MIA the hub in general is pure chaos. But if I have a long sit time, MIA is the preferred choice. Just go sit in the terminal (drinking a cortadito, of course!) and watch the fun!
NYC has very much shaped MIA, half of the entire airport started in JFK/LGA/EWR. I still remember the first oversold JFK flight I worked as a gate agent, fresh from the South. I think those paxs are still picking bits of my flesh out of their teeth...LOL. I learned very quickly.
Regarding the militancy, on any given MIA crew, there is probably at least one ex-Eastern employee. The rumor is that in Eastern''s final days, Lorenzo had to walk through MIA with a bullet-proof vest and bodyguards.
Granted, I have flown with some nightmAAres from MIA, and those rotten apples most certainly spoil the bunch (to the point where I check the NS before picking up a trip)...they are bitter to Crew, Paxs, and themselves. I have also flown with MIA crew that totally deserved PFA awards.
The "redheaded step-child" rep comes from DFW and ORD. When I worked on the ramp, there was a day where, in 30mins, we had 1 vibrating bag and 2 unknown spills. This probably would have shut down other airports. Just another day at the M-I-A. Or you may have 1 push-back TUG for 7 gates b/c Automotive is backed up.
The best was when we had to lock up the phones b/c the contract cleaners (ABM- which stands for "Anybody but Me"- MIA joke) were stealing them.
I love this crazy station. The best way to get around is the moving sidewalk on the 3rd floor which no one (except MIA employees) seems to know about.
MIA the hub is a reflection of Miami the city. Try going to Walgreen''s or Publix in Dade County and you''ll see what I mean. If you are lucky, the clerk may cut their personal cell phone call short to help you!
One thing about MIA is that the gate agents will half-kill themselves to get NRSA/SB on a flight. Yeah, that priority list may have over 100 people on it (in MIA, it is a "suggestion" not a "reservation") but they will try. They may be short but they are trying to fill the plane up (without a delay) and get people OUT.
Much of MIA''s problem comes from interference by Dade County (which runs the airport). IMO, Dade County could screw up a tray of ice cubes. We will see if Ms. Gittens makes a dent.
I''m hoping that the exodus from "E-Opalocka" (high E satellite) to shiny new "A" will alleviate much of the drama of connecting through MIA. I have high hopes for the new airport layout. High "E" satellite was built by Pan Am for international arrivals ONLY. I could tell you horror stories about PAP (Haiti) and escalators, thank goodness PAP is confined to "C" now. I personally despise high-E because of the rancid, stale smell of Nathan''s hotdogs.
I find DFW horrible as a connection airport. It''s excellent if you''re local. ORD wins the 3 major hubs "connection contest".
Just my 2 cents (with a 15.6% cut)
Coop
