So you just got off your cruise and have hours and hours until your scheduled flight. You might have ideas of things to do in “Mobile“, but how will you handle your luggage for several hours? Over the past few years, we’ve done quite a bit of flying and cruising, so we have learned a few tricks. I’ll share simple solutions on what to do with your luggage after your cruise, especially if you have a late flight.
I can tell you one thing: sitting around the airport for hours is pure torture! The only thing I despise more is red-eye flights.
I bet you are thinking, I leave my cruise at 8 or 9 AM and can catch a flight by ten.
If you are a rules follower, like us we don’t book a flight before Carnival’s recommend time of twelve or one PM depending on the port.
Yes, you may be able to get to the airport and catch that early flight if you do self-assist or self-carry off.
That’s just way too much stress for us! So if you do follow the directions of the cruise line when booking that post-cruise flight, that leaves most flights after 2:30 PM.
Traveling to the Northwest, Southwest, or Desert Southwest from the East Coast or anywhere in Florida, the next flight may be 9:30 PM.
We have been on the 9:30 PM flight, so I had to get creative to not go mad waiting at the airport. I came up with several ideas to keep the torture to a minimum while dealing with luggage after a cruise or on any late flight.
Hold your bags
You might be wondering how you store your luggage for a few hours before a late flight home.
Maybe you have several hours before your flight and don’t want to lug your suitcase while you go off and sightsee.
Check your bag and leave
Checking in your luggage with your airline seems like a no brainier.
Just keep in mind that some airlines only accept bags to check in two to four hours before a flight. (Southwest).
Here’s an example we had on a recent cruise after sailing on Carnival from Long Beach and flying out of LGB.
We were traveling with my Sister and her Husband who was going to Sacramento and we were flying to Phoenix.
Our flight was scheduled at 1 PM and theirs, after 4 PM, both flying with Southwest Airlines.
I can’t remember the exact time we arrived at the airport, but my husband and I were able to check our bags immediately and proceed through security.
My sister had to wait near the bagage check or outside until two hours or less before the scheduled fight to get to check their luggage.
Downfalls to getting to the airport too early
No food or beverages were available. They ended up staying outside the terminal on the grass until their time was up when they finally found us sitting in comfortable patio-style chairs with footrests out on the patio eating our lunch.
Could we get on an earlier flight?
By the time our travel mates were allowed inside, our boarding time was almost upon us.
When booking our flights, we went back and forth on if they should book the earlier flight.
Why we kept the later flight
After much deliberation, less stress won. They chose to not be stressed with what if we don’t make it to the airport in time.
Most people go to the airport and lug their bags until they can hand them off to the airline.
This option is available, many people do this but not my preferred thing to do when we have a long wait before our flights.
Check in luggage and go
To check your luggage and then venture off you will need transportation to the airport and then to where you will be hanging out, and then back to the airport. If you are using rideshare, the cost adds up quickly. We have done this very scenario.
From our cruise, we took a cab to Miami airport (MIA) and got in line to check our bags. If only we would have arrived thirty minutes sooner, we could have flown standby on the earlier flight.
Unfortunately, we just missed the window for checking the bags for the earlier flight, so instead, we checked our bags for our scheduled flight.
The agent at the counter encouraged us to leave the airport.
We decided to heed her advice and pulled up the Uber and Lyft apps. I knew that we could spend several hours walking and exploring the area around South Point Park, so that is where we decided to go. We requested a ride using Uber.
What address to use when visiting South Point Park
For the most direct route to the park, set your dropoff point to Haagen Dazs,40 South Point Dr, Miami, FL.
The cost for an Uber from the (MIA) airport to South Point Park: is $26.99. We walked for a few hours and stopped for lunch at Burger King on the main street. The return Uber from Burger King across from Target to Miami airport: $24.29.
After spending a few hours walking around the park and grabbing a cheap lunch at Burger King, we headed back to the airport. Total transportation cost: $51.28. Still had 7 hours to spend at the airport. Argh!
Bag storage at the airport
Some airports offer baggage storage services where you pay a fee and drop off your bags, but be sure to find out how long you can keep your bags there and when the location is open.
The luggage storage service may not be open 24 hours per day. Miami International Airport has a baggage storage room where you can leave your bags in a secure checkroom for a few. If you want to use this service, bring government-issued identification such as Driver’s License, Passport, or Birth Certificate.
Communitel is located at Central Terminal “E”. Hours are 5 AM to 9 PM. Daily Rates. Prices are according to the size of the bag and currently are $11-$22 for each bag. For more information call +1305-869-1163 or check out Communitel Baggage Storage for info. (I have not used the service, but it is highly rated by cruisers.)
Perhaps you’re wanting to go to Miami Beach and were unable to check your bag with your airline, Luggage Lounge has a location at 835 Washington Ave, Miami Beach. Prices start at just $5 per bag for a personal-sized bag to store and go up from there.
If traveling on an extended trip and going on a cruise and don’t need all your bags, they have weekly rates as well. Luggage Lounge Baggage Storage (This service is mentioned by cruisers often. I have not used it.)
While looking for luggage services for non-airport, I found another company called use bounce dot com. I’m not affiliated with them, but the service does seem to list many other businesses that will also store your luggage for a fee. Insurance is also included in the cost of the service.
Spend Time in a Day Room
If your layover is several hours you could book a day room at “Hotels by day”. You will get to use all the amenities as a regular room, for a reduced rate.
At some hotels, you can decide how many hours you would like to use. Often check-in at 9 or 10 AM and stay until 5, or 6 PM. What benefits of a day room?
Benefits of a day Room
Want a nap? You’ve got a private hotel room. You can do whatever you like, watch television, do some work, and if you arrive during breakfast hours at a location that offers free breakfast, you can eat.
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You’re able to use the pool, or whatever facilities the location offers. Maybe you just want somewhere secure to store your luggage while you head to the beach or do sightseeing. It’s up to you.
I had the Courtyard Miami Beach reserved for around $69. When you book a hotel through Hotels by Day, you get to use all amenities that the hotel has to offer like a swimming pool, workout facilities, and laundry.
(You would pay for the laundry machines, but can still use them, and bonus, go home with clean clothes!)
Some day rooms are even on the beach, so you would have use of a beach chair or lounger and towel. Afterward, go back to the room, shower, take a nap, or watch TV.
So much nicer than sitting at the airport for hours! Want to try your hotel by day? If you book through my link, I’ll get some points for my next stay but don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything additional.
This link will take you directly to the website. Referral link for Hotels by Day If you are considering this option, don’t wait until the day of. Hotels only reserve a few rooms for day use.
Resort for the day & Daycation
Resort For a Day, Resort Pass and Daycation are offered in many larger tourist cities. The difference between resorts and Hotels by day is that at a resort, you only get to use certain amenities.
For example, the pool. Or, you might get the use of beach chairs and an umbrella. If you want to nap, it will be in your beach chair. The resort shown in the picture above is the Hotel Riu Miami Plaza Miami Beach which is located at 3101 Collins Ave in Miami.
With your resort fee, you get used to the pool, beach, and chairs on a first-come basis. Valet fee if you bring a car. You can book the RIU or many other resorts in Miami through my Daycation referral link.
When you book you get twenty dollars towards your day pass and they may reward me with points towards my next resort day at no additional cost to you.
Much like Hotels by Day, except you do not get the use of the room. A resort pass or pool pass usually gives you access to whatever amenities the resort has to offer.
Usually, there is a nice pool with maybe a lazy river. You get a reserved chair or lounger and an umbrella. You may get a discount for food and or drinks.
To find these resort offerings, search for Resort pass, Resort for the day, Hotel pool day passes, Resort Day Passes for Cruisers, Daycation, or Spa pass.
Smart cruiser tip: Use Resort for the day as your shore excursion..
Some resorts have both spa passes and resort passes. A spa pass usually means you have access to the space facilities.
Stay the night
If you are not in a time crunch and have the budget, why not consider booking a post-cruise hotel?
Get a good night’s sleep at a local hotel or B&B. Then you are free to book whatever flight you choose.
Choose the first flight of the day to cut down on flight cancellations. Sometimes this flight is even less expensive than later flights.
Rent a car
Sometimes renting a car is the way to go, but if you go this route, know that It is always better (less expensive) to rent your vehicle ahead of time.
What are the benefits of renting a car after your cruise?
- You will have transportation from your cruise. While you have the use of a car during your layover, you can go wherever you want. Enjoy a self-guided city tour, go to the beach, sightseeing, shop, or whatever.
- You will have a secure place to store your luggage.
With a vehicle, pick a destination and go. If you want to explore a museum before heading to the airport you can.
Want to go site seeing? Excited to try a certain restaurant? Feel free! There are many fun things to do in Miami for the day if you have a car.
How to rent a car after a cruise?
If you plan on renting a car after your cruise to avoid the airport for hours, reserve your car ahead of time.
Why should I not wait to reserve a car last minute?
By renting last minute, no cars may be available, or prices will be outrageous.
It you can reserve the car with no deposit. There is no downside to reserving a car. If you show up the car is there. If you change your mind, you change your mind and do something else.
Don’t use pay now rates unless
- You plans are set in stone
- The rate is much less expensive than the normal rate.
What’s the best way to rent a car?
When renting a car, check prices on sites like Auto Slash. If you have a Costco membership, be sure to check Costco Travel.
No matter who you booked your car rental with, go back to Auto Slash and have them monitor prices.
If Auto slash finds a lower price, you can book a new reservation and cancel the old one.
Car rental tip: Unless your trip is solid as a rock, avoid the pay-now rate. If your trip is last minute and you are sure, feel free to book a pay-now rate.
Check out the Ultimate Guide to Miami Cruise Port Car Rentals for more information on what location to rent from.
Book a tour
If you don’t feel like hassling with renting a car or hotel room, maybe all you need is a tour.
Many larger cities have tours you can book that will include the tour, hold your luggage, and transportation to the airport is included.
If you are coming from a cruise there will be a few options listed from your ship as shore excursions.
Check with your cruise line. If you are cruising on Carnival, check the HUB app or the shore excursions desk.
If you are not coming from a cruise search for city tours online or ask your hotel for suggestions. Some ideas to consider would be:
- City half-day tour
- Miami Millionaire’s Row Cruise
- Sightseeing and Biscayne Bay Cruise
- Hop on Hop off tour
- COMBO Miami City and Boat Tours with Stops at Wynwood and Little Havana
Airport Lounge Life
Can anyone use an airport lounge? Do all airports have lounges?
Another option is to use one of the airline clubs or lounges.
Not all airports have lounges.
- Many international airports have lounges.
- Most HUB airports may have lounges. What’s nice about airport lounges is that most have comfortable seating, food, and drinks, and are quiet. Some may have nap rooms, showers, or even a gym.
- Many lounges are affiliated with the airlines. For example at MIA American Airlines has four different clubs and Delta has at least one.
- There are also partner and alliance lounges so if you are flying internationally check for those too.
- Some lounges any traveler can book ($)
- If you have certain credit cards such as American Express, Chase, or even Capital One, you may have access. Capital One Venture card is the card we use with lots of extra travel benefits. Eventually, we will upgrade to the Venue X Card.
Want to check out the Capital One Credit Cards for airport perks?
I have a Capital One Venture credit card and have been very satisfied with it. You should check them out. If you decide to apply for a card, use this link https://capital.one/42IgrFZ; if you’re approved, I’ll get a referral bonus.
Airport Loyalty for Lounge Access
Do you have status to an airline or are flying first class, you might have free or discounted passes.
If not, ask if they have any availability and the price. Usually, the price for entry into an airline lounge is $25 to $75 per person.
You can check to see which airports have lounges and clubs at Lounge Review.
The authority on airport lounges worldwide.
3,208 lounges at 1,560 airports. Amenities, opening times, directions, and access rules. Thousands of photos and hundreds of in-depth reviews. Search for an airport lounge by name, airport, or city, and we’ll tell you all about it.
Stay at the airport
My least favorite, but sometimes the only option, is just embrace hanging out at the airport.
The most budget friendly option
Renting a car, day room, or resort for a day options cost additional. Not every traveler may be able to swing the additional costs.
If your airline will check your bags, definitely check them.
There is only one thing worse than hanging out at the airport, and that is dragging your luggage around and keeping an eye on luggage.
So you’ve decided that hanging out at the airport is your plan. Go through security like normal.
Hopefully, you have TSA PreCheck. This and Global Entry get you through the line faster.
After you make it past the checkpoint, consult the airport map. Your airport might have amenities that you can take advantage of.
In the Long Beach airport (LGB) there is outside seating, where you can enjoy fresh air.
Airport Sleeping Pods
Some airports even have sleeping pods or workout rooms. If all else fails, find a restaurant and sit down for a leisurely meal.
Before you decide on where you will wait, proceed to your scheduled gate so that you know how long it could take from wherever you decide to Camp out.
Free airport entertainment?
Your airport may have a gallery area with seats that rarely get used.
When we flew from Vancouver, British Columbia after our repositioning cruise, there was someone playing the piano for the passersby. I’m unsure if it was a professional, or someone who wanted to play.
Public Pianos
It turns out that there are public pianos around the world that people can play.
Find a less busy area to sit at the airport
For those who will be spending time at a large international airport with several hours to kill, consider heading to the international terminal, even if not flying internationally.
The great thing about the international terminal is that it may only have a few flights a day flying in or out.
It could be several hours in between flights making this a much more peaceful area for your waiting time.
Just keep track of time and make sure to check and receive updates in your flight app.
What can you do while you wait?
- start planning your next cruise
- Leave a ship review
- Review of tours that you did on your trip
- Review pre or post cruise hotel stays
People enjoy cruise reviews, especially when they aren’t able to book one or are trying to narrow their next cruise down.
This is a great activity to keep you busy while you are unable to travel, even if it’s just while stuck in the airport waiting on a flight!
If you know you will be spending hours at the airport, come prepared.
My favorite gadgets for passing time at the airport
Here are a few of my favorite items to help me pass time when I am stuck at the airport that you can buy.
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All these handy gizmos and gadgets are all available on Amazon:
My favorite Noise Cancelling Headphones–Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, 40H Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Deep Bass, Memory Foam Ear Cups, for Travel, Home Office
For keeping devices changed: Portable Power Bank-2-Pack Milady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger, Fast Charging Power Bank with USB C Input, Backup Charger for iPhone X, Galaxy S9, Pixel 3, etc
Long Charging Cord–USB Type C Charger Cable Fast Charging 10ft, Extra Long 2Pack 10Foot USB A to USB-C Phone Charging Cord for Samsung Galaxy S20 S10 S10E S9 S8 Plus Note 10 9 8, Z Flip, LG V50 V40 V30 V20 (10ft, Gold)
Reusable light water bottle-Vapur Solid Flexible Water Bottle – with Carabiner
Conclusion: Cruise bliss to flight bliss: You’ve got this!
So, your cruise may be over, but the pre-flight adventure is just beginning! Don’t let those suitcases weigh you down – with a little planning and these handy tips, you can transform your layover into a mini-vacation. Whether you crave a luxurious lounge escape, a day of sightseeing with luggage-free ease, or a cozy nap in a hotel oasis, there’s something for everyone.
Remember, the perfect layover solution is as unique as you are. Will you rent a car and hit the open road? Book a day room for a mid-journey refresh? Or maybe indulge in a resort daycation, soaking up the sun and beach vibes before your flight. The possibilities are endless!
Don’t forget to share your own layover hacks and secrets on our Facebook page. Together, we can build a treasure trove of travel wisdom for fellow adventurers navigating the sometimes-chaotic world of airports and late flights. So, go forth, explore, and make the most of your pre-flight hours!
Happy travels, and smooth skies ahead!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook community, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel inspiration and tips.
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