Ft. Lauderdale or Miami?

Lisa · #1 (**permalink**) January 8th, 2002, 01:04 PM

Hello. I am trying to decide on airline reservations for April for a cruise out of Miami. Is it really better and cheaper to fly into Ft. Lauderdale instead of Miami? I have never been to Florida, and am travelling with my 67 yr old mother and my 8 yr old son. Any advice would be appreciated.

Lisa

#2 (**permalink**) January 8th, 2002, 02:05 PM

Check expedia.com and orbitz.com. It'll give you a good idea of the difference. Just be aware that it is around 30 miles from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, and that could equal an hour in a car, depending on traffic.

Lisa · #3 (**permalink**) January 8th, 2002, 02:35 PM

Hi. Thank you very much for the reply. I am travelling the day before the cruise, so time shouldn't be a problem. It's more a matter of money and the fact people say the Miami airport is worse.

Lisa

Donna · #4 (**permalink**) January 8th, 2002, 08:19 PM

Hi Lisa,
I've only flew once now since 9-11 and I didn't think the Ft. Lauderdale airport would be as hectic as Miami, wrong! Definately look into the price differences and figure in the transportation cost from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami, it may be easier and cheaper to go to Miami?? They definately need more security machines and workers at the Ft. Lauderdale airport, but it may of been worse because of traveling so close to the holidays???
Took us an hour to get through security there, and only 2 machines and few workers??? Not sure how it is in Miami, but also remember the distance you will still have to travel.

Enjoy your Cruise

Donna
Tuesday Chat Host

Lisa · #5 (**permalink**) January 9th, 2002, 08:07 AM

Hi. Thanks so much for the help. I have ended up deciding on Miami. The rate was the same, and I don't have the transportation worries.

Lisa

Donna · #6 (**permalink**) January 9th, 2002, 09:18 AM

Hi Lisa,
I think you made the right decision, have a great time!

Donna
Tuesday Chat Host

#7 (**permalink**) January 9th, 2002, 01:15 PM

Hi Donna,

Welcome back! I fly in and out of both airports all the time. My major complaint with Miami is the length of time it takes to get your luggage. But Ft. Lauderdale has many problems. Slow (always) security and remember, this is where Anne Campbell had her terrifying experience with the unlicensed taxi driver. Miami has taxi dispatchers so that doesn't happen there. There are some great rates going into Ft. Lauderdale, however, I would rent an Avis car, drive it to Miami which is quite close, and drop it off at the Avis pier location the next day.

Carole

Donna · #8 (**permalink**) January 9th, 2002, 08:05 PM

Hi Carole,
How are U? Thanks for the airport tips, will have to remember that. I will say, it was nice cruising out of Ft. Lauderdale and having the pier and airport so close together, just a slow airport.

Thanks,

Donna
Tuesday Chat Host