Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit miami-airport.com
Services for Passengers with Special Needs at MIA
Miami Airport offers a variety of facilities for passengers requiring special assistance. From services for people with reduced mobility to pet areas and multi-sensory rooms, here we detail each service, enriched with the real experience of travelers so you know what to expect and how to better plan your trip.
Quick Questions about Special Assistance
- How do I request a wheelchair? You must contact your airline directly in advance. They coordinate the service. Travelers report that the staff is usually friendly, but waits can be long during peak hours.
- Are there quiet spaces for people with sensory sensitivities? Yes, the multi-sensory rooms in concourses D and H/J are highly valued for offering a calm environment away from the terminal's chaos.
- Are there places for nursing mothers? Yes, the MIAmamas pods and nursing rooms are available in all concourses, offering a private and comfortable space.
- Does my pet have a place for their needs? Yes, there are pet relief areas both before and after security, equipped with synthetic grass.
- Is there help for visually impaired passengers? Yes, the free Aira service connects passengers with a remote agent via a mobile app to guide them through the airport, a highly appreciated tool.
Image
AI-generated image
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Coordination is your responsibility: For critical services like wheelchairs or assistance for unaccompanied minors, the key is to contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance. Don't wait until you get to the airport.
- Wheelchair service can be a lottery: Although many agents are friendly, reviews mention recurring problems: long waits, disorganization, and, in isolated cases, staff with a bad attitude who may rush passengers.
- Signage is a general problem: Finding services like nursing rooms or pet relief areas can be difficult due to the airport's poor overall signage. Use an airport map or ask in advance.
- Cleanliness of accessible restrooms is inconsistent: As in the rest of the airport, the cleanliness of accessible restrooms is a weak point, especially during high traffic hours.
Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Wheelchair Assistance
If you require wheelchair service or similar assistance, you should contact your airline. Each airline coordinates its own wheelchair assistance. To see a directory with phone numbers and websites of the airlines, click here.
User Experience: The staff assisting with wheelchairs is generally described as friendly and helpful. However, the most common complaints focus on long waiting times and disorganization, especially during peak hours. Some travelers report unprofessional attitudes from certain assistants, who may seem rushed or inattentive.
Parking
There are disabled parking spaces near the moving walkways on the third level of the garages. Additional parking, including van-accessible spaces, is available at the east end of the ground floor of the Dolphin and Flamingo garages. Passengers with a disabled parking permit or license tag must pay the standard parking fees, except as provided by Florida State Law. Two hours of free parking will be provided to vehicles displaying a disabled permit or license tag. Upon exiting, remember to use one of the green "Credit EMV Card" lanes.
User Experience: The availability of accessible parking is valued, but users point out that during peak hours these spaces fill up quickly, suggesting that capacity should be expanded.
Accessible Transit Pickup (ATP) Doors
The Aviation Department has designated doors to assist passengers in coordinating pickup and drop-off locations with STS (special transportation services).
User Experience: Passengers appreciate these accessibility points, although they comment that the signage to the pickup areas could be improved.
Additional Facilities
Security Screening / TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides information and assistance to travelers with disabilities and medical conditions through its TSA Cares program. You can contact their helpline at least 72 hours before traveling at Tel +1 855 787 2227 or by visiting their website.
User Experience: Travelers appreciate the specialized service, although they note that the wait can be long during busy times. They recommend communicating in advance to minimize waiting times.
Aira Network
Aira is a free service that connects blind or low-vision passengers to a highly trained, remotely located agent. Using the Aira mobile app, the agent can help the user navigate the airport.
User Experience: Low-vision travelers highly value this service, highlighting the usefulness of having an agent to guide them and describe their surroundings.
Multi-Sensory Rooms
These lounges offer passengers with different abilities the opportunity to relax and enjoy a quiet environment. They are located in concourse D (next to checkpoint 4) and in the H/J connector. Available from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
User Experience: Many travelers appreciate the relaxing atmosphere of these rooms, but some suggest they remain open for extended hours for night flights.
Restrooms and Telephones
The restrooms located throughout the terminal have stalls for travelers with disabilities, as well as equipped unisex restrooms. MIA also has TTY / TDD phones at selected banks.
User Experience: Travelers highlight the usefulness of the adapted facilities, although, as in the rest of the airport, they complain about cleanliness issues during high traffic hours.
Traveling with Children and Pets
Nursing Mothers
For mothers looking for a private and quiet place to breastfeed, the airport has MIAmamas pods and a special room in each of the concourses.
User Experience: Mothers find these rooms useful and comfortable, but some suggest better signage in the terminals to make them easier to locate.
What should I do to travel with pets?
If you are flying with a pet or service animal, contact your airline to learn about their policies. Be sure to review the health and transportation requirements on the official websites of the TSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Animal Relief Areas
Animal relief areas are located on the arrivals level of concourses D, E, and J and in the secure area of concourses D, F, G, and J. All are equipped with synthetic grass, waste bags, and sinks.
User Experience: Travelers consider these areas an essential resource, although they suggest increasing the number of spaces to avoid congestion during high traffic hours.
What to do if a minor is traveling alone?
If a minor is traveling alone, contact your airline to find out the specific requirements. Generally, children under 18 do not need to present identification for domestic travel in the United States.
User Experience: Parents appreciate the security of the process, although some suggest clearer communication during their children's transfers, especially regarding the staff responsible for receiving them at the destination.