MIA launches accessibility lanes in customs

Credit: MIA

Passengers with disabilities or limited mobility arriving at Miami International Airport (MIA) from foreign destinations can now request special queueing assistance when travelling through the U.S. 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 at 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 passengers 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.

MIA’s Customs accessibility lane service and sunflower lanyard programme are part of the airport’s award-winning MyMIAccess programme for passengers with disabilities.

In July 2022, MIA received the Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which honors ADA co-ordinators 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.

MIA was also the overall winner of the 2021 Airport Accessibility Award during the sixth Annual Airport Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) Leadership Conference, after earning 50 per cent of the votes from the virtual conference’s 159 attendees from 42 countries around the world.