Miami Airport Immigration with disabled person.

[stuartgrn]

We have flown into Miami a few times from the UK and have always been dismayed but the long lines at immigration. The last time we were there it took almost 2 hours to get through. My wife is disabled (spina bifida) and although not in a wheelchair finds it uncomfortable to stand or walk for long periods of time.

My wife hates using her disability to cut corners or gain an advantage - she is very stubborn and would prefer to wait in line with everyone else. I was wondering if there was a system in place to help disabled people at Miami airport get through immigration more comfortably. Many years ago we arrived at JFK and an officer noticed my wifes walk and escorted her straight through immigration. Same thing at Heathrow where they either pull you too the front of the electronic gates or let you go through the "medical" line.

Any tips to get through immigration quicker would be appreciated. Also, as we will have ESTA clearance are there electronic automatic gates we can use? The MIA website says there are but I rarely trust official websites - I know CC members will know better!

[BlueHerons]

We have flown into Miami a few times from the UK and have always been dismayed but the long lines at immigration. The last time we were there it took almost 2 hours to get through. My wife is disabled (spina bifida) and although not in a wheelchair finds it uncomfortable to stand or walk for long periods of time.

My wife hates using her disability to cut corners or gain an advantage - she is very stubborn and would prefer to wait in line with everyone else. I was wondering if there was a system in place to help disabled people at Miami airport get through immigration more comfortably. Many years ago we arrived at JFK and an officer noticed my wifes walk and escorted her straight through immigration. Same thing at Heathrow where they either pull you too the front of the electronic gates or let you go through the "medical" line.

Any tips to get through immigration quicker would be appreciated. Also, as we will have ESTA clearance are there electronic automatic gates we can use? The MIA website says there are but I rarely trust official websites - I know CC members will know better!

 

Ask for a wheelchair.

[capriccio]

Ask for a wheelchair.

 

Absolutely - that's what they are there for! There is no reason your wife should have to suffer. Call your airline ahead of time and they will have it noted on your record for both boarding and arrival (at least that is what United Airlines did for me last month in Rio, Houston and Fort Lauderdale). Even if you don't arrange it ahead of time and ask for one at check-in, you may just have to wait a few extra minutes while assistance is located. And don't worry about what anyone else thinks - they should be grateful that they are able-bodied and can walk long distances and stand in lines for some time without pain.

[gatr_girl]

Every time I've come into Miami with my mother (in her wheelchair) we've been sent to a very short line to the side of the masses queueing in the rope maze. You don't even have to ask about it. You will be directed there by the staff at the entrance.

 

Definitely ask for a wheelchair. There's no need for her to be in pain while she waits!

[Flymia]

The airline is the one who would take care of this. Call the airline, they will give you the best options.

[philip_eunice1]

Hope this helps for the future

If you fly from Dublin it is usually substantially cheaper than uk airport and all your immigration and customs is done in Dublin so when you arrive in the US it is like arriving on an internal flight no waiting straight to baggage reclaim

 

 

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