Flights to Miami from NYC take just over 3 hours. If you wish to fly direct, the best airlines are United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Jetblue Airlines. American Airlines and Spirit Airlines are also options for direct flights. Choosing the right flight depends on pricing, schedule, frequent flyer mileage, and distance to the airports.
When searching for flights to Miami from NYC, start by searching for Google flights on the dates you intend to travel. Then, adjust your search parameters to show nonstop flights only. This significantly decreases your options to the 5 airlines mentioned above.
Since price is an important factor, find the least expensive yet reputable airlines for your flight. Once your search is narrowed to United Airlines, Jetblue Airlines, and Delta Airlines, consider your current frequent flyer status with these airlines to ensure optimal rewards for your flights. All 3 of these airlines allow you to pay for flights with money and miles, which can save you considerable money. All 3 airlines also allow you to pool miles as a family, so you can combine family members’ frequent flyer miles for your flights to Miami from NYC for free or at a greatly discounted price.
Choosing An Airport
Distance to the airport is also an important factor to consider when booking flights to Miami from NYC. For example, the NYC area has three major aiports: Newark International Airport in Newark, New Jersey (EWR); LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York (LGA); and John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York (JFK).
If you live in New York City, you may travel to any of these airports via car, train, or rideshare. LaGuardia Airport is closest to Manhattan, and Newark International Airport is the hub for United Airlines. If you fly Delta Airlines or Jetblue Airlines, you may choose LaGuardia Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport depending on flight schedules and prices.
Flights to Miami from NYC also include two main options for arrival airports in Florida: Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). If your final destination is Miami or South Beach, Miami International Airport is closer. However, if your final destination is North Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, or Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is closer. Fort Lauderdale is a smaller and less chaotic airport than Miami International Airport, and car rental pickup tends to be faster there.
Prices for Flights to Miami from NYC
To secure the best price for flights to Miami from NYC, book one to three months ahead of your planned travel. This can save up to 71% on the ticket price. If you need to depart in the next two weeks, expect ticket prices of around $233, unless you intend to depart in the next few days where prices start around $345.
September is typically the cheapest and quietest time of the year to fly to Miami. While flight prices from New York average about $240, ticket prices are as low as $73 in September. This is 35% cheaper than the most expensive time of year: December.
Also, departing on a Monday can help get the best New York to Miami flight price. It is usually 41% cheaper than other days of the week. Flying in the evening can often save you up to 14% on airfare, compared to a flight in the afternoon which is often a more expensive option.
Travel Requirements for Flights to Miami from NYC
Now that you’ve chosen your airline and airports, it’s time to prepare for your flight. The flight to Miami from NYC is considered domestic travel, so adults are required to present appropriate identification at the airport. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security extended the deadline for a Real ID to May 7, 2025. Children under 18 don’t need an ID to fly domestically. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s).
When you’re traveling within the United States, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your departure time. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. LaGuardia Aiport and John F. Kennedy Airport require you to check in 45 minutes before your flight if you are traveling without bags. If you are traveling with bags, Newark International Airport and LaGuardia Airport require you to check in 45 minutes before your flight, and John F. Kennedy Airport requires you to check in one hour before your flight.
The Flight Experience
United Airlines flights to Miami from NYC have three booking options: Economy, Economy Plus, and First Class. Economy booking includes free seat selection; priority boarding for a fee; free flight change with possibly fare difference; and no refunds. You are allowed one free carry-on item, and your first checked bag costs $80. Economy Plus booking also includes free seat selection; priority boarding for a fee; free flight change with possibly fare difference; and no refunds. You are allowed one free carry-on item, and your first checked bag costs $80. First Class booking includes free seat selection; priority boarding; free flight change with possibly fare difference; and no refunds. You are allowed one free carry-on item, and two free checked bags.
Jetblue Airlines flights to Miami from NYC have two booking options: Blue and Blue Extra. Blue booking includes free seat selection; priority boarding for a fee; free flight change with possible fare difference; and no refunds. You are allowed one free carry-on item, and your first checked bag costs $80. Blue Extra includes free seat selection; priority boarding; free flight change possible fare difference; and no refunds. You are allowed one free carry-on item, and your first checked bag costs $80.
Delta Airlines flights to Miami from NYC have three booking options: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Delta Comfort+. Basic Economy includes no seat selection and a standard seat, last to board, and ticket changes for a fee. You are allowed one free carry-on item, and your first checked bag costs $70. Main Cabin includes free seat selection and a standard seat, priority boarding for a fee, and free change with a possible fare difference. You are allowed one free carry-on item, and your first checked bag costs $70. Delta Comfort+ includes free seat selection and extra legroom, priority boarding, and free change with a possible fare difference. You are allowed one free carry-on item, and your first checked bag costs $70.
Check In Process for United Flights to Miami from NYC
United Airlines offers flight check in 24 hours before your flight. Here’s how to check in online:
If you are eligible for online check-in, go to united.com/checkin
Enter your confirmation or eTicket number and last name, or log in using your MileagePlus® account information.
Use a printed boarding pass or electronic boarding pass on your mobile device to board the flight.
Here’s how to check in on the United App:
Open the United app
Select check-in and enter your confirmation or eTicket number and last name.
Use your electronic boarding pass on your mobile device to board the flight.
Here’s how to check in at the airport:
Visit a kiosk to print your bag tags, or for a quicker experience prepay for your bag online and use bag drop shortcut.
Check-in Process for Jetblue Flights to Miami from NYC
Jetblue Airlines offers flight check in 24 hours before your flight. Here’s how to check in online:
Visit the Jetblue check in website, and enter your last name and confirmation code or ticket number
Download the Jetblue mobile app. Register for the app, and click on Check In. Enter your first and last names, as well as your confirmation number or flight number. Click on Check In
Here’s how to check in at the airport:
If you haven’t already checked in online or via the JetBlue app, you can check in at a kiosk using your confirmation code, passport, credit card, TrueBlue number or barcode.
Check-in Process for Delta Flights to Miami from NYC
Delta Airlines offers flight check in 24 hours before your flight. Here’s how to check in online:
Select “Check In” online or go to My Trips. If you aren’t logged in, enter your confirmation number, SkyMiles number or credit card number to access your itinerary. You can print your boarding pass or get an eBoarding Pass on your mobile device.
Make your travel day even easier with the Fly Delta app. After download, check in as a guest, log in or register for a SkyMiles® account. From there, add your trip confirmation number to access your trips.
Here’s how to check in at the airport:
Airport kiosk: By entering your SkyMiles, confirmation or eTicket number, you can check in for your flight, print your boarding pass, add any checked bags, make a change to your seat, complete a service request and add your frequent flyer number to your profile
Airport check in desk: You’ll see an area clearly labeled for Delta flights, with a special Sky Priority™ boarding lane for Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion® Members, and Delta One®, Premium Select and First Class passengers.
Airport curbside: find a Delta curbside desk located at passenger drop-off at most U.S. airports. Here, you can check your baggage directly after you’ve exited your vehicle. If you’re bringing oversized baggage, you may have to bring it inside to an oversized baggage area. There is no fee for using curbside check-in at the airport, but gratuities are always appreciated for outstanding service.
Best Time to Travel to Miami from NYC
The best time to travel to Miami from NYC depends on personal taste. If you’re looking for warm weather and vibrant outdoor activities, the winter months from December to April are ideal. During this time, temperatures in Miami are comfortable, ranging from the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (20s to high 20s Celsius), making it perfect for enjoying the beaches, outdoor dining, and various events and festivals. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so you may encounter larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities.
If you prefer to avoid crowds and save some money, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May and June) or early fall (September and October). During these times, the weather is still pleasant, with temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius), and you’ll likely find better deals on flights and accommodations.
Summer (July and August) in Miami can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. While you might find fewer tourists during this time, it’s important to be prepared for the heat and rain if you choose to visit during the summer months.
Final Thoughts
Booking flights to Miami from NYC is simple and affordable if you book more than 30 days in advance. Choosing the right airline and time of year to travel will make your trip more enjoyable. If you follow the check in guidelines for your airline, you will ensure a smooth journey. Make sure to bring appropriate identification on your trip, and not overpack to avoid unnecessary extra fees. Remember to buy food at the airport before your departure, because only light snacks and drinks are served on domestic flights.
From Miami, flying to other tropical destinations such as Mexico, Aruba and the rest of the Caribbean is quick and easy. A road trip to Orlando is worthwhile too.
Enjoy your flight, and happy travels!
great tips, I’m headed to Miami later this year, glad to have found this post
WOW! This is the most comprehensive airline/flight/airport guide I have ever read! It’s definitely a must-read for anyone flying in or out of Miami and New York. Great job!
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.
This is a great post. One of the most detailed guides I have ever seen!
Thanks for taking the time to read my post!