Tips, Recommendations, and Precautions

How Passengers Can Maximize Their Experience at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL)

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is one of the busiest in South Florida, with a strong presence of low-cost airlines and a strategic location for travelers heading to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and cruises at Port Everglades. However, due to its growth and certain infrastructure limitations, the passenger experience can be quite variable, depending on the time of day, airline, and travel season.

To avoid issues and improve your experience, here are practical tips and recommendations based on real passenger experiences from those who have flown to or from FLL.

⏳ Arrival at the Airport: Timing and Transportation

🚗 Arrive with Enough Time

FLL may be more manageable than Miami International (MIA), but security lines and entrance traffic can still be unpredictable, especially during peak hours.

• Domestic flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
• International flights: Consider 2.5 to 3 hours in advance due to security and customs delays.
• If traveling with Spirit or Southwest: These airlines have many flights at FLL, so lines tend to be longer.

🚦 Watch Out for Entrance Traffic

Reviews agree that traffic entering the airport can become chaotic during high-demand times.

• Most congested hours: 6:00 - 9:00 AM and 4:00 - 7:00 PM.
• Weekends and peak season: Increased traffic due to tourists and cruise passengers.
• Alternative: Consider using Tri-Rail or a shuttle if traveling from Miami or nearby cities.

💡 Tip: If using Uber or Lyft, fares can rise significantly during peak hours. Book in advance or compare prices with local taxis.

🎟️ Check-in and Security: Avoid Unnecessary Delays

🏷️ Avoid Baggage Issues

FLL has strict security checks, and some passengers have reported additional screenings in certain cases.

• Carry-on luggage: Avoid carrying liquids over 100 ml and ensure your luggage meets size requirements.
• Checked luggage: Spirit and some low-cost airlines weigh luggage at the gate and may charge extra fees if you exceed the limit.
• Random checks: Passengers have reported that TSA at FLL frequently inspects carry-on luggage and electronics.

🚀 Fast Track and TSA PreCheck: A Useful Option

If you frequently travel from FLL, it may be worth considering TSA PreCheck or Clear to expedite security checks.

• TSA PreCheck: Allows you to pass through security without removing shoes or belts.
• Clear: Uses biometric identification and can reduce wait times.

💡 Tip: If traveling during peak season, check security wait times on the FLL website before leaving.

🍽️ Food and Services: Limited Options in Some Terminals

🥪 Eat Before Arriving or Choose Wisely

Reviews highlight that FLL's food options are limited, especially in some terminals.

• Terminal 1: Some decent options like Shake Shack and Pei Wei Asian Kitchen.
• Terminal 2 and 3: Starbucks and a few restaurants.
• Terminal 4: Mostly fast food.

💡 Tip: If you have time before heading to the airport, eating outside may be a better option, as prices at FLL are often higher than expected.

🔌 Outlets and Wi-Fi: Not Always Easy to Find

The free Wi-Fi at FLL is functional, but many passengers have noted that charging stations are not always available.

• Areas with more outlets: Near boarding gates in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Alternative: Bring a portable charger if you need to charge devices before boarding.

Lounges: An Alternative for Greater Comfort

If you prefer a quieter space to wait, FLL has some VIP lounges:

• Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2): For eligible Delta passengers.
• United Club (Terminal 1): Exclusive to United customers.
• Escape Lounge (Terminal 3): Open to all with payment or Priority Pass access.

💡 Tip: There are no lounges in Terminal 4, and the Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 can fill up quickly. If you have access with Priority Pass or Amex Platinum, it may be worth it.

🎒 Luggage and Customs: Slower Processes for International Flights

🛄 Estimated Baggage Claim Time

Passenger experiences show that baggage claim at FLL can take longer than expected during certain times.

• Domestic flights: 15-30 minutes on average.
• International flights: Can take up to 45 minutes or more, especially in Terminal 4.

💡 Tip: If you have a connection or plan to take a cruise after your flight, leave enough time in your itinerary.

🌍 Immigration and Customs: Variable Wait Times

International flights at FLL use Terminal 4, and reviews show that immigration and customs can be slow.

• Peak immigration hours: Mornings and afternoons, when flights from South America and the Caribbean arrive.
• Use of automated kiosks: Can speed up the process, but some passengers have reported they don’t always work properly.

💡 Tip: If you’re arriving from an international flight and need to make a connection, leave at least 2 hours between flights as the terminals are separate and there is no internal train, plus allow some margin in case your first leg is delayed. Additionally, if you’re arriving from an international flight and have a domestic connection, you must collect your luggage and go through security again, which can take extra time.

🚕 Transportation After FLL: Which Option to Choose

🚗 Car Rentals: Book in Advance

If you plan to rent a car at FLL, keep in mind that:

• Lines can be long, especially during peak season.
• Lower prices if you book in advance.
• Rental agencies are outside the terminal, but shuttles are available for transfers.

💡 Tip: If you arrive late at night, confirm with the rental agency if they will be open to avoid issues.

🚌 Shuttles and Public Transportation

FLL offers several transportation options to Miami and other cities:

• Tri-Rail: Affordable connection to Miami and West Palm Beach.
• Cruise shuttles: Some cruise lines offer direct transportation from the airport.
• Broward County Transit: Limited public bus options.

💡 Tip: If taking a shuttle or public transportation, check schedules and availability, as some routes do not operate 24/7.