Milwaukee Mitchell Celebrates Disability Pride Month

MILWAUKEE (July 13, 2022) – Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is committed to ensuring its facilities and services are accessible to all guests who visit the Airport. Over the past several years, MKE has implemented several new programs and features that are aimed at making the overall travel experience easier for those flying with a disability.

“I commend Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport for all they’re doing and have done to make travel accessible for all,” said Milwaukee County David Crowley. “During Disability Pride Month, it is especially important to highlight all of these features so that those in need know they’re available. Thank you, MKE for launching these passenger-friendly enhancements which help keep us on our journey to achieving racial equity and making Milwaukee County the healthiest county in Wisconsin.”

Airports can be very large and daunting places, especially for those who are not used to traveling. Some travelers with a disability may need extra assistance or patience from Airport employees along the way. That’s why MKE has launched several initiatives to help passengers with both ‘visible’ and ‘non-visible’ disabilities.

“Just in the past few years alone, we’ve brought several new programs and features to MKE to help make travel easier for those who are in need,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “Just last year, we became the first Airport in Wisconsin to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program and we’re glad that many passengers in need have utilized this program. Here at MKE, we strive to offer the best and most accessible travel experience for all passengers.”

These are a few of the recent accessibility enhancements that Milwaukee Mitchell has made.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program

MKE is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Adults and children traveling through MKE can pick up a special sunflower lanyard at the Airport Information desk, which is located pre-security in the main terminal.

These lanyards discreetly signify to employees any passenger that may need extra assistance. Hidden disabilities are not visible and can include dementia, mental health conditions, visual impairments, chronic conditions, autism, hearing loss, etc.

Travelers who would benefit from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program are encouraged to pick up a lanyard at MKE and wear it throughout their journey, including at other airports.

Service Animal Relief Area (SARA)

MKE accommodates passengers traveling with service animals by offering outdoor and indoor Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs).

A pre-security SARA is located in the Concession Mall directly across from the Miller Brewhouse, near the Family Restroom. Post-security SARAs are located in Concourse C across from Gate C14 and in Concourse D between Gates D34 and D36.

Outdoor Pet Relief Areas are located near the American Airlines entrance to Ticketing and outside each end of Baggage Claim.

Adult-Changing Tables

MKE offers adult-sized, height-adjustable changing stations inside two of our public restrooms.

They are located near the Miller Brewhouse in the Main Terminal and in the family restroom on Concourse D.

AIRA Access Location for Blind and Low Vision Travelers

Additionally, All of Milwaukee Mitchell’s parking shuttles are fully accessible, and MKE offers plenty of accessible parking spots throughout its parking facilities. All airlines serving MKE provide complimentary wheelchair service and other special assistance for travelers upon request.

More accessibility information and general travel tips for flying with a disability can be found by visiting the Milwaukee Airport’s website. Additionally, the Airport Information desk located centrally in the Main Terminal is staffed seven days a week with volunteers who can help answer travel-related questions.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport offers nonstop flights to 35+ destinations coast-to-coast, and more than 200 international destinations are available with one easy connection. MKE is served by Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. The complete list of nonstop cities can be found at flymke.com.

MKE, the winner of a 2021 ASQ Best Airport – North America award for outstanding customer experience, is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. The Airport is entirely funded by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s capital improvements or for its day-to-day operation.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.