If you live in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and you’re planning an international trip, you won’t find a massive commercial airport within the city limits. But that’s rarely a problem. The city sits in an ideal location, with two world-class international airports less than 40 minutes away and a well-known general aviation field that opens up private travel options. Travelers here don't miss a beat when it comes to global connectivity.

Your main gateways are Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA). Both are easy to reach, and they host dozens of international airlines that can fly you just about anywhere. Whether you need a quick hop to the Caribbean, a business-class seat to a major South American capital, or a long-haul flight to Europe, the combination of these two airports makes Pembroke Pines one of the most travel-friendly suburbs in South Florida.

On this page you’ll find a clear, no-nonsense guide to the major airlines, direct routes, and travel planning resources that matter for any international journey starting from Pembroke Pines. No filler, no marketing spin — just the information you need to choose the right airline and the right airport for your trip.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): The Closest International Gateway

For most Pembroke Pines residents, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the first choice. Depending on where you live in the city, FLL can be as close as a 15-minute drive. It’s a modern, medium-sized hub that punches above its weight when it comes to international flights, especially to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.

FLL has four terminals, with Terminal 4 handling many international arrivals and departures. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities are efficient, and Global Entry kiosks can speed up your return if you’re a member. The airport serves as a focus city for several low-cost and full-service airlines, which translates to competitive fares and frequent schedules.

What you’ll really appreciate is the mix of budget and traditional carriers. Spirit Airlines and JetBlue operate large bases here, while Southwest, Delta, and United provide international and connecting flights. Air Canada also flies regularly from FLL, making it simple to reach Canadian cities like Montreal and Toronto without heading to Miami.

Parking at FLL is straightforward, and the airport is well-served by rideshare services, shuttles, and the Broward County Transit bus system. If you’re being dropped off or picked up, the cell phone waiting lot on Perimeter Road keeps things stress-free. For international travelers, it’s all about convenience, and FLL delivers.

Miami International Airport (MIA): The Premier Long-Haul Hub

When your trip requires a nonstop flight to Europe, the Middle East, or deep South America, Miami International Airport is the heavyweight you need. Located about 30 to 40 minutes south of Pembroke Pines via I-95 or the Florida Turnpike, MIA is one of the busiest international gateways in the United States. It handles more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and offers an enviable lineup of long-haul international carriers.

MIA’s airline roster reads like a who’s who of global aviation. You’ll find American Airlines’ largest international hub here, alongside British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, LATAM, and Copa Airlines, among many others. If your destination is Madrid, London, Frankfurt, or São Paulo, you’ll almost certainly be flying out of MIA.

While MIA is larger and can feel more hectic than FLL, recent terminal renovations and the MIA Mover people-mover system have improved the passenger experience. The airport has plentiful lounge options, including American’s Flagship Lounge and several Priority Pass locations. For travelers who value direct one-stop options to Asia or Africa, MIA provides connections via European and Middle Eastern hubs that simply aren’t available from FLL.

Driving from Pembroke Pines to MIA is manageable, but plan for heavier traffic during weekday rush hours. Rideshare services and private shuttles are widely available, and many hotels in the area offer park-and-fly packages if you want to avoid early-morning stress.

Private and Charter Options: North Perry Airport and Beyond

For business travelers, family groups, or anyone who values privacy and flexibility, North Perry Airport (HWO) in Hollywood, just a few miles east of Pembroke Pines, offers a completely different kind of international travel. This airport doesn’t handle scheduled commercial airlines, but its two runways and extensive fixed-base operator (FBO) facilities make it one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country.

If you’re chartering a private jet or turboprop, North Perry is an excellent departure point. You can avoid the lines and terminal congestion of larger airports while still reaching international destinations by connecting through a larger airport or clearing customs at a designated port of entry. Many charter operators based at HWO can arrange flights to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and beyond, with customs processing handled at your arrival airport.

North Perry is also a hub for flight training and recreational flying. Even if you’re not a pilot, knowing that this resource exists can be valuable if you’re considering fractional jet ownership, private air charters, or simply want to explore aviation as a hobby. Several FBOs at the field can connect you with charter brokers and aircraft management companies.

Top International Airlines Serving the Pembroke Pines Area

Understanding which airlines fly from FLL and MIA will shape your travel plans. The lineup is extensive, but a few carriers stand out for the routes they offer and the experience they provide. Below you’ll find a breakdown by region and airline type.

Major U.S. Carriers with International Reach

American Airlines is the dominant player at MIA, offering nonstop flights to dozens of cities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. If you live in Pembroke Pines, American’s broad schedule means you can often find a morning flight to Mexico City or an overnight to Madrid. At FLL, American’s presence is smaller but still includes Caribbean service.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines both serve FLL and MIA with international routes, though their networks in South Florida are more limited than American’s. Delta operates several daily flights to Atlanta, a massive hub where you can connect to almost any international destination. United connects through its Houston and Newark hubs, offering good options for travelers heading to Asia or Europe.

JetBlue uses FLL as a key Latin American and Caribbean gateway. Its seats offer one of the roomiest economy experiences among U.S. carriers, and the airline has a strong reputation for reliability on routes to places like Montego Bay, Cancún, and Santo Domingo.

Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines round out the list of U.S. carriers with significant international operations near Pembroke Pines. Southwest focuses mainly on the Caribbean and Central America, while Spirit uses its ultra-low-cost model to drive down prices on popular leisure routes from FLL. Both are worth considering if you’re traveling light and flexible on schedule.

Latin American and Caribbean Airlines

Because South Florida is a cultural and economic bridge to Latin America, you’ll find a strong selection of airlines from the region operating at both airports. At MIA, Avianca and LATAM provide daily flights to Bogotá, Lima, and São Paulo, while Copa Airlines offers convenient connections through its Panama City hub to more than 30 destinations across the Americas.

From FLL, Caribbean-focused carriers like Caribbean Airlines and Bahamasair give you direct access to islands that are only an hour or two away. For trips to Cuba, Southwest and JetBlue both hold authorizations to fly to Havana from South Florida, though schedules can change based on government regulations.

Canadian and European Connections

If your travels take you north, Air Canada and Air Transat run regular service from FLL to Montreal and Toronto. These flights are especially popular during the winter months, when Canadians flock to South Florida and seats fill up quickly.

For Europe, you’ll shift your focus almost entirely to MIA. British Airways flies twice daily to London Heathrow. Lufthansa serves Frankfurt year-round, while Air France connects you to Paris. Other European carriers like Iberia, Swiss, and TAP Air Portugal also maintain regular schedules, making MIA a true intercontinental hub.

Let’s get specific. If you’re booking from Pembroke Pines, these are the international destinations you can reach without a domestic layover — and the airlines that typically fly them.

Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ): JetBlue, Spirit, and Southwest all compete on this route from FLL, keeping fares low and frequency high. You can often find morning departures that put you on the beach by early afternoon.

Medellín, Colombia (MDE): JetBlue and Spirit operate direct flights from FLL to José María Córdova International Airport. Medellín is one of the fastest-growing business and tourism hubs in South America, and these nonstops save hours compared to connecting in Bogotá.

Montreal, Canada (YUL): Air Canada, Air Transat, and Flair Airlines offer seasonal and year-round flights from FLL. This route is particularly useful during summer, when you can escape the Florida heat and enjoy Quebec’s festivals.

London, United Kingdom (LHR): From MIA, American Airlines and British Airways together offer multiple daily nonstops, giving you the flexibility to choose a morning or evening departure.

Panama City, Panama (PTY): Copa Airlines connects MIA to its Hub of the Americas, where you can reach countries as far-flung as Argentina and Chile without changing airlines.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ): JetBlue and American Airlines both offer nonstop flights from FLL, with additional service from MIA. The route is a mainstay for family travel and business trips alike.

Planning Your International Trip: Tips and Resources

Booking Strategies for the Best Fares

While last-minute deals occasionally pop up, the surest way to save money on international flights from FLL and MIA is to book at least 45 to 60 days in advance. Set price alerts through your preferred travel search platform, and be flexible with your departure date if possible. Midweek flights — Tuesday through Thursday — are generally cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures.

Don’t overlook the value of booking directly with the airline. Spirit, for example, offers its lowest fares to members of its $9 Fare Club, and JetBlue often runs 24-hour sales that can knock 20% or more off transatlantic and Caribbean fares. When comparing prices, make sure to factor in baggage fees; what looks cheapest on a search engine may end up costing more after add-ons.

If you’re flying out of MIA on a business-class ticket, consider using miles or credit card points. American Airlines’ AAdvantage program remains one of the most useful for South Florida travelers, given the sheer number of daily international departures you can book with miles.

Ground Transportation and Car Rentals

Many Pembroke Pines travelers prefer to drive and park at the airport for international trips, especially if returning after a long flight when you want to get home quickly. Both FLL and MIA offer a range of parking options, from economy lots with shuttle service to premium garages within walking distance of the terminals. If you plan to leave your car for more than a week, off-site parking facilities with valet service often provide a better rate and faster shuttles.

For those who prefer not to drive, rideshare pickup zones are well-marked at both airports. From Pembroke Pines, a Lyft or Uber ride to FLL typically costs between $15 and $30, depending on demand. A car rental may still be your best bet if you need wheels during your trip; most major rental agencies have counters at both airports, and you can often bundle a rental with your flight for a discount.

Passports, Visas, and Customs

Before you book, always verify your passport’s expiration date. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. If you’re unsure, the U.S. Department of State’s website provides up-to-date entry requirements for every country.

Returning through FLL or MIA is generally efficient, but Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can save you significant time, especially during peak arrival hours in the afternoon. If you travel internationally more than once a year, Global Entry is a worthwhile investment that includes TSA PreCheck and streamlines your re-entry process.

Flight Training and Aviation Education Near Pembroke Pines

An often-overlooked aspect of Pembroke Pines’ aviation landscape is the access it gives you to hands-on flight training. North Perry Airport is home to multiple flight schools that welcome students of all experience levels. Whether you’re considering a private pilot certificate to fly yourself on regional trips, or you’re curious about a career in aviation, the training infrastructure here is robust.

Programs typically combine ground school with simulator sessions and real flight hours in single-engine trainers. You’ll learn everything from basic aircraft handling to navigation and fuel management — including the practical aspects of working with aviation gasoline (avgas). For many students, the ability to train at a busy general aviation field like HWO while living minutes away is a huge advantage.

Several schools also offer discovery flights, which are short introductory lessons that let you take the controls under an instructor’s supervision. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to pilot an aircraft, this is one of those rare local opportunities that’s easy to overlook but incredibly rewarding.