At the height of holiday spirit and end of the year vacations, travelers must be ready to board their flights and reach their destinations.

And here in South Florida, busy airports during this time of the year are not something new.

Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) project the following dates to be the busiest out of the high-traffic season: Sunday, Dec 28, followed by Dec 19, 20, 21, 27, and 29.

With seemingly higher records of travelers and some changes in TSA policies, here are some tips to make sure you make that flight with as little delay as possible.

While many South Florida families spent Christmas Day at home opening gifts or gathering around the table, thousands of travelers marked the holiday shuffling through airport terminals. However, many said the experience was smoother than expected. NBC6’s Chernéy Amhara reports.

Check-in

Officials at MIA and FLL recommend that you arrive as early as three hours before your flight. This is to ensure enough time for parking, airline check-in, and the security screening process.

MIA also recommends travelers do their check-in process online.

Both South Florida airports have mobile apps that provide flight updates, parking information and much more.

Parking

With such a huge volume of traffic, parking is sure to become an issue.

A new parking garage opened up in MIA, expanding to a total of 10,500 spaces, the most the airport has ever had.

Discounted parking is available at MIA’s Economy Park and Ride lot.

For those that want to pick up friends or family at MIA, located just off LeJeune Road and Northwest 31st Street, there is a Cell Phone Waiting Lot that offers 60 parking spaces free of charge.

FLL offers long-term parking ($20 per day) and short-term parking ($2 per 20 minutes, with a $36 daily limit).

TSA Screenings

Some new changes have gone into effect this 2025 when it comes to TSA.

Since July 2025, passengers traveling domestically do not need to take their shoes off at any TSA checkpoints.

Beginning in May 2025, the REAL ID Act was enforced and travelers must now present a REAL ID to travel domestically. Make sure to check out this TSA website to confirm if your driver’s license, or ID, is a REAL ID.

Anyone without a REAL ID who still wants to fly after Feb.1, 2026 will be given the option to pay $45 to use an alternative identity verification system.

For more information make sure to check out TSA’s official website.