Cindy_S

I'll be flying from Boston to Buenos Aires in September, and as there are no direct flights from Boston, I need to transit somewhere. I'm flying American.

I thought Miami would be my best choice--have positive memories of it from a trip many, many years ago--but I'm reading some very negative comments about delays and long lines... Is that more true for Miami than for other airports?

Options seem to be JFK, Chicago-O'Hare, Dallas-Ft Worth. (DC might also be an option; think it was Dulles.)

Pros for me are higher likelihood of arriving on time, relatively easy to make connection (retrieve checked luggage, get through customs, recheck luggage), higher likelihood of leaving on time...

I'm not really concerned about shopping or entertainment.

Would you recommend one airport over another for the obligatory stop and connection?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

JeanH

We fly to and from Belize several times a year. I'd much rather go through Dallas than Miami. Immigration can be a nightmare in Miami, although last time through it was easy.

O'Hare seems to be getting worse for delays as well.

Everything else being equal I'd go through Dallas.

tully

I go thru Miami about 2x's per year and although I frequently slag it as they keep it arctic in there, I've yet to have any serious delays. I usually have 3+ layovers there so I usually leave the secure area and go outside for warmth, coming back in even with long lines I've gone thru security in 10 minutes.

Scarlett

We flew through Houston, our friends who come here ( Buenos Aires) fly from NYC to Dallas every visit .. we flew Continental, they fly American.
We have had no complaints

jcasale

I stay away from Miami when at all possible. We just flew American from Chicago and it was fine. The flight left right on time and we were pleased with it. O'Hare is generally an OK airport. Changing planes in Miami can be a nightmare - if you do fly through there allow yourself at least 2 hours to make the connection. You will likely need every bit of it.

drdawggy

I have flown from Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami to Buenos Aires and via Houston to Quito. There are advantages and disadvantages to each airport....

The biggest advantage of flying via Miami on American is the type of aircraft used from MIA/EZE is the 777, whereas Dallas uses the less spacious 767.

Dallas and Atlanta both have rapid transportation between terminals which makes connections a breeze....Miami does not....to catch a connecting flight without leaving the security area requires walking through a series of tunnels, which are not always well marked....depending on where you arrive and depart it can require up to half an hour to walk from one area to another...

On the return trip, I have had very good luck with immigration/customs in Miami...Dallas and Houston are fine too...The longest delays and in my experience least courteous personnel are found in Atlanta.

julie_Colorado

I've flown several times thru Miami with no issues. Personally, I'd base my decision on 2 things... type of plane - this is a big difference, and AA is stacked with 767s which are much less comfortable and overall transit time. I flew thru Dulles last time. It was the best service I've had to BA - but it is United.

Wildfire

I have flown to Buenos Aires from Washington Dulles (IAD). The benefit is that its a direct flight. arrives in Buenos Aires early in the morning.

It is on United, relatively smaller planes and absolutely lousy service. (the plastic pasta they serve for dinner is horrid).

Flying back from Buenos Aires is fine. Customs at Dulles is good since that flight arrives early. Usually i can get out of the airport and get home fairly quickly.

Though i like having a nonstop flight im seriously considering flying through a different airport/airline.

dfr4848

1) DFW

2) ORD

3) JFK/MIA

Weadles

Every time we've flown through Miami, it's been a logistical nightmare. I'd avoid it and go through Dallas if possible.

travelme

Ugggg! Leaving Boston via JFK is been so dicey for me the last few times. Barely made the connections and vowed I wouldnt ever go through JFK again. I did like going through Miami. I liked the way it broke up the trip going to Buenos Aires. Dallas from Boston is almost 4 hours then you have another 11 to BA. No thank you! Miami is a good bet although what people are saying about the MIA airport is true.

Cindy_S

Thank you all for your thoughts and comments!
I went ahead and made the reservations, going through Miami. There didn't seem to be consistent dislike (or like) of any airport, so having a larger plane and what seems to me to be a good break in the trip won out. I'll let you know how it goes!