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Any suggestions on how much time I should allow for my wife's connecting flight in Miami.  I found one flight with 2 hours, one with 3 hours 40 min, and one 4 hours 30 minutes.

I am considering the middle one because I don't want her to feel rushed etc.  I would prefer the two hour though.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

The 3 hours 40 min would be the safer as suggested below.  I always use the shortest layover however - if there is a snag she would be able to catch a later flight.  With that visa in hand she can use the US resident lines (right side in Miami) - she does not have to wait in the long non-resident lines.  If she speaks english she should pass quickly.  Make sure she does not carry anything unknowingly prohibited - last time I witnessed a nice elderly lady who was stopped by the FDA dogs in the baggage claim area - she had a couple of small seemingly harmless plants in her bags - bad idea, I guarantee she did not catch a connecting flight!

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003


might want to opt for the longer one since I hear Miami customs is a pain. I don't know for sure, But I heard a lady that frequently travles there from Colombia and she was complaining about the Miami airport.   Better for her to maybe have to wait a while than to miss her flight and then have to wait hours if not another day.

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

Definitely allow at least 3 hours for your wife to clear immigration, gather her bags, clear customs, recheck her baggage and then find her departure gate...

I came through Miami last week with a 2 hours layover and I barely made my connection... The security folks in customs took everything out of my bags and checked it all for explosive residue... It was a first for me...

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

[This message has been edited by lswote]

Nevermind, I didn't notice the thread below.

Anyway, I would leave more than 2 hours, as the time through baggage and customs will probably run over an hour, maybe two.

... in response to Time between Flights, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

I would go with the 3 hr. 40 minute.  I think two hours would be pushing it and you might miss the connection.  It took my wife around 2-3 hours from what I remember and I do not recall hearing it being done in less than two hours.

... in response to Re: Time between Flights, posted by Edge on May 20, 2003

Thanks guys, I am going with the 3hr 40 min.  I was hoping you would say 2 hours is more than enough time, but if I have waited this long, I am sure I can squeeze another couple hours into it.  Also I hadn't noticed when I asked this question, that the nation is now on level Orange alert.  I am sure this could slow things down also.

Thanks.