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Tips, Recommendations, and Precautions
The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is one of the busiest in South Florida, with a high presence of low-cost airlines and a strategic location. However, the passenger experience can be highly variable. To avoid setbacks and improve your time at the airport, here are practical tips and recommendations based on the real experiences of thousands of travelers.
Critical Points / Traveler's Handbook
The Golden Rule: Arrive with Plenty of Extra Time
Do not underestimate FLL. The traffic to get there, the long check-in lines (especially with low-cost airlines), and the unpredictable efficiency of the TSA are the three factors that cause the most problems. The only safe strategy is to arrive with more time than you think you need.
Prepare for Inconsistent Customer Service
The most cross-cutting complaint, from airline counters to security and shops, is the lack of friendliness and professionalism of the staff. Do not expect proactive treatment. Be polite but firm, and have all your documentation handy to be self-sufficient.
The Terminal Defines Your Experience
FLL is an airport of two realities. Terminals 1 and 2 are generally more modern and pleasant. Terminals 3 and 4 (hubs for JetBlue and Spirit) are consistently criticized for being outdated, dirty, and with very limited services. If you can choose your airline based on the terminal, do so.
If You Travel at Night, Be Self-Sufficient
Most restaurants and shops close early. If your flight is at night or is delayed, it is very likely that you will not find anything open. Bring your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to not depend on an almost non-existent offer.
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⏳ Arrival at the airport: time and transport
🚗 Arrive with enough time
Security lines and traffic at the entrance can be unpredictable.
- Domestic flights: Arrive at least 2.5 hours before takeoff.
- International flights: Consider 3 to 3.5 hours in advance.
- If you are traveling with Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant: These airlines concentrate the highest number of complaints for extremely slow check-in lines. Add an extra 30-45 minutes to your planning.
🚦 Prepare for traffic at the entrance
Reviews agree that the traffic to enter the airport can be very dense.
- Pickup alternative: If someone is picking you up, a great tip from users is to coordinate the meeting on the upper level (Departures), which is usually much less congested than Arrivals.
- Parking: Do not trust the signs for available spaces; they are often incorrect.
💡 Tip: If you use Uber or Lyft, fares can rise considerably during peak hours. Compare prices and consider taxis, although their service is also inconsistent.
🎟️ Check-in and security: avoid unnecessary delays
🏷️ Avoid problems with luggage
Low-cost airlines are especially strict with baggage policies.
- Weigh your suitcase at home: Airlines like Spirit may weigh your carry-on at the boarding gate and charge you exorbitant fees if you exceed the limit.
- Baggage claim: The waits to receive your suitcase on the carousel are notoriously long. If you can, travel with only carry-on luggage for a quicker exit.
🚀 TSA PreCheck and Clear: a useful investment
If you travel frequently from FLL, TSA PreCheck or Clear can be your best allies to avoid the long and slow standard security lines.
💡 Tip: Even with PreCheck, the efficiency of the TSA at FLL is variable. Don't be overconfident and always arrive with time to spare.
🍽️ Food and services: plan ahead
🥪 Eat before you arrive or choose where to eat wisely
The dining offer is very uneven.
- Terminals 1 and 2: They have the best and most varied options.
- Terminals 3 and 4: The offer is very limited, of lower quality, and the establishments close early.
💡 Tip: If you have a night flight, assume you will not find anything open to eat. Bring your own food or eat before going to the airport.
🔌 Battery and Wi-Fi: be self-sufficient
The free Wi-Fi is functional, but do not count on being able to charge your devices.
- Charging stations: Many outlets are broken or do not work. It is one of the most common complaints.
- Alternative: Always bring a fully charged portable battery (power bank).
🛋️ VIP Lounges: an option with nuances
If you are looking for a quieter space, FLL has some VIP lounges:
- Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2) and United Club (Terminal 1) are exclusive to eligible passengers and apply a strict rule of no admission until 3 hours before the flight.
- Escape Lounge (Terminal 3) is open to everyone by payment or with programs like Priority Pass, but it fills up very quickly.
💡 Tip: There are no VIP lounges in Terminal 4. If you are flying from there, this is not an option for you.
🚕 Transportation when leaving FLL: which option to choose
🚗 Car rental: patience is key
If you plan to rent a vehicle, keep in mind that:
- The lines can be very long, especially at low-cost agencies (Thrifty, Dollar, Budget, etc.), with waits of over an hour.
- Document everything: Take photos and videos of the car before leaving to protect yourself from charges for pre-existing damage.
- Refuse the extras: Be prepared for aggressive sales of insurance and toll passes. Research your coverage beforehand and stand firm.
💡 Tip: If your time is valuable, consider paying a little more for companies like Enterprise or National, which have a consistently faster service.