Flying Avianca from Miami International Airport: What You Need to Know

If you're flying with Avianca Airlines out of Miami, you're in for a pretty smooth experience. Avianca is one of the top airlines connecting Miami to cities all across Latin America, especially Colombia. Whether it’s your first time flying with them or you’ve traveled with Avianca before, it’s always helpful to know your way around the airport.

Here’s a simple guide to everything you need to know about Avianca Miami International Airport Terminal.

Where is Avianca at Miami Airport?

Avianca operates out of Terminal J at Miami International Airport (MIA). This terminal is located in the South Terminal section of the airport. Terminal J is known for handling most of the international flights, so you’ll find several other international airlines there too.

It’s a newer and less crowded terminal compared to others at MIA, which makes it a bit easier to navigate.

Getting to the Airport and Check-In

When you arrive at MIA, follow the signs to Terminal J. Avianca’s check-in counters are located there. Staff at the counters usually speak both English and Spanish, so communication shouldn’t be a problem.

Avianca recommends arriving at the airport about three hours before your international flight. This gives you plenty of time to check in, drop off your bags, and go through security without feeling rushed.

If you’ve already checked in online, you can use one of the kiosks to print your boarding pass and baggage tag, then go straight to the bag drop line. It's a time-saver, especially during busy travel periods.

Going Through Security

After checking in, you’ll head through the TSA security checkpoint in Terminal J. The lines here tend to move faster than in the main terminal, but wait times can still vary depending on the time of day. Morning and evening flights are usually the busiest.

If you're enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you’ll get through even faster.

After Security: Food, Shops, and What to Do

Once you're past security, you’ll find a few places to eat and shop while waiting for your flight. Terminal J isn’t huge, but it has the basics to keep you comfortable.

For food, there’s La Carreta, which serves classic Cuban dishes and strong coffee — a favorite for both locals and travelers. You’ll also find lighter options like sandwiches and snacks at smaller cafés and a Dunkin’ for coffee and donuts.

There are duty-free shops selling perfumes, alcohol, and souvenirs if you want to pick something up before your flight. You’ll also find smaller shops for snacks, magazines, and travel items.

The airport has free Wi-Fi, and there are charging stations near most gates to keep your phone or laptop powered up.

Lounge Access with Avianca

If you’re flying business class or have Star Alliance Gold status, you may be able to access a lounge while you wait. Avianca doesn’t have its own lounge at MIA, but they usually work with one of the partner lounges in Terminal J.

The most commonly used one is the VIP Lounge Miami. It offers comfy seating, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quieter space to relax before your flight. Ask at check-in if you’re eligible for lounge access.

Boarding Your Avianca Flight

Avianca flights usually board at gates in Concourse J, which is part of Terminal J. Just keep an eye on the monitors and listen for announcements — they’ll be made in both English and Spanish.

Boarding usually begins about 45 minutes before departure. Make sure you’re at your gate on time and have your passport and boarding pass ready to show.

Arriving in Miami on Avianca

If you’re flying into Miami with Avianca, you’ll arrive in Terminal J as well. After getting off the plane, you’ll head to immigration and customs.

Depending on the time of day, there might be a bit of a wait at passport control. Once you're through, grab your bags from baggage claim, then exit into the arrivals area.

If you have a connecting flight, check the airport screens for gate information. MIA has moving walkways and a people mover (called the MIA Mover) to help you get between terminals quickly.

Getting Out of the Airport

After your flight or once you've picked up your bags, you'll find several transportation options outside Terminal J.

• Taxis are available outside the terminal.

• Uber and Lyft have designated pickup areas, which are clearly marked.

• If you're renting a car, take the MIA Mover to the Rental Car Center.

• For public transportation, the MIA Mover also connects to buses and the Metrorail, which can take you to downtown Miami and other areas.

Final Thoughts

Flying with Avianca Terminal Miami International Airport is usually a hassle-free experience. Terminal J is clean, modern, and not as busy as some other parts of the airport. The staff is helpful, there are good food options, and the whole process from check-in to boarding is straightforward.

Whether you're headed to Bogotá, Medellín, or another Latin American city, knowing your way around the terminal helps your trip start off right. Just give yourself enough time, bring your passport, and enjoy the journey.