MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – More travelers are returning to the skies. The holiday travel season started at Miami International Airport and at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.
Travelers with domestic flights need to arrive at least three hours before and at least three hours and 30 minutes for foreign flights, said Jack Varela, a spokesman for MIA.
The airport’s parking was full by Monday afternoon, according to Jack Varela. He suggested travelers get a ride to the airport, wear easily removable shoes, and check in online.
Earlier this month, President Joe Biden’s administration activated a requirement for all inbound U.S. travelers to show negative COVID test results the day before departure.
Fliers also need to check the entry requirements for their destination. For more information about testing and vaccination locations in South Florida, visit this page.
Related story: Florida COVID surge: 18,000+ new cases from weekend as omicron spreads
More about omicron
Since it is more contagious than delta, epidemiologists expect omicron to become the dominant variant by early next year in the U.S.
Researchers at the University of Miami Health lab said it already makes up for the majority of the cases in Miami-Dade County.
There is plenty of uncertainty since it is unclear if omicron causes a more severe disease than delta.
Scientists do know unvaccinated Americans face a higher risk. Research shows the Moderna and Pfizer booster shot offers protection against omicron.
Related story: While COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising in South Florida, ICU populations are not