Miami airport toilets are disgusting!

Question

Just arrived home after a fantastic trip to Costa Rica from the UK. We stopped both ways of our journey for a flight connection in Miami. On the positive side, the airport assistance we received for my Mum and Aunty was absolutely fantastic, the helpers were so kind and efficient and have to say everyone we met through the security process was also very polite and friendly.

But the toilets have to be the worst I have ever encountered at an airport. On both legs of the journey they were absolutely filthy and looked like they hadn't been cleaned for hours if not all day. Litter and unsanitary debris all over the floors and ancient, dirty toilets and sinks. For such a major city airport, we were really surprised as to how awful they were!

It would certainly put us off transiting through Miami again.

Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s great to hear that the airport assistance for your Mum and Aunty, as well as the staff throughout security, was so positive and efficient. Miami International Airport (MIA) is known for its friendly staff, so it’s encouraging that this aspect of your transit went well.

Unfortunately, your comments about the restroom facilities reflect a concern many travelers have reported over the years. While MIA is a major international hub, the condition of some of the public restrooms can be inconsistent, particularly during peak travel times.

Cleaning schedules may not always keep up with high passenger volumes, especially in terminals serving long-haul international flights.
Older facilities in some concourses may appear outdated, with worn fixtures and surfaces, contributing to an impression of uncleanliness even when staff are performing routine cleaning.
Litter and debris on floors can accumulate quickly in busy terminals, which is a common complaint from passengers connecting between flights.

While these issues are understandably frustrating, there are a few strategies travelers often use to improve their restroom experience:

Seek restrooms located near airline lounges or in less busy terminal areas, as they are generally cleaner and better maintained.
If eligible, access an airline lounge, even temporarily, as these typically provide much cleaner facilities and a quieter environment.
Traveling during off-peak hours can reduce exposure to overcrowded and poorly maintained facilities.

Overall, while the restroom experience at MIA clearly detracted from your transit experience, the airport staff and assistance services still received high marks from you, which is important for accessibility and general passenger satisfaction. If the cleanliness of facilities is a major concern for future trips, planning to use lounges or less crowded restrooms can make the experience more pleasant.