Airport Accessibility: Wheelchairs Available For Travelers' Ease

Airports and airlines have become increasingly aware of the needs of people with disabilities, and wheelchair facilities are now available at most airports. Airlines offer several options for passengers who require wheelchair assistance, although it is important to notify them of your requirements in advance. Some airlines require 48 hours' notice, while others simply ask that you request a wheelchair in advance of your day of travel. Wheelchair assistance is available from the entrance of the airport to the departure gate, and from the arrival gate to the baggage claim, terminal entrance, or vehicle pick-up location. Passengers with disabilities are also entitled to pre-boarding, and airlines are required to assist with carry-on luggage.

Requesting a wheelchair in advance

Most airlines and airports nowadays offer wheelchair assistance, but it is always best to request a wheelchair in advance of the day of travel. This can be done through your travel agent or the airline's customer contact centre. Some airlines, such as Delta, allow you to request wheelchair assistance online through their website or app.

When booking your flight, you can inform the airline of your need for a wheelchair. For example, IndiGo requires 48 hours' notice, while Air India offers assistance with customs and formalities at the airport. It is always worth checking the airline's website for their specific guidelines and policies.

If you are bringing your own wheelchair, it is important to notify the airline in advance. Some airlines, such as Delta, require 48 hours' notice for battery-operated devices to follow the U.S. Federal Dangerous Goods Handling Procedures. You may also need to fill out a Mobility Device Handling Form and provide the measurements of your wheelchair.

It is also recommended to arrive at the airport early on the day of your flight. Most sources suggest arriving at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. Once you arrive, notify an airline representative that you need a wheelchair, and they will be able to assist you further.

Using a personal wheelchair

If you are planning to bring your own wheelchair to the airport, there are several steps you should take to ensure a smooth travel experience. Firstly, it is important to check with your airline about their guidelines, policies, and sizing requirements for personal wheelchairs. This can usually be done on the airline's website or by calling their helpline. Some airlines may require you to notify them about your wheelchair requirement at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure, so it is best to plan ahead.

Once you have booked your tickets, you should prepare for airport screenings and security checks. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Upon arrival, you can request a wheelchair facility at the 'Airline Counter' in the 'Visitor's Lobby'. If you have already notified the airline about your wheelchair requirement, a helper or assistant should be assigned to guide you through the airport. There are usually reserved vehicular lanes for wheelchairs at airports, making it easier to reach your terminal on time.

If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you may need to arrive at the airport even earlier, typically one hour before the normal check-in time. It is important to be aware of the measurements of your wheelchair, as some airlines have specific size restrictions for storing wheelchairs on board. Additionally, you may need to follow certain procedures for handling battery-operated devices, such as providing advance notice to the airline and completing a Mobility Device Handling Form.

It is also recommended to inform the gate staff about your pre-boarding plans if you require wheelchair assistance. You should also be prepared for any coronavirus-related requirements, such as wearing face masks and carrying the necessary documentation. By following these steps, you can ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience when using your personal wheelchair at the airport.

Assistance throughout the airport

Wheelchair assistance is available at most airports to ensure that individuals with disabilities or injuries can have a comfortable and satisfying travel experience. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they move through different areas of the airport. This includes helping passengers from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to the gate, through security, and onto the aircraft to their seats.

When booking a flight, individuals can request wheelchair assistance and notify the airline of their special needs. It is recommended to do this at least 48 hours before the trip to ensure the best possible service. Some airlines may also allow passengers to inform them of their wheelchair requirement while making their booking. Additionally, passengers can reach out to the airline to understand the guidelines and policies around wheelchair assistance.

On the day of the flight, passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. They can then contact the airline for a wheelchair facility or visit the 'Airline Counter' in the 'Visitor's Lobby'. After the wheelchair is approved, an assistant will be assigned to guide the passenger through the airport. Most airports have reserved vehicular lanes for wheelchairs, making it easier to reach the terminals on time.

Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance are also given pre-boarding facilities. It is important to inform the gate staff about pre-boarding plans and to arrive at the gate early for a smooth boarding process. Airlines will also prepare ramps, lifts, or aisle chairs to ensure safe and convenient boarding.

In addition to providing assistance throughout the airport, airlines are also required to help passengers with their carry-on or gate-checked luggage if they are unable to carry it due to their disability. It is important to note that passengers should self-identify as individuals with disabilities and request assistance from airline staff to receive these services.

Boarding and deplaning

To ensure that you get a wheelchair at the airport, it is best to request one in advance of your travel day. You can do this through your travel agent or the airline's customer contact centre. Some airlines, such as IndiGo, require at least 48 hours' notice, while others, like Delta, ask that you share your mobility needs at least 48 hours before your trip. If you are bringing your own wheelchair or scooter, you should also inform the airline in advance. This is so they can follow the correct procedures for handling your device and ensure it can be safely transported.

When you arrive at the airport, make your way to the airline counter in the visitors' lobby and notify a representative that you need a wheelchair. They will be able to assist you from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to your departure gate, including through security. If you are bringing your own mobility device, you can check in at the kiosk and then head to your gate, where a representative will meet you.

Most airlines offer pre-boarding for individuals with special needs. To make use of this, inform the gate staff about your plans to pre-board. It is also a good idea to arrive at the gate early so that you can board the plane without any hassles. Airlines will prepare ramps, lifts, or aisle chairs to get you onboard safely and conveniently.

If you are unable to walk long distances or climb stairs, a wheelchair agent will escort you to the end of the jet bridge, where you can board the aircraft and take your seat. An agent will transfer you from your device to an aisle chair, which has chest and leg straps to keep you secure during the transfer. Once you are securely in the transfer chair, the agent will assist you onto the plane and into your seat.

Upon arrival at your destination, if you did not request wheelchair assistance for disembarking, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the gate. If you did request assistance, the airline will usually provide this after all other passengers have deplaned.

Connecting flights

If you require wheelchair assistance for a connecting flight, it is important to communicate this to the airline in advance. Airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines allow you to request wheelchair assistance when booking your trip online or via their respective apps. Alternatively, you can call them directly to inform them of your specific needs.

When booking, it is important to understand your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This legislation ensures that individuals with disabilities have the right to travel with dignity, safety, and equal access. Under the ACAA, airlines are prohibited from charging additional fees for transporting your mobility device and its associated components. Additionally, the ACAA prohibits airlines from discriminating against individuals with disabilities and requires them to provide assistance throughout the airport, including for connecting flights.

When planning your trip, consider choosing a longer layover between connecting flights. The boarding and deplaning processes for individuals using wheelchairs can be more intricate and time-consuming, so opting for a longer layover reduces the risk of missing your connection.

When you arrive at the airport, inform the airline check-in desk or airport personnel that you require wheelchair assistance. They will be able to assist you through security checkpoints, the terminal, and to your gate. If you have your own wheelchair, some airlines may allow you to stay in it until you reach the gate. At the gate, your wheelchair will be taken from you, and if you cannot walk, you will be transported to your aircraft seat using an aisle chair.

Frequently asked questions