More than 150 children with disabilities got a special opportunity to practice the full air-travel experience at Miami International Airport last week.
Through MIA’s award-winning MIAair program, hosted by Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines, students and their families rehearsed everything from check-in and security screening to boarding a plane, giving young travelers confidence ahead of the busy holiday season.
Two MIAair program participants on the plane during the practice run.
Instagram / @iflymia
The tour demonstrated that MIA, one of the busiest airports in the world, is accessible and customer friendly for all people, including those with disabilities.
Last week’s event allowed participants to rehearse their air travel experience from start to finish, all the way to boarding an airplane and taking their seats in a comfortable environment.
The children practiced entering the airport, getting boarding passes, going through security and boarding a LATAM Airlines plane as they were greeted by the airline’s gate agents and flight crew.
“We strive to make Miami-Dade County services as accessible as possible to all of our residents, which is why I am so proud of MIA’s successful efforts to empower travelers with disabilities through its award-winning MIAair tour program,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “With this month’s MIAair tour, even more children and their families gained the confidence and comfort they need to experience the joy of air travel without barriers.”
The program also served as a learning experience for airline and airport workers at MIA.
An MIAair program participant in the cockpit with an airplane pilot.
Instagram / @iflymia
Since launching the MIAair tours in 2015, in partnership with the UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), MIA has now hosted tours for nearly 400 children with disabilities.
“Thank you to our partners at Miami International Airport and LATAM for investing their facilities and their hearts in accessible travel,” said Alison Lathrop, Delta’s Managing Director of Accessibility Programs. “Travel is for everyone, and we’re delighted to spread a little cheer and make the travel experience more familiar and accessible for these kids and their families this holiday season.”
Cristina De Melo, Vice President of North America and Caribbean at LATAM Airlines, said the company was delighted to take part in the event that brings together so many children and their families.
“At LATAM, we are committed to building an inclusive and accessible travel industry,” she said. “As part of this commitment, we have been enhancing the travel experience for people with disabilities, through initiatives such as practice boarding across our South American subsidiaries and partnerships with Autism Double-Checked and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. These collaborations help us create a more accessible journey for passengers on the autism spectrum and those with hidden disabilities.”
MIA’s dedication to inclusivity extends far beyond the MIAair program.
An MIAair program participant at a check-in counter.
Instagram / @iflymia
In 2023, the airport became the first in Florida and the second in the U.S. to receive accreditation by the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) program.
The recognition reflects MIA’s commitment to prioritizing accessibility, safety, and inclusivity for passengers with disabilities.
As America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, MIA is the economic engine in the region’s landscape.
The airport is currently undergoing a significant transformation with a $7 billion capital improvement plan and $1.7 billion dedicated to maintenance upgrades.
Furthermore, MIA boasts the most flights to Latin America and the Caribbean compared to any other U.S. airport, generating $31.9 billion in business revenue annually and is estimated to attract nearly 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida.