8 Hour Layover in MIA....

[Jamaican Wifey]

American airlines cancelled our early flight Now we arrive in MIA at 5AM and don't hop on the plane for MBJ untill 1PM! What should we do to keep busy and make the best of the situation? Any ideas/suggestions on places to go close to the airport?

[redinthehead]

We had an 8 hour wait last year, brought a lap top and wacthed Movies via Netflix and people wachted. Time went by pretty fast.

[Vickyj]

Get Breakfast

[yazmon]

On the concourse, that American flies out of, there is a Mojito Bar. Have a couple of those and you won't care what happens.

During one of our layovers in Miami we split one. Very strong. It was in a 16 oz plastic cup, filled to the top with rum and then just a splash of club soda. Tasty, but strong!!

[Gary_and_Patti]

AA cancelled our flight as well so rather that accept the late flight, we cancelled the whole flight and booked with AirTran to MBJ. It arrives at 11:06. We then rebooked the same AA return flight. AA refunded our money without a problem. We noticed that the early flight is back on the schdule so we booked it for April and we will keep our fingers crossed. Durning the five hour layover last time, we tried to sleep but it was freezing in the Miami terminal!

[MnK]

I don't like leaving the airport. But if you're adventerous you could check out South Beach.

[janeyb]

We always make a 10:05am connection to MoBay, arriving at 11:40am. Good luck!!!

[travandamy]

Two words....airport lounge!!!

[KrisJamie]

First class? We have a 6hr layover this year and plan on drinks and a nap in the lounge.

[drbcwp]

wow, 8 hours. You could visit south beach but not much happening there in the early hours but it is very nice.

It costs about $25 ea way for a cab to South Beach and only about 20 minutes depending on traffic

There is a nice open mall w/ Hard Rock near the cruise port terminal

[BobandJudy]

Hang out at the American Airlines Admirals Lounge. Almost all lounges sell "day passes" to anyone who has a ticket on that airline. The price can range anywhere from $30-$50/per person. Sounds steep, but for an 8 hour layover, you'll have a place where you can stretch out, get drinks and snacks, read, watch TV, and have internet access. You can also leave your carryon luggage in the lounge if you want to explore the airport or go have a meal. This way you don't have to drag your carryons through the terminal.

[ct ti fan]

We spent 4 hrs there. Hung out, drank a few mojitos. The one thing we didn't have with us was a light jacket or sweater as it was summer. The airport was freezing!

[Enjoythebeach]

You don't have to accept the change. See if you can cancel and rebook with another airline. I've done this several times when airlines change the flights. You will not get penalized. Hopefully this will work out for you.

[Captain Jim]

There is a "club" at the top of the Intercontinental hotel right in the airport. I can't remember how much the entry fee was but it had a nice restaurant and swimming pool and quiet place to read.

[Jamaican Wifey]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. We're still undecided, so keep them coming!