Which airport for Key Largo?

[ASA400]

Hi guys!

My dive buddy and I are getting ready to plan a dive trip to Key Largo. One of the things I'm concerned about is which airport to use. I realize Miami is the closest but I've heard there is serious theft issues with it. So, I'm also considering Ft. Lauderdale. I can get Southwest into there on a direct flight from here in Vegas. Now, I never use a "scuba" bag when flying to a destination, I have an old American Tourister hard case that I can pack my fins, bc and wet suit in, and always carry on my regs, computer and mask. So is there a serious problem with theft in Miami, and how about Ft. Lauderdale?

Thanks!

 

[F106A]

Hi guys!

My dive buddy and I are getting ready to plan a dive trip to Key Largo. One of the things I'm concerned about is which airport to use. I realize Miami is the closest but I've heard there is serious theft issues with it. So, I'm also considering Ft. Lauderdale. I can get Southwest into there on a direct flight from here in Vegas. Now, I never use a "scuba" bag when flying to a destination, I have an old American Tourister hard case that I can pack my fins, bc and wet suit in, and always carry on my regs, computer and mask. So is there a serious problem with theft in Miami, and how about Ft. Lauderdale?

Thanks!

Theft? I dunno. Maybe. Probably a higher incidence. They probably want your cash more than your gear. But, if I were concerned about any theft, or any crime, I'd definitely steer clear of MIA. In any event... I flew into MIA once. Never again. Never. I'll give up diving before then. And I wouldn't want to make that trip from MIA across the causeway to the FL Turnpike. FLL is a few minutes up the road and years closer to the USA. Use FLL.

 

[muzikbiz22]

Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale. It's clean, quick, and easy. If you're diving right there in Lauderdale, you're 5 minutes from the dive op's and hotels and beach. If you're going to Key Largo, you would still fly into FLL, rent a car from Sunshine Rental Car (they'll come pick you up and are usually half the price of the majors at the airport), get a temporary Sunpass for $29, and make your way down to Key Largo using the "fast lane" and get there in 90 minutes. In Key Largo, I like Silent World & Quiessence. In Lauderdale, I've always had good times with American Dream.

 

[pafindr]

I live a few minutes away from MIA and I would suggest going to FLL just because of the construction that is going on at MIA. FLL is about 30 to 40 min North of MIA.
If you are familiar with the area (MIA) you shouldn't have to many problems finding your way but if you don't know the area you can go in circles for a while.

I've flown back and forth from MIA and haven't had anything missing from my bags. Well, on my last flight my TSA lock didn't arrive but everything in the bag made it fine.
I know of one person who's can-light didn't make it to MIA but we don't know where it got "lost". It could have been MIA or his originating airport.
Make sure your valuables are carry-on and you should be ok.

 

[Splitlip]

Another one for Lauderdale.

 

[idive2]

gotta go with lauderdale as well, I've only flown out of miami once but flew american and for being an international airport
the terminal was not in great shape. Maybe renovations or something but I just remember thinking this place is a lot
older than I expected.

 

[jar546]

Never had an issue using MIA but the car rental situation sucks because you have to take transportation (provided) to and from the car rental area to airport. I am going to try FLL next time just to compare.

 

[ASA400]

Okay, well it looks like FLL for me. Thanks for the info. I've never been to Miami before so the construction sounds like something to be sure to miss anyway!

Jerry

 

[Blue Sparkle]

You've made your choice, but I'll still add one more to the chorus of "Fort Lauderdale!"

On my first dive trip down there the lodging owner recommended FLL, but for reasons I don't fully remember I chose Miami anyway. Most unpleasant! I've never been in an airport that was so FULL. I had to spend a some time waiting for my dive buddy (arriving after me) and it was miserable. You know how usually you can find some far off corner or unused gate area where there are empty chairs? I never found one, after what felt like miles of slogging and finally just gave up and sat on the floor (even there I was crammed in). Ugh!

The one interesting moment from that flight was taxiing in and seeing the great variety of airline tails painted with logos from all over the world. But that did not make it worth it.

I no longer fly to Florida diving (I drive), but my usual buddy still does and it's FLL every time now.

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

FLL is your best choice, you'll still hit the same tolls and traffic if you use Mia, you shouldn't spend the $29 for the Sun-pass, my tolls totaled $15.20 including the 10.00 weekly charge by Avis. The only problem I had with FLL was TSA security, they only had 1 metal detector lane open, several people missed their flight because of this, so make sure you give yourself enough time.