Fort Lauderdale Airport Transportation Guide

Florida's Other Airport

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is one of Florida's smaller airports. However, it still has a lot of activity with approximately 65,000 travelers and over 600 commercial flights a day. This short guide will give you a quick lowdown on FLL.

What You'll Like About FLL

As a smaller airport, FLL is known for being easy to get in and out of. Check-ins are quick, and the TSA line moves rather smoothly. Those with electronic devices can take advantage of the free airport Wi-Fi that is fast enough to allow for video streaming without buffering. The other good thing about FLL is that the staff is nice and accommodating to travelers.

How to Have a Good Time at FLL

By now, you've probably realized that FLL is pretty bland in character. The terminals are uniformly generic. Consequently, if you are looking to do something interesting, don't get your expectations up too high.

Those who are easily amused by airport tourist shops that sell quirky souvenirs will be able to find something. On the other hand, if you want something more interesting to do, you are better off paying to get into one of the airline clubs. Terminal C's Continental Airlines President's Club lets you relax in style with comfortable seating and appealing décor. The only downside to this particular club is that it is relatively small, and it doesn't have a wide array of drinks as found in larger airport clubs.

Where to Fill Up

FLL's food options are a little bare, but there are a couple of filling stations with decent food. Chef Allen 2 Go features quick and healthy, pre-packaged foods. You can choose from items such as grilled veggie sliders or an assortment of delicious organic style burgers. Chef Allen 2 Go is located in Terminal 4 in Concourse H.

You can also find decent pickings at Kafe Kalik, also in Concourse H. This is a contemporary, Caribbean-themed restaurant that also has a full bar. Kafe Kalik serves colorful dishes such as Spiced Curried Chicken and Yellow Bird Fettuccini. If you're in need of a little alcohol, Kafe Kalik has a wide variety of Caribbean-style mixed drinks and numerous beers on tap.

In general, FLL tends to shut down food service operations around 9 p.m. There are a few restaurants that do claim to stay open until the last flight arrives. The only certain late night option is Dunkin' Donuts, which stays open 24 hours a day.

Insider Tips on FLL

If traveling out of FLL in the summer, try to schedule an early flight to avoid delays associated with the weather. Moreover, official airport policy states that sleeping is only allowed in the pre-security area. Despite this, many travelers sleep within the secured gate area. The floor is the usual choice for sleeping. However, there are a few comfortable couches near the car rental area. Terminal 1 seems to be the most popular sleeping venue, with power outlets widely available on the third floor.

You should also be aware that FLL is undergoing a major re-haul. Airport officials stated that the South Runway will be expanded, and Terminal 4 will receive 4 additional gates. The change in Terminal 4 is expected to bring more restaurants and shops. The changes to the airport will likely address some of the shortcomings discussed here.