Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility arriving at Miami International Airport (MIA) from foreign destinations can request assistance in the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area.
If a passenger does not request a wheelchair from their airline but still requires special queueing assistance in the Customs area, they can complete an accessibility lane request form on MIA’s website 48 hours in advance of their arrival. Once they arrive at Customs and provide their name to a Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) employee, they will be directed to the accessibility lane for CBP processing. Submittal of the request form provides access to the special assistance accessibility lane but does not guarantee expedited service. Passengers with limited mobility are also encouraged to request a wheelchair directly from their airline.
Additionally, MIA provides sunflower lanyards free of charge to travellers with hidden disabilities. The lanyards act as a discreet indicator to airport employees that the owner may need some extra time during the travel process. Travellers can receive a lanyard through the post by contacting the airport.
MIA’s Customs accessibility lane service and sunflower lanyard programme are part of the airport’s award-winning MyMIAccess programme for travellers with disabilities.
In July, MIA received the Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award from the Federal Aviation Administration, which honours Americans with Disabilities Act coordinators and airport sponsors who have demonstrated excellence in meeting the letter and the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Image: Miami International Airport
