10:45 am flight out of MIA

[Froufie]

I know, I know - it is best to book something after noon - which I usually do. My tendency is to book later afternoon flights to avoid stressing out and/or missing a flight however in order to cruise I need to save some bucks so trying to use some airmiles and the latest return time available is 10:45 am out of Miami.

I am able to use the Platimum VIP disembarkation (which I have not have to take advantage of before) and hoping that this might help me get off the ship and to the airport in time (as well I have noted that while waiting in the airport lines, airline personnel have been seen calling out pending flights, getting those people out of the long lineups and expedited thru security and to their gates!). I am planning to get a cab to the airport.

Anyone have experience with VIP disembarkation? What time were you able to get to the airport?

I know if the ship has issues clearing customs and/or if customs/immigration takes too long I am be in trouble but given the $122 cost of this ticket vs. approx $600 for a 'paid' ticket I am seriously considering taking my chances.....your thoughts?

[okgirl]

I think you are taking a huge risk. Miami is notorious for delayed debarkation.

Having said that I always do VIP self assist and in most ports I'm off the ship by 7:30 or so. But the last time I was in Miami there were problems with customs and we weren't off until almost 1:30.

If we hadn't been flying American and used the luggage express option there would have been no way to get a taxi and get bags checked and through security in time. As it was we already had our boarding passes, taxied to the airport and could go straight through security and literally right on to the plane.

[MEOWSMURPHY]

Nope..I wouldn't do it...you would have to be at the airport by 9:45am...last three times I've debarked in Miami we have not made it to the airport prior to 11am and that was the earliest...used self debark and still were late...missed one flight altogether and that was a 1:15 flight...we had to be inline by 12:15 and got there at 12:20 and they would NOT budge...ticked me off for sure...if we sail from Miami I won't look at anything departing prior to 2pm..less stress and at my age that's a good thing

[jimbo5544]

I agree, why put yourself through all of that hurry up and worry. Take a later flight.

[A&Jfamily]

Wouldn't do it. We had a 12:30 flight out of Miami and ogt off the ship early - the line was like trying to get into a rock concert - it was taking hours to check people in. The only reason we made our flight was my mother is handicapped and needed special assistance.

[nbsjcruiser]

Originally Posted by Froufie

I know, I know - it is best to book something after noon - which I usually do. My tendency is to book later afternoon flights to avoid stressing out and/or missing a flight however in order to cruise I need to save some bucks so trying to use some airmiles and the latest return time available is 10:45 am out of Miami.

I am able to use the Platimum VIP disembarkation (which I have not have to take advantage of before) and hoping that this might help me get off the ship and to the airport in time (as well I have noted that while waiting in the airport lines, airline personnel have been seen calling out pending flights, getting those people out of the long lineups and expedited thru security and to their gates!). I am planning to get a cab to the airport.

Anyone have experience with VIP disembarkation? What time were you able to get to the airport?

I know if the ship has issues clearing customs and/or if customs/immigration takes too long I am be in trouble but given the $122 cost of this ticket vs. approx $600 for a 'paid' ticket I am seriously considering taking my chances.....your thoughts?

Well, I don't think you'll make it but what happens if you miss it? Will they simply put you on the next available flight? If so then I'd go for it with the idea that "I'll never make it but that's ok because I'll fly later for the $122 anyway". Now, if you have to pay extra then you better find out how much that will be or could be and factor that in. Be interesting to see if you do make it. Post back and let us know.

[jimbo5544]

Originally Posted by nbsjcruiser

Well, I don't think you'll make it but what happens if you miss it? Will they simply put you on the next available flight? If so then I'd go for it with the idea that "I'll never make it but that's ok because I'll fly later for the $122 anyway". Now, if you have to pay extra then you better find out how much that will be or could be and factor that in. Be interesting to see if you do make it. Post back and let us know.

or even if you can get on the next flight

[janie315]

We had a 10:45 a.m. flight out of Miami last Sunday. We got off the ship in Ft. Lauderdale at 7:45 am....went thru customs got to our van and we were in MIA airport at 8:30 a.m. We took our own luggage off ourself. I am doing this same flight in January but will be sailing out of Mia and not FT. Lauderdale so it should even be closer.

[KruznKel]

Originally Posted by Froufie

I know, I know - it is best to book something after noon - which I usually do. My tendency is to book later afternoon flights to avoid stressing out and/or missing a flight however in order to cruise I need to save some bucks so trying to use some airmiles and the latest return time available is 10:45 am out of Miami.

I am able to use the Platimum VIP disembarkation (which I have not have to take advantage of before) and hoping that this might help me get off the ship and to the airport in time (as well I have noted that while waiting in the airport lines, airline personnel have been seen calling out pending flights, getting those people out of the long lineups and expedited thru security and to their gates!). I am planning to get a cab to the airport.

Anyone have experience with VIP disembarkation? What time were you able to get to the airport?

I know if the ship has issues clearing customs and/or if customs/immigration takes too long I am be in trouble but given the $122 cost of this ticket vs. approx $600 for a 'paid' ticket I am seriously considering taking my chances.....your thoughts?

We have done 11AM flights from FLL both in Jan and April after docking in MIA and made it no problem to FLL by 830AM.. that was doing self assist.. I honestly don't see a problem if you get off the ship right away you will be fine.. the only problem that would be beyond your control which I am sure you are aware of and the other posters mentioned is if the ship is late or there is problems with customs... I would go for it tho.. I get ya on the airfare!!! Hey you could be my neighbour.. lovely weather today here isn't it.. atleast it isn't cold

[steveaaaaa]

Originally Posted by Froufie

I know, I know - it is best to book something after noon - which I usually do. My tendency is to book later afternoon flights to avoid stressing out and/or missing a flight however in order to cruise I need to save some bucks so trying to use some airmiles and the latest return time available is 10:45 am out of Miami.

I am able to use the Platimum VIP disembarkation (which I have not have to take advantage of before) and hoping that this might help me get off the ship and to the airport in time (as well I have noted that while waiting in the airport lines, airline personnel have been seen calling out pending flights, getting those people out of the long lineups and expedited thru security and to their gates!). I am planning to get a cab to the airport.

Anyone have experience with VIP disembarkation? What time were you able to get to the airport?

I know if the ship has issues clearing customs and/or if customs/immigration takes too long I am be in trouble but given the $122 cost of this ticket vs. approx $600 for a 'paid' ticket I am seriously considering taking my chances.....your thoughts?

I am surprised with the number of posts you have that you would even ask this question.

Never the less, I would try it. I would also buy fully refundable tickets on the next flight in case you miss the first flight.If you make the 1st flight cancel the tickets for a refund.If you miss the 1st flight, see if you can get on the second flight.....cancel the tickets anyways because all you wanted to do was hold those seats.

Steve

[steveaaaaa]

Originally Posted by janie315

We had a 10:45 a.m. flight out of Miami last Sunday. We got off the ship in Ft. Lauderdale at 7:45 am....went thru customs got to our van and we were in MIA airport at 8:30 a.m. We took our own luggage off ourself. I am doing this same flight in January but will be sailing out of Mia and not FT. Lauderdale so it should even be closer.

Depends on the gates and flight times of other planes.The security lines cane be bad at MIA at certian times and it is hit or miss.If I had a choice between getting off a ship and going to FLL or MIA, I would choose FLL even though its farther away.
Steve

[Nunu]

I`d go for it. Remember in Miami you`ll be going through the non-US citizens line and that combined with VIP status should get you through it quickly...

[Froufie]

Originally Posted by Nunu

I`d go for it. Remember in Miami you`ll be going through the non-US citizens line and that combined with VIP status should get you through it quickly...

Never thought of that!

KruznKel - where are you located? We have horrid drizzly rain right now and hoping it lets up before tomorrow night (you know you live in Canada when your Hallowe'en costume needs to fit over your snowsuit )

Thanks to everyone for their insights and comments - no I would not normally choose to do this but thought I would hear what others had experienced. Will try and find out what happens if I do miss the flight - but my tendency will be to err on the side of caution and shell out the big bucks if required

Here in Canada there is really not much airline competition so no super duper deals to Miami - esp in the winter - I would consider anything under $500 US reasonable (how sad is that?). Wonder if I can try and make that back in the casino? ha ha ha

[KruznKel]

Originally Posted by Froufie

Never thought of that!

KruznKel - where are you located? We have horrid drizzly rain right now and hoping it lets up before tomorrow night (you know you live in Canada when your Hallowe'en costume needs to fit over your snowsuit )

Thanks to everyone for their insights and comments - no I would not normally choose to do this but thought I would hear what others had experienced. Will try and find out what happens if I do miss the flight - but my tendency will be to err on the side of caution and shell out the big bucks if required

Here in Canada there is really not much airline competition so no super duper deals to Miami - esp in the winter - I would consider anything under $500 US reasonable (how sad is that?). Wonder if I can try and make that back in the casino? ha ha ha

I am east end Ottawa.. same this way.. supposed to rain tomorrow but atleast be mild.. no winter coats needed tomorrow..

You do have the NON US line as mentioned you will be fine.. we have had flights from MIA as well and it wasnt that bad.. Personally I would take the FF points flight then forking out $500 ..you do get insurance for a reason...

[big_duck]

Originally Posted by Froufie

I know, I know - it is best to book something after noon - which I usually do. My tendency is to book later afternoon flights to avoid stressing out and/or missing a flight however in order to cruise I need to save some bucks so trying to use some airmiles and the latest return time available is 10:45 am out of Miami.

I am able to use the Platimum VIP disembarkation (which I have not have to take advantage of before) and hoping that this might help me get off the ship and to the airport in time (as well I have noted that while waiting in the airport lines, airline personnel have been seen calling out pending flights, getting those people out of the long lineups and expedited thru security and to their gates!). I am planning to get a cab to the airport.

Anyone have experience with VIP disembarkation? What time were you able to get to the airport?

I know if the ship has issues clearing customs and/or if customs/immigration takes too long I am be in trouble but given the $122 cost of this ticket vs. approx $600 for a 'paid' ticket I am seriously considering taking my chances.....your thoughts?

Look at flights out of Syracuse and save some serious coin. It's only a couple of hours drive away.

[scchasgal]

Originally Posted by Froufie

(you know you live in Canada when your Hallowe'en costume needs to fit over your snowsuit )

Oh memories lived in Kanata for over 30 years

[blueslily]

Wow, I too am surprised by all the folks who say, NO, don't even try it.

I left the Miami port in August and got to FLL for a 10:30am flight with no issue at all.

Your price difference is huge. taht's the same reason why I took the risk.

I just took my own luggage off the ship. I was ready right when the ship docked. I was told the earliest time to get off was 7:30am, I was actually standing outside by 7:45. No problem at all.

You may want to find out how much it will cost to get on a flight if you miss your flight.

[cruisincountrygirl]

Originally Posted by janie315

We had a 10:45 a.m. flight out of Miami last Sunday. We got off the ship in Ft. Lauderdale at 7:45 am....went thru customs got to our van and we were in MIA airport at 8:30 a.m. We took our own luggage off ourself. I am doing this same flight in January but will be sailing out of Mia and not FT. Lauderdale so it should even be closer.

We did the same thing with our last cruise--we weren't flying, but we had a LONG drive ahead of us. We didn't let anyone carry anything for us (which made it interesting walking off the ship), but all things considered we only had to go a short way and we were off the ship, and the vehicle and headed off by 8:45.

[teach21566]

It's a huge risk, take my experience. Somehow I misjudged getting to the MIA airport, got stuck in traffic, delayed at car rental, but we got at MIA 45 mins prior to plane taking off. When we got to where we check our baggage, the porter told us we were too late, eventhough it was still 45mins out. We told them to put the bags on next flight, and we would just pick up when we got home. We ran across the airport, got stuck in security behind a huge line that snaked in and out of the ropes, when we got up to the scanners I could hear our name being called. Ran to the boarding area, and eventhough it was still 5 mins before take off they would not let us board. Long story short, if we wanted to fly out before Tuesday(it was Sunday), we would fly standby, and all flights were full. We ended up purchasing tickets at $3300 for 4 of us( plus the 1600 we already paid) I had trip insurance but it does not cover the reason for missing our flight. SO it is a risk, and when the airlines say arrrive at least an hour before your flight departs they mean it!!!!

[Froufie]

KruznKel - I am in Nepean - but we are still neighbours!

Big duck - Ya I know it's cheaper from Syracuse but don't want to chance the drive in january! And as much as he is a sweetheart I don't think my dh wants to drive me there - drive back to ottawa and then pick me up a week later!

Scchasgal - so no more costumes over snowsuits? Kanata is really really built up now and a very large and growing community with many excellent resources!

Well - now I am more confused than ever - I do have travel insurance but as mentioned not sure if 'missing the flight' cuz it took to long to disembark etc would be a 'valid' reason for reimbursement! I am watching prices now in hopes of finding something reasonable if not I might have to try the 10;45 flight (keeping all fingers and toes crossed and making use of platinum debarkation!).