FLL flight Departure Times

[jame]

Can anyone tell me a *safe* departure time out of Ft Lauderdale airport? And, is it better to take the ship's airport transfer or a cab? HAL suggest not doing a flight before 1pm... but I was hoping to make it a little earlier. Any thoughts???

[jhannah]

While some think 11:00 is okay, noon is close enough for me. If one person doesn't report to Immigration on time, then disembarkation can be delayed. The airport is less than 15 minutes away via cab...and that's definitely the cheaper and best way to get there. You will find ample cabs outside. If there are a good number of cruise ships in port, then the security lines at the airport will be very lengthy. It took us 50 minutes to get through security after our cruise in February. I feel it's best to kill a little time at the airport if needed vs. sweating if you're going to get there in time to make your flight. Why stress out at the end of a beautiful cruise vacation? Good luck.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Saturdays and Sundays out of Ft Lauderale are horrendous during the winter months!!! Lots of cruise ships in those days,

If you are flying out on either of those days - pick a 1 PM or later flight.

Don't even think about a HAL transfer - HAL charges TOO much.

Take a cab - there will be lots of taxis outside the terminal.

When you get the information sheet in your cabin about travel arrangements - just take off a couple of hours from actual flight time - HAL doesn't doesn't have the time to check all schedules.