New flights and a fancy lounge: How travel is changing in South Florida
South Florida air travel is growing, with Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports adding new international routes and enhancing facilities to meet rising demand.
Airlines such as Icelandair and El Al are expanding connections, introducing non-stop flights to destinations like Reykjavik and Tel Aviv. Building upgrades at Miami International Airport include the planned expansion of terminal spaces and the addition of lounges like Avianca's.
Meanwhile, travelers must prepare for the federal implementation of the REAL ID Act in May 2025, a policy shift aimed at enhancing security protocols for domestic flights.
Take a look at these developments.
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
La Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de Estados Unidos (CBP) anunció un próximo cambio de tarifas para algunos de sus Programas de Viajero Confiable (TTP) más populares como Global Entry. By Carl Juste
NO. 1: TRAVELING IN THE U.S. WILL CHANGE IN 2025: YOU CAN'T FLY FROM MIAMI WITHOUT THIS DOCUMENT
If you don't have it yet, you need to get it soon, because there is a deadline. | Published January 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maykel Gonzalez
Several homes and farms in Akureyri overlook the blue Eyjafjordur fjord, the longest in Iceland and popular for whale-watching.
NO. 2: ONE OF THE WORLD'S COLDEST SPOTS JUST MADE A BET ON HOT MIAMI. AIRPORT ADDS NEW FLIGHTS
Here are the details to make travel plans. | Published February 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vinod Sreeharsha
The holiday decorations near U.S. Customs at Miami International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. By D.A. Varela
NO. 3: WHAT DOES RECORD-BREAKING GROWTH AT MIA MEAN FOR YOU? MORE TRAVELERS, CARGO — AND CHANGES
What to know about Miami International Airport's status as a global hub. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vinod Sreeharsha
Arajet 737-8 takes off, June 10, 2024
NO. 4: AIRLINES ARE PLANNING NEW FLIGHTS AT MIAMI AND FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORTS. TAKE A LOOK
Here are details on destinations. | Published March 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives
Avianca opens a new lounge at the J Terminal in Miami, Florida. The lounge features a playroom, business center, food bar, and large windows, aimed at enhancing the travel experience for passengers at Miami International Airport. By Carl Juste
NO. 5: COLOMBIAN AIRLINE AVIANCA OPENS NEW LOUNGE AT MIAMI AIRPORT. TAKE A LOOK
Come learn details and see images of new lounge at MIA | Published March 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vinod Sreeharsha
This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
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19 hours ago
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Amid airport screening changes, a TSA PreCheck membership still has 'compelling benefits,' expert says
As airport security checkpoints undergo changes that may help travelers get through faster and with less hassle, experts say paid services offering modified security screenings — like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear — may still be worth the cost. Earlier this month, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that in certain airports, families will have their own dedicated screening lanes as part of a new initiative called 'Families on the Fly.' That follows a change ending the Transportation Security Agency's 'shoes off' travel policy. Noem has also floated the idea of allowing more liquids in carry-ons, which could also affect the speed of airport screenings. The ability to keep shoes on through security was once a perk limited to TSA PreCheck enrollees. Qualifying travelers can go through the program's screening without taking off items including shoes, belts and light jackets, or removing items from bags like travel-size liquids or laptops. 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Enrollment, renewal costs may vary Membership for TSA PreCheck is valid for five years, but enrollment and renewal fees depend on the servicer you choose to work with, and whether the process is done in-person or online. 'Each enrollment provider is allowed to set its own prices for enrollment and renewal fees with TSA approval,' according to a TSA spokesperson. For instance, Telos, one of the three TSA-approved service providers, charges an enrollment cost of $85 and a renewal fee of $70 for both online and in-person. Another TSA-approved service provider is Clear, which charges $77.95 to enroll in PreCheck. For renewals, the company charges $68.95 if done online and $77.95 if done in-person. Meanwhile, a Clear Plus membership costs $209. Several other trusted traveler programs include TSA PreCheck as part of their packages, such as Global Entry, which offers an expedited screening through U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival from overseas. The membership costs $120 and lasts for five years. 'Travelers can select the enrollment provider that best suits their needs,' the TSA spokesperson told CNBC. Here's how to decide if a pre-screening membership is worth it for you, according to experts. 1. Assess how often you travel Before you sign up or begin the application, factor in how often you travel every year, experts say. If you only travel once or twice a year, it may not be worth going through the effort and the cost, said Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet. To apply for TSA PreCheck, for example, you need to complete an online application. Then you need to visit an enrollment center — some might accept walk-ins, while others require appointments — where you bring necessary documents, have your photo taken and fingerprints scanned. But if you travel more frequently, then TSA PreCheck 'can be worth it,' said Harteveldt. Some credit cards and loyalty programs will cover fees for enrollment in TSA PreCheck or other pre-screening memberships. That can make enrolling more worthwhile, even for infrequent travelers. 2. Pick the right program for your needs If you travel internationally, Global Entry is another trusted traveler program to consider. Qualifying individuals can access expedited customs screening upon returning to the U.S. from other countries, and the membership also includes access to TSA PreCheck lanes. However, think about how often you travel abroad, whether for business or leisure, and if you have an upcoming overseas trip. Not only is the enrollment fee more expensive but there may be limited enrollment centers in your state, making the application process more onerous. You may need to travel long distances to your nearest center, and scheduling an appointment may be difficult. 'A lot of people have cited it's difficult to even get an interview,' said French. Meanwhile, the value of a Clear Plus membership may depend in part on where you travel, experts say: It's in more than 60 airports, including some international locations. Clear also 'has value outside of airports' as its membership is available for lines in certain stadiums and arenas, said French.
CNBC
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- CNBC
Amid airport screening changes, a TSA PreCheck membership still has 'compelling benefits,' expert says
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Almost all, 99%, of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes, while standard screening lanes typically take 30 minutes or less, according to the agency. Membership for TSA PreCheck is valid for five years, but enrollment and renewal fees depend on the servicer you choose to work with, and whether the process is done in-person or online. "Each enrollment provider is allowed to set its own prices for enrollment and renewal fees with TSA approval," according to a TSA spokesperson. For instance, Telos, one of the three TSA-approved service providers, charges an enrollment cost of $85 and a renewal fee of $70 for both online and in-person. Another TSA-approved service provider is Clear, which charges $77.95 to enroll in PreCheck. For renewals, the company charges $68.95 if done online and $77.95 if done in-person. Meanwhile, a Clear Plus membership costs $209. 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Miami Herald
6 days ago
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