Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport — Attraction in Dania Beach

Convenient, compact airport with easy access to the beach cities and Miami. Generally clean and efficient, but lines and seating can get tight during peak cruise/holiday times.

Terminals & Layout Four terminals (1–4) connected landside; walking between them is doable but allow time. Clear signage once inside, though curbside wayfinding can be busy at peak hours.

Parking & Drop-off/Pick-up Garage parking is straightforward; availability boards help. Cell-phone waiting area is useful for pickups. Ride-share pickup zones are organized but can be crowded during evening waves.

Check-in & Bag Drop Most airlines have adequate kiosks and staffed counters. During cruise-season weekends, expect lines—staff usually keeps them moving.

Security (TSA) Waits vary widely by time of day; early mornings and late afternoons are the longest. TSA PreCheck helps significantly; regular lanes can back up but typically flow steadily. Screening is professional; bins and tables are replenished quickly.

Immigration/Passport Control (International Arrivals) Lines can build when several flights land together, but officers are efficient. Global Entry (if you have it) is fast; families without it should allow extra time. Baggage recheck and customs exit are well signposted.

Gate Areas & Boarding Gate seating is adequate but fills up at peaks; power outlets are available but not at every seat. Boarding announcements are clear; staff generally keeps groups/zones organized. Jet bridges and ramp operations have been smooth on my recent trips.

Food & Drink Good mix of national chains and quick-serve spots both pre- and post-security. Decent coffee/breakfast options in the morning; some locations close earlier in quieter terminals at night. Prices are airport-typical; lines move reasonably fast.

Lounges Limited lounge options overall and only in certain terminals. If a lounge matters to you, check your airline/terminal in advance.

Shops & Essentials Newsstands and convenience shops are easy to find for snacks, chargers, toiletries, and last-minute souvenirs.

Wi-Fi & Power Free Wi-Fi is reliable throughout most areas. Charging points exist but can be scarce at crowded gates—grab a spot when you see one.

Cleanliness & Facilities Restrooms are generally clean and serviced frequently. Terminals feel bright and well maintained.

Families & Accessibility Family restrooms available; stroller/child-gear screening is handled patiently. Elevators and ramps make connections manageable for travelers with reduced mobility.

Baggage Claim & Carousels Baggage delivery times are average; carts are available. Clear monitors show carousel assignments.

Rental Cars & Ground Transportation Rental Car Center is consolidated and easy to reach via signed walkways/people movers. Taxis, shuttles, and ride-shares are plentiful.

Delays & Noise Occasional weather-related delays (typical for South Florida), but communication has been decent. Gate areas can get loud when multiple flights board at once.

Value & Final Thoughts For the location and convenience, FLL delivers good value. Could improve with more seating, later hours for dining in some terminals, and additional charging stations.

Tips Domestic: arrive 2 hours before departure; International: 3 hours in peak seasons. If you have PreCheck or Global Entry, use them—they make a noticeable difference.

Check which terminal your airline uses before arriving to save time!

I used that airpot million...

At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where holiday wreaths hang incongruously above palm fronds teeming with roosting birds, the collision of tropical paradise and aviation efficiency plays out in unexpected ways. This sun-drenched gateway to South Florida, ranking as America's 20th busiest airport, manages to both charm and challenge its 35 million annual passengers with a distinctly Floridian blend of convenience and contradiction.

The airport's four terminals, connected by long fluorescent-lit corridors with shimmering terrazzo floors, tell the story of FLL's evolution from its humble beginnings as an airboat hub to its current status as a major international gateway. A hidden meditation garden in Terminal 2 offers respite from the constant flow of travelers, many of whom are en route to the nearby cruise ships at Port Everglades. The iconic control tower, immortalized in "Miami Vice" and "Scarface," stands as a testament to the airport's role in South Florida's cultural mythology.

Throughout the terminals, an efficient if institutional atmosphere prevails. The space manages to accommodate budget travelers and luxury seekers alike, with dining options ranging from quick-service counters to upscale eateries serving local seafood. The remote rental car facility, accessed by blue shuttle buses emblazoned with digital announcements, adds an extra layer to the choreography of arrival and departure.

Yet FLL's challenges are as evident as its charms. The substantial bird population roosting in the surrounding palms creates ongoing maintenance concerns, while long walking distances between services can test weary travelers. The airport's expansion plans have raised environmental concerns, even as it struggles to balance growth with sustainability. During peak hours, the limited seating areas and basic amenities reveal an infrastructure sometimes stretched beyond its comfort zone.

Despite these growing pains, FLL maintains an efficient security operation and a robust police presence, while ride-share services and ground transportation options keep the human tide flowing smoothly. The airport's proximity to South Florida's beaches and attractions helps compensate for its utilitarian aesthetic, though the contrast between the harsh fluorescent lighting inside and the subtropical sunshine outside can be jarring.

For the discerning traveler, FLL offers a masterclass in the compromises of modern air travel: where meditation gardens coexist with busy corridors, where tropical birds roost above hurrying passengers, and where the glamour of South Florida tourism meets the pragmatic demands of mass transportation. Like the palm trees that dot its landscape – both decorative and defiant – Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport stands as a testament to Florida's eternal balancing act between natural beauty and human ambition, a gateway where the promise of paradise begins under...

I really love how close this airport is to all the hotels and the cruise port! I would recommend flying into here especially if Southwest is available for you.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is one of South Florida’s busiest and most important travel hubs, serving millions of passengers each year. Located just three miles southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and about 21 miles north of Miami, the airport is a convenient gateway for both domestic and international travelers. Its prime location near Port Everglades makes it especially popular with cruise passengers embarking on Caribbean voyages.

FLL is composed of four terminals, each serving a mix of major U.S. carriers, low-cost airlines, and international operators. The airport is well known for being a hub of budget-friendly flights, with airlines like Spirit and JetBlue offering extensive service. It provides nonstop flights to more than 80 domestic cities and over 60 international destinations, connecting South Florida to the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and beyond.

In recent years, Fort Lauderdale airport has undergone significant upgrades to enhance passenger experience. Expanded security checkpoints, improved baggage systems, and modernized concourses have made the airport more efficient and comfortable. Dining and shopping options reflect the region’s vibrant culture, offering everything from quick bites to sit-down restaurants with local flavors.

For ground transportation, FLL offers a variety of options including rental cars, shuttles, ride-share services, and direct Tri-Rail and Brightline connections for convenient travel throughout South Florida. Its proximity to I-595 and U.S. Route 1 makes it easily accessible for both residents and tourists.

The airport also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with initiatives to reduce emissions, conserve energy, and expand environmentally conscious infrastructure. As South Florida continues to grow as a tourism and business hub, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport plays a central role in connecting people, commerce, and cultures...