a clear consensus: FLL is a two-faced airport. Terminals 1 and 2 are considered superior in modernity, cleanliness, and services. In contrast, Terminals 3 and 4 (hubs for Spirit and JetBlue) often generate complaints for their outdated facilities, lack of comfortable seating, scarce food options, and maintenance issues. Your experience will directly depend on the terminal you are assigned to.
The Security Wall: Plan Your Connections
The biggest logistical bottleneck is the lack of post-security connection between the terminal blocks. If your flight departs from Terminal 3 but you want to use a VIP lounge in Terminal 1, you will have to exit and go through TSA again. This limitation is crucial and requires careful planning if you depend on services located outside your departure terminal.
The Search for Power: Charge Your Devices in Advance
A recurring complaint, especially in Terminals 3 and 4, is the lack of functional charging stations. Many outlets are broken or do not work. Do not rely on being able to easily charge your devices at the gate; it is safer to arrive with a power bank or with your equipment at 100%.
The Inconsistency of the Security Check (TSA)
The efficiency of TSA at FLL is unpredictable. While some travelers report quick processes, many others describe waits of over an hour, slow, inattentive staff, and general disorganization. Do not assume it will be a quick process; always arrive with plenty of extra time to avoid surprises.
Details of concourses, connection, and passenger experience
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport is composed of 4 terminals that have a rectangular road design, placing the terminals along the perimeter and locating the parking lots and ground transportation facilities inside. Terminals 3 and 4 are interconnected on the airside (post-security), while Terminals 1 and 2 operate independently, separated from each other and from the other two terminals.
The experience in the terminals of FLL Airport varies depending on the time of travel and the passenger's expectations. Although the airport's design and basic services are functional, there is ample room for improvement in critical areas such as post-security connection, facility maintenance, and the expansion of spaces for passenger comfort.
Connection Between Terminals
Courtesy Bus
There are free shuttle buses between the terminals and the rental car center. They operate 24 hours, and you should wait for them at the signs located on the lower level of the buildings.
Parking Tram
Passengers can board a tram from the lower level of the Palm and Hibiscus garages to the four terminals. Hours: every 8 minutes from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and every 15 minutes from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
On Foot
Passengers can also move safely between the terminals using the sidewalk walkways or the parking lot path. It's about 15 minutes from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4.
User Experience:
This is one of FLL's weakest points. Passengers strongly criticize the lack of a comprehensive post-security connection, which forces them to exit and go through TSA checks again to move between Terminal 1, 2, and the 3-4 complex. This "almost impossible mission" makes it difficult to access specific VIP lounges or restaurants in other terminals. Although there are buses and walkways, the shuttles are often described as slow and inefficient, and walking with luggage on the sidewalks, which are sometimes in poor condition, is a challenge.
Terminal 1
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Terminal 1 is assigned the color yellow, consists of 3 concourses and a total of 24 gates.
- Concourse A: on the east side, gates A1-A7
- Concourse B: central location, gates B2-B9
- Concourse C: on the west side, gates C1-C9
Level 3
This is the shopping area, with a wide range of food options, airline offices, and VIP lounges.
Level 2
From this level, passengers can reach the ticketing area exit and the two security checkpoints, one next to Concourse C and another for Concourses A and B.
Level 1
On the lower level are the arrivals and baggage claim areas.
Airlines
Air Canada (Quebec flights only) - Alaska Airlines - Allegiant Air - Avianca - Bahamasair - Caribbean Airlines - Copa Airlines - Frontier Airlines - Silver Airways - Southwest Airlines - United Airlines - Western Air
VIP Lounges
United Club - Concourse C, Gate C1
Services
- Restaurants and cafes
- Shops and Duty Free
- Electronic device chargers
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Traveler's aid
- Nursing pods
- Unisex restrooms
- Pet relief areas
- Baggage carts
- Baggage wrapping
User Experience:
Along with Terminal 2, Terminal 1 is generally considered the best at the airport. Passengers describe it as more modern, cleaner, and with a superior offering of services and restaurants than the others. It is appreciated for its more pleasant atmosphere and efficient design. However, like the rest of the airport, it can get very crowded during peak hours, and some users point out that the number of seats at the gates can be insufficient, forcing some to sit on the floor.
Terminal 2
Image from Youtube
Terminal 2, assigned a red color, is located at the northwest end of the airport and consists of 1 concourse (D) with 9 gates (D1-D9).
Level 2
On this level, you can access departures, check-in counters, and a security checkpoint.
Level 1
On the lower level are the arrivals and baggage claim areas.
Airlines
Air Canada - Delta Air Lines - WestJet
VIP Lounges
Delta Sky Club, next to gates D2-D3.
Services
- Restaurants and cafes
- Market
- Shops and Duty Free
- Chargers for electronic devices
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Traveler's assistance
- Pet relief areas
- Children's entertainment area
- Shoe shine
- Baggage carts
- Medical services
- Baggage wrapping
User Experience:
Terminal 2, mainly operated by Delta, shares the reputation of being one of the best at the airport, with more modern and cleaner facilities. The presence of the Delta Sky Club is a great attraction for eligible travelers. However, it is not without criticism. Some passengers point out that the seats are particularly uncomfortable, with very reclined backrests that make it difficult to rest. In addition, problems with cleanliness and maintenance in the bathrooms and a lack of drinking water fountains have been reported.
Terminal 3
Image from Youtube
Terminal 3, which is assigned the color purple, is on the west end and consists of 2 concourses, E and F, with 20 gates.
- Concourse E, at the north end, gates E1-E10
- Concourse F, at the south end, gates F1-F10
It is linked to Terminal 4 via a pedestrian connector bridge. With the exception of international arrivals, passengers do not need to go through security again.
Level 2
On this level, you can access boarding, check-in counters, and the two security checkpoints for the concourses.
Level 1
On the lower level are the arrivals and baggage claim areas.
Airlines
American Airlines - Avelo Airlines - Azul Linhas Aéreas - BermudAir - El Al - Flair Airlines - JetBlue - Sun Country Airlines
VIP Lounges
Escape Lounges - The Centurion Studio Partner, located between concourses E and F.
Services
- Restaurants and cafes
- Shops, including duty-free items
- Chargers for electronic devices
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Medical services
- Pet relief areas
- Traveler's assistance
- Shoe shine
- Baggage carts
- Prayer room
- Baggage wrapping and storage
User Experience:
Terminal 3 receives consistent criticism for being outdated and poorly equipped. Passengers frequently describe it as dirty, especially in Concourse F, with overcrowded waiting areas where it is almost impossible to find a seat. The food offering is extremely limited and of low quality, and the facilities in general, including the bathrooms, are often in poor condition. Its main advantage is the post-security connection to Terminal 4, although this does not compensate for the poor experience that many report.
Terminal 4
Image from Youtube
Terminal 4, assigned the color green, is located at the southwest end of the premises and consists of a single concourse (G) with 14 gates (G1-G14).
It is connected to Terminal 3 via a pedestrian bridge. With the exception of international arrivals, passengers do not need to go through security again.
Level 2
Access to the boarding area and check-in counters.
Level 1
Here are the arrivals and baggage claim areas, as well as a security checkpoint.
Airlines
Air Transat - Flair Airlines - Porter Airlines - Spirit Airlines
Services
- Restaurants and cafes
- Shops
- Chargers for electronic devices
- Nursing room
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Prepaid phone cards
- Post office
- Pet relief areas
- Children's play area
- Baggage carts
- Baggage wrapping and storage
- Pharmacy
User Experience:
Being the main hub for Spirit, Terminal 4 shares many of the criticisms of Terminal 3. Travelers complain about the lack of maintenance, with charging stations that do not work, dirty bathrooms without basic supplies like toilet paper. The food options are scarce and of low quality. The atmosphere is often described as chaotic and overcrowded. The lack of clear signage to other terminals is also a point of frustration for connecting passengers.
Security and customs
FLL airport has 5 security checkpoints with variable hours.
- Terminal 1:
Central Concourse (A, B, C) - Terminal 2:
Concourse D - Terminal 3:
Concourse E
Concourse F - Terminal 4:
Concourse G
To check the security checkpoint hours, go HERE.
TSA PreCheck Hours
To find out the operating hours of TSA PreCheck, go HERE.
NOTE: For international arrivals, whether the United States is the final destination or a connection point, passengers must undergo immigration and customs procedures.
Comfort and general services in the terminals
User Experience:
Opinions about general comfort are very polarized. While some travelers consider FLL to be an efficient and well-equipped airport, a significant majority point to key deficiencies. The lack of sufficient seating and functional outlets is a constant complaint, which turns long waits into an uncomfortable experience, with passengers sleeping on the floor. Cleanliness is inconsistent; some see it as a "modern and clean" airport, while others call it "disgusting," citing dirty bathrooms and disorganized terminals. The lack of air conditioning in certain areas and the constant noise also detract from the overall experience.