Wheelchair assistance

Good to know

• MIA has two multi-sensory rooms for passengers with cognitive and developmental disabilities such as autism: one after security in Concourse D, just beyond Checkpoint 4, and one after security in the H-J connector near Concourse J. Both are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• There are some carts in various areas of the airport, but you cannot pre-arrange one, and they cannot carry a manual wheelchair.
• If you need help getting a ticket to enter a parking garage, or special help when leaving, call the parking operator on 305-876-7536, 24 hours a day, and a representative will come to you.
• Every public restroom has a stall for people with disabilities. Single-user unisex restrooms, for travelers who need a companion or carer to help, are in the North and South Terminals; the Central Terminal's older restrooms do not have them yet.
• MIA takes part in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard program, which quietly tells staff you may need more time or have extra questions. To get a lanyard, email [email protected] with your full name and the postal address to send it to, and allow 7 business days in the US or 14 business days elsewhere. Taking part is voluntary, and the lanyard does not speed you through lines; ask your airline for wheelchair service or other help.
• MIAair is a dress rehearsal for passengers with disabilities: a practice run of the trip from check-in to boarding a flight. Register on MIA's MIAair page to be added to a future tour.
• To page someone who is deaf, call the airport on 305-876-7000 and an attendant enters a visual page. It shows on one of the two screens at each departure gate, on every fourth screen behind the check-in counters, on half the screens at each baggage belt, and on message boards at the J international arrivals information counter and the D international arrivals exit.
• A video sign language interpreter is available when needed: look for staff in blue uniforms, who connect you through the Martti app.
• MIA has 10 wheelchair charging stations for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
• Wheelchair help between the terminal and the Rental Car Center needs arranging in advance with MIA's ADA coordinator. For the trip back from the Rental Car Center to your departure gate, ask your rental car company, in advance or at its counter when you return the car.
• The wheelchair attendant carries one piece of carry-on luggage; for more bags, use the airline's porters (Skycaps). The companies that push wheelchairs usually run staffed waiting areas where they can help you reach a restroom, and you can ask for a short stop to buy food to go while you are being taken to or from the gate. MIA has some carts in various areas, but they cannot be booked ahead and cannot carry a manual wheelchair.
• Drive your own power chair to the ticket counter. The airline checks it at the gate, where you move to an aisle chair for boarding, and its staff load the chair into the hold. If your wheelchair arrives broken, contact your airline about a claim.
• Passengers with disabilities or limited mobility arriving from abroad are strongly encouraged to request a wheelchair from their airline; the Customs accessibility lane form is for those who do not want one.

Source: Miami International Airport