MIA now offering accessibility lanes in Customs

Passengers with disabilities or limited mobility arriving at Miami International Airport from foreign destinations can now request special queueing assistance when traveling 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 travelers 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. Travelers can receive a lanyard by emailing ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com with their full name and postal address where the lanyard should be delivered. Allow 7 business days (in the U.S.) and 14 business days (outside of the U.S.) for delivery.

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

In July, MIA received the Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award from the Federal Aviation Administration, which honors ADA 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.

MIA was also the overall winner of the 2021 Airport Accessibility Award during the 6th Annual Airport Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) Leadership Conference, after earning 50 percent of the votes from the virtual conference’s 159 attendees from 42 countries around the world.