How To Navigate Airports With Ease Using Carts

Electric carts are available at larger airports to help passengers who have difficulty walking long distances or need to get to their gate quickly. These carts are typically provided by a company that operates in return for a portion of the rental fees. While cart assistance is usually free of charge in many countries, some airports, particularly in the US, charge a fee for their use, which can be around $5. In the US, anyone who identifies as disabled is entitled to assistance, and there are four designations that airlines use to determine the type of assistance required. It is recommended to request a wheelchair or cart at least 48 hours before travelling.

Luggage carts are free in some airports, but not in the US

Luggage carts are often seen as a basic amenity in airports outside of the US, provided free of charge to all passengers. However, in US airports, travellers often have to pay to use luggage carts, with fees ranging from $5 to $8. This discrepancy can be attributed to differing economic models and fee structures in airports worldwide.

In the US, airports typically operate under a fee cap of $4.50 per passenger, which may result in limited amenities and staffing. Consequently, luggage carts are often provided by external companies that charge rental fees. These companies, such as Smarte Carte, operate under confidential contracts with airports, earning a portion of the fees collected from travellers. While carts may be provided for free in some areas, such as international arrivals, travellers in departures and domestic arrivals usually have to pay.

On the other hand, airports in countries like Japan can charge significantly higher passenger fees. For example, Tokyo's Narita Airport collects a fee of ¥2630 (approximately $25) per person, which explicitly covers the cost of providing baggage carts. This economic model allows for "free" baggage carts as travellers have already paid a substantial amount through their passenger fees.

The contrast between these models is evident when comparing San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which charges for luggage carts, and Narita Airport, which provides them for free. The former operates under the US fee cap of $4.50, while the latter's higher passenger fee of $25 enables it to offer additional amenities.

Travellers in US airports who wish to avoid paying for luggage carts can try their luck near taxi stands, arrival areas, or parking lots, where unlocked carts may be available from previous users. However, this option may not be feasible for all travellers, especially those arriving on international flights who need to clear customs first.

Electric carts are available at larger airports

If you require the use of an electric cart, it is advisable to request one in advance when booking your flight. If this is not possible, you can call the airline to make the request. Be sure to specify if you will need assistance as soon as you arrive at the airport and if you will need it on the aircraft. The request should then be added to your passenger record, and the cart should be available once you get to the airport. Most airlines ask that you make these requests at least 48 hours in advance.

It is important to note that not all airports provide electric carts. Some airports may only offer manual wheelchairs, which are available at all airports. Additionally, some airlines are doing away with electric carts and switching to manual wheelchair-only services due to liability issues and the slower movement of electric carts through crowded concourses.

When using electric cart services at the airport, it is customary to tip the driver, especially in the United States. However, it is important to plan ahead and allow for extra time, as cart services may not always be readily available, and you may need to wait for the cart to arrive at your gate.

How to request a cart in advance

Electric carts are available at larger airports for those who have difficulty walking long distances or need to get to their gate quickly.

If you need to request a cart in advance, the best way to do so is by contacting your airline directly. You can do this by calling the airline or, if possible, requesting assistance when booking your flight online. Be sure to specify whether you will need a cart from the moment you arrive at the airport or only to get to the gate. After your request has been made, it should be added to your passenger record. Most airlines ask that you make these requests at least 48 hours in advance. If you forget to book in advance, you may still be able to request a cart from a skycap when you arrive at the airport.

When you arrive at the airport, inform the airline check-in desk or airport personnel that you have requested a cart, and they should have one ready for you. If you are travelling with your own electric wheelchair or scooter, you will need to check this in and be at your gate at least 45 minutes before departure. For non-electric or non-battery-powered wheelchairs, carts, or scooters, you must check these in and be at your gate at least 30 minutes before departure.

Who is eligible for an airport cart?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, anyone who self-identifies as disabled to airport personnel is entitled to assistance moving throughout the airport. This is also supported by the 1986 Air Carrier Access Act, which states that free wheelchair service must be provided to anyone who asks for it, without requiring proof of disability.

Airlines use four designations to determine the type of wheelchair or cart assistance needed:

• Passengers who can walk onto a plane but need help getting from the terminal to the aircraft.
• Passengers who can't navigate stairs and need a wheelchair to move between an aircraft and a terminal but can walk onboard a plane.
• Passengers with a disability affecting their lower limbs, who need help boarding and departing from a plane.
• Passengers that are completely immobile and need help from the moment they arrive at the airport through to the time they board the aircraft.

It is important to note that requests for wheelchair or cart assistance should be made at least 48 hours in advance, as last-minute requests may not be accommodated by the airline.

Using a cart at the airport

Requesting a Cart

Firstly, you will need to request a cart in advance. This can usually be done when booking your flight, or by calling the airline directly. Most airlines require cart requests to be made at least 48 hours before your flight. When making your request, specify whether you will need a cart as soon as you arrive at the airport, as well as if you will need assistance on the aircraft. This information will be added to your passenger record.

Arriving at the Airport

Once you arrive at the airport, let the airline check-in staff know that you have requested a cart. They should have a cart or wheelchair ready for you. If you did not request a cart in advance, you may still be able to get one by asking a skycap at the departures curb. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight and be at the gate at least one hour in advance.

Using the Cart

The cart assistant will help you through security checkpoints and to your gate. If you need to make a connection, you can arrange to have a cart or wheelchair available at your transfer point. Keep in mind that electric carts are not always available at all airports, and they may only be provided by certain airlines. Additionally, carts may not be allowed in certain areas of the airport, such as parking lots or beyond security checkpoints.

Returning the Cart

If you are using a cart provided by the airport, you will need to return it before boarding your flight. Follow the instructions provided by the airline or airport staff for returning the cart. If you have your own cart or wheelchair, you will need to check it in and be ready to board at least 30 minutes before departure.

Tipping

In some countries, such as the United States, it is customary to tip the cart driver or assistant. However, in other countries, this may not be expected. Be sure to check the local customs and guidelines before your trip.

Frequently asked questions