Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) Flights & Flight Status

Fun fact about Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL): It was first built in 1929 on an abandoned nine-hole golf course. Since then, it has become a rapidly growing gateway to the South Florida market, with approximately 35 million annual passengers. It’s a generally efficient – if not particularly memorable – facility and a less crowded alternative to Miami International Airport (MIA). But several major infrastructure projects, including a new domestic terminal, are poised to significantly enhance the passenger experience. If your next flight includes a stop at FLL, here’s what to know.

Get a feel for FLL’s layout before you arrive

FLL’s layout is fairly straightforward. It has four terminals, numbered from 1 to 4, each of which with its own colour corresponding to signage around the airport. (Terminal 1 is yellow, Terminal 2 is red, Terminal 3 is purple, and Terminal 4 is green). Each terminal has its own security checkpoint, ground transportation, baggage claim, and designated areas for taxi and rideshare.

Unfortunately, only Terminals 3 and 4 are currently connected airside or post-security. That means if you’re changing terminals or arriving on an international flight, you will have to go through security again. However, a C$400 million project scheduled for completion by 2027 will enable connectivity between all terminals – and significantly enhance the passenger experience.

Within each terminal are different concourses. Terminal 1 is home to Concourses A, B, and C. Concourse A serves primarily international flights for airlines including Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air. Concourse B has domestic flights for carriers including Southwest Airlines, while Concourse C hosts both legacy and budget carriers, including United Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Overall, it’s a relatively short walk pre-security between the terminals; the longest distance is between T1 and T4.

Concourse D, in Terminal 2, is where you’ll go for flights on Delta Air Lines, WestJet and Air Canada. In recent years, the terminal unveiled a $153 million modernization project that included updated gate areas, new washrooms, significantly higher ceilings, and a new Delta Sky Club lounge.

In Terminal 3, Concourse E serves airlines including JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, while Concourse F serves a variety of domestic and international carriers, including American Airlines. In Terminal 4, Concourses G and H primarily serve international and long-haul flights for an array of major global carriers. Among them: JetBlue and Norwegian Air Shuttle in Concourse G, and British Airways and Emirates in Concourse H.

On the horizon: A brand-new Terminal 5

By mid-2026, the C$336 million, state-of-the-art Terminal 5 is expected to be operational. The two-level domestic terminal will have five gates and its own check-in and ticketing areas. It will be connected to the existing onsite Cypress parking garage and Terminal 4 through multi-level pedestrian bridges or walkways. When complete, T5 will accommodate between four and five million annual passengers.

Tips on arriving via car and parking

My biggest tip for arriving at FLL via car, whether you’re being dropped off or taking a ride service: check the FLL app or website, or with your airline, to confirm which terminal you’ll need to arrive at. That’s because airline signage at the curbside drop-off areas is difficult to see – a common complaint among passengers. Knowing which terminal (and if possible, the door number) is served by your airline can go a long way in making your airport experience less stressful.

FLL gets points for its multi-million on-site parking program, which earned a national award for innovation for smart technology such as its colour-coded lights that indicated available spaces. The multi-level complex has more than 12,000 spaces across three lots (Cypress, Hibiscus, and Palm) for short and long-term parking. It also has a valet service – an unusual offering but one that could come in quite handy if you’re crunched for time.

How to take a train to FLL

One unique way to arrive at FLL: via train or light rail, which can be cheaper than taxis or a ride service like Uber or Lyft. Another perk: You can avoid South Florida’s notorious traffic.

FLL is serviced by the Brightline, a high-speed, privately owned intercity railway that runs from Miami to Orlando, and the Tri-Rail, a commuter rail system serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Unfortunately, neither is a direct connection; both require a shuttle bus to reach the airport from the train station.

If you opt for the Brightline, which offers a more upscale experience, you’ll get off at the FLL stop, then hop on a paid shuttle that stops at each terminal. The shuttle service has a fixed schedule from around 7:30 am until 8:20 pm (times are later on weekends). As a result, the Brightline may not be the best choice for early-morning flights. The duration of the trip depends on where you’re coming from, but be sure to allow plenty of time for train delays (which I have personally experienced).

For trips on the Tri-Rail, you’ll get off at the Fort Lauderdale Airport Station and take a free shuttle, which takes about 10 minutes to reach FLL. Shuttle service runs during train operating hours, from very early morning approximately minutes until late evening, every 15 to 20 minutes.

How to navigate FLL

Take the free shuttle between terminals (or walk)

FLL provides a free shuttle service that runs between each terminal. It runs every eight to 10 minutes, which means you usually won’t have to wait long for a shuttle. It also operates 24/7, so even if you arrive early (or late) for a flight, you can take advantage of the service.

On the other hand, if you have the time and want to squeeze in some steps before or after a flight, you can take advantage of the FLL Fit Walking Path. This 2-kilometre path is located landside on the upper level and winds between terminals. I don’t recommend it if you have a ton of luggage or the weather is too warm (no one wants to arrive sweaty for a flight, after all). But if it’s on the cooler side, and you’re travelling light, it’s a lovely way to stretch your legs a bit.

How to streamline the security line at FLL

FLL offers both Clear and TSA PreCheck. I highly recommend using such services to make the security lines – which can be significant, especially on weekends and during peak travel periods – more manageable. In addition, those lucky passengers who have both Clear and TSA PreCheck can get the added advantage of being escorted to the front of the TSA PreCheck line after going through the Clear identification verification process.

A few standout spots to grab a bite at FLL

Casavana Cuban Cuisine (T4, Concourse G) is a muy bueno spot for Cuban sandwiches and other favourites; breakfast also is a hit among many passengers. La Familia Tacos and Tequila (T1, Concourse A) offers a head-spinning selection of more than 80 tequilas and elevated Mexican cuisine. Golf aficionados, meanwhile, won’t want to miss teeing up to a table at Golden Bear Grill (T3, Concourse E). Just one of two locations in the country, this golf-themed spot by Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, features American classics like grilled cheese and hamburgers from some of the couple’s beloved recipes.

Enjoy the airport’s artistic side

Since 1976, FLL has been a part of Broward County’s award-winning Public Art & Design Program. Currently, the airport is home to more than 65 artworks by both local and internationally recognized artists, which are displayed throughout the terminals. Permanent exhibits and installations include paintings, photographs, sculptures, and even mosaic and terrazzo floors, many featuring Florida themes like ocean landscapes. Rotating exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists and even airport employees also can be found throughout the terminals.

Alternatives in Florida to FLL

Considering how busy FLL can get – especially during winter, the height of cruise season – it can be a good idea to consider alternate airports. Approximately 30 miles south, Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major international hub with a ton of domestic and international destinations. It’s a hub for American Airlines and can offer more options for long-haul flights, especially those to Latin American destinations. However, it can be even more congested than FLL.

About 50 miles north, Palm Beach International (PBI) is far less crowded than FLL – which can translate to a more relaxing airport experience, especially for departures. It offers a range of domestic flights and some international destinations. Occasionally, you can find a cheaper fare than FLL. (And if you do end up flying into or out of PBI or MIA, keep an eye out for famous folks – both are good airports for celeb spotting.)

Farther away are Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 200 miles north, and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), about 125 miles west. MCO is a large airport with plenty of international and domestic flights, and you may be able to snag a deal, especially on a budget airline like Spirit or Frontier. RSW, meanwhile, is a smaller airport with a fairly good range of domestic flights. It can be a less crowded alternative to FLL and a viable option if you don’t mind driving.