Miami International Airport (MIA) is massive and busy, but manages to offer enough to travelers that it doesn’t seem to be as bland and hellish as other large U.S. airports.
Like Miami itself, MIA has a Latin flare in its shops and eateries, which makes you feel like you’re somewhere exotic even when you’re just passing through. Although touted as a 24-hour airport, things do shut down a bit at night depending on flight schedules as each terminal, and if you have a little time to spend between flights it’s helpful to have a bit of an idea of how to spend your time there.
From where to eat to how to keep kids entertained in the airport, here are a few patented aloSIM airport hacks to help you on your travels …
Unusual amenities to help you chill out
Need to recharge after a stressful flight? Head to the MIA Yoga Room, a tranquil space open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. where you can stretch out your limbs and work through your sun salutations. Yoga mats are provided.
Look out for the airport therapy dogs roaming the concourses. The program, which has the awesome name of The Miami Hound Machine, is developed to help calm stressed travelers.
Traveling with kids? Plane Fun is an interactive playground developed with the Miami Children’s Museum that’s a great spot to explore and burn off some energy between flights.
Make the most of a long layover
If you have more than five hours at MIA, that should be long enough to take a quick trip into Miami (one of the most fun cities to visit in the U.S.). Pick an area such as South Beach where you can admire all the beautiful people on white sands or have a quick dip in the warm ocean, wander the art decor glamour of Ocean Drive, or head to the galleries and boutiques of the super cool Design District.
Overnighting in Miami? There are plenty of great deals to be found on last-minute booking apps, or you could stay at one of the four hotels inside the airport (or the many others located close by and accessed via free shuttles). These hotels will usually offer day rates, too, so if you need to recuperate between flights and just want a proper shower and place to work or nap, that can be a great option.
There are a bunch of lounges at MIA that you can access with your first-class or business-class ticket, but also a few that you can access by purchasing a lounge pass when availability allows. These can be great for grabbing a shower, unlimited food and drinks, and more comfortable seating for long layovers — and will be cheaper than a day-rate at a hotel.
The best places to eat and drink
MIA has some awesome spots to indulge your tastebuds, with most of the best places being located in the flashy newer Terminal D.
Beaudevin Wine Bar is a Belgian import (there’s one at Brussels airport) that serves fine wines, cheeses, and small plates, It’s a fab place to spend a little time and feels rather sophisticated. At the other end of the booze scale, the Jose Cuervo Tequileria is a fun spot for outsized margaritas and Mexican food. There’s great Cuban food to be found at Ku-Va, and Southern Soul food at Spring Chicken. The Concrete Beach Brewery is a good spot to grab a local craft beer or two.
With a little insider intel, you may get to enjoy your little bit of time at MIA and hopefully come away with a little of how Miami itself feels.
