Lois Larson
If you need a wheelchair at the airport, you can request one when you book your flight. Airlines are required to provide free wheelchair assistance to anyone who self-identifies as a person with a disability. This includes help from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to the gate location, through security, and onto the aircraft to your seat. However, you must self-identify as a person with a disability to receive this service, and some airlines may ask how the requested wheelchair service assists with your disability. If you plan to bring your own wheelchair, you may be able to store it on board if it meets size restrictions and is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair rental at the airport | Available |
| Requesting a wheelchair | Request when booking your flight or call the airline |
| Self-identification | Required to receive wheelchair assistance |
| Cost | Free |
| Advance notice | Required |
| Types of wheelchairs | Standard, electric |
| Additional services | Assistants to help navigate the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Airlines must provide wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities
If you have mobility issues, getting from the airport curb to the gate for your flight can be challenging. The good news is that airlines must provide wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities, and this service is typically free of charge. This is in accordance with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical or mental impairments.
When booking your flight, be sure to request wheelchair assistance if needed. Most airlines contract with companies to offer wheelchairs to passengers, helping them navigate through the airport, including security checkpoints. Some larger airports also provide electric carts for those who cannot walk long distances or need to get to their gate quickly. While wheelchair assistance is usually free, it is important to make your request in advance. If it cannot be done during booking, contact the airline directly.
Upon arrival at the airport, remember to self-identify as a passenger with a disability and confirm your need for assistance. This is important even if you have already noted your need for assistance during the booking process. If you have your own mobility device, you can check in using the airline's app or kiosk and then proceed to your gate. If you requested the airline's wheelchair service, a representative will guide you to the Special Services check-in or the nearest wheelchair staging area.
Different airlines may have specific procedures for providing assistance. For example, Delta Air Lines offers various wheelchair services, including assistance from the curbside at the airport through check-in, security, and to your departure gate. They also provide in-flight assistance with aircraft-designed wheelchairs that fit in the aisles and most lavatories. If you plan to bring your own wheelchair or mobility device on board, confirm with the airline beforehand as there may be size restrictions. Non-battery-operated and manually collapsible devices may be stored on the aircraft, while some battery-operated devices may need to be disassembled and checked separately.
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Requesting a wheelchair in advance
When booking your flight, you should request a wheelchair at the same time. If this is not possible, contact the airline directly by phone. Specify whether you will need a wheelchair from the moment you arrive at the airport, as well as if you will require it on the aircraft. It is also important to confirm your accessibility needs with all airlines involved in your journey, especially if you are taking connecting flights.
When you arrive at the airport, make yourself known to the airline staff as the person who requested assistance. They may ask you how the requested wheelchair service assists with your disability, but they cannot inquire about the nature of your disability. If your reservation was made correctly, a wheelchair should be ready for you at the check-in desk.
If you are bringing your own mobility device, you can check in using an airport kiosk or an airline app, and then proceed to the gate, where you can request assistance from a representative.
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Bringing your own wheelchair or mobility device
If you are bringing your own wheelchair or mobility device, you can check in using the Fly Delta app or at an airport kiosk and then proceed to your gate. If you have requested a wheelchair service, meet with a Delta representative who can guide you to the Special Services check-in or the closest wheelchair staging area. It is important to carry a printed Mobility Device Handling Form and submit it to the ticket agent at the counter or to the gate agent if you are bringing the device on board.
For battery-operated devices, some may be stowed upright in the cargo hold of the aircraft, while others may need to be disassembled and checked before flying. It is advisable to check with the device manufacturer before travelling about whether the device can be stored on its side. If your device can be stowed, airline staff must confirm that it can be stowed without accidental in-flight activation. If this cannot be confirmed, the airline must disconnect the battery post connectors and wrap each connector with tape to prevent electrical shorts during travel.
Non-battery-operated and manually collapsible wheelchairs or mobility devices may be stored on board if they meet the size restrictions for the approved storage space on the aircraft. Generally, the device must not exceed measurements of 13" x 36" x 42", but the limits vary by aircraft. It is recommended to confirm with a gate agent before boarding whether your device can be stowed or needs to be checked. If you need to check your device at the gate, it will be returned to you at the gate for use at your destination or connecting airport.
It is important to note that if you have a disability and require assistance, you must self-identify to airline staff at the airport. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities upon request, including helping them navigate through the airport and boarding and departing the aircraft. This assistance is available to anyone who self-identifies as disabled and is entitled to it by law.
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Wheelchair services provided by Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers a range of services to assist passengers with disabilities or mobility impairments. The airline provides wheelchair services, which can be requested when booking a flight or by calling their customer service line. The wheelchair service includes assistance from the curbside to the departure gate, through check-in and security, and down the jet bridge to the aircraft door. Passengers can also request assistance with boarding, including help from the jet bridge to their seat on the aircraft.
Delta transports both manual and battery-powered personal mobility devices, including wheelchairs, free of charge. Passengers are advised to measure their mobility devices at their smallest size and provide these measurements to Delta before travelling. This is to ensure that the device can fit through the cargo door and into the hold area. If a passenger's device does not fit, Delta will issue a refund for the price difference. Passengers with mobility devices should also be prepared for the possibility of having to disconnect the battery and tape the connectors to prevent accidental activation during transport.
For passengers who prefer to check their personal wheelchairs, Delta offers wheelchair equipment to use within the airport. Passengers can request to have their personal wheelchair checked at the departing gate and returned at the destination gate or a connecting airport gate. However, this service may not be feasible during short layovers, especially if disassembly and reassembly are required. In such cases, Delta recommends taking advantage of their wheelchair service instead.
Delta does not provide electronic power scooters for personal use. Additionally, passengers with breathing apparatuses should be aware that personal oxygen canisters, cylinders, tanks, or other receptacles containing compressed or liquid oxygen are not permitted onboard Delta flights.
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Types of wheelchair assistance
Wheelchair assistance at airports is free and can be requested by anyone who self-identifies as disabled to airport personnel. Airlines use four designations to determine the type of wheelchair or cart assistance needed:
Assistance from the terminal entrance to the aircraft:
This includes helping passengers from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point through security and onto the aircraft to their seat. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they navigate through different portions of the airport. This includes assisting passengers with mobility impairments who may need help getting from the terminal to the aircraft but can walk onboard the plane.
Assistance for passengers who cannot navigate stairs:
This designation is for passengers who need a wheelchair to move between an aircraft and a terminal but can walk onboard a plane. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they board and depart from a plane, including helping them onto the aircraft and down the aisle to their seat.
Assistance for passengers with lower limb disabilities:
This includes helping passengers with disabilities of their lower limbs who need assistance boarding and departing from a plane. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they navigate through different portions of the airport, including assisting them from their seat on an arriving flight through the airport to the gate location of their connecting flight, if they have one.
Assistance for passengers who are completely immobile:
This designation is for passengers who need help from the time they arrive at the airport through to the time they board the aircraft. This may include passengers who are unable to walk long distances or need assistance with mobility devices such as canes, walkers, or crutches.
It is important to note that passengers must self-identify as needing assistance and may be asked to provide credible verbal assurance of their need for wheelchair service. Requests for wheelchair assistance should be made in advance when possible, such as when booking a flight or checking in.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can request a wheelchair when making your reservation. However, if you do bring your own wheelchair, you may be able to store it on board if it is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible.
No, wheelchair assistance at airports is free, but you need to request it in advance.
You can request a wheelchair when booking your flight. If this is not an option, call the airline. You will also need to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance when you arrive at the airport.
Airlines also have special aisle chairs to help passengers get to their seats on the aircraft.
If you travel with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour before the normal check-in time. Some battery-operated devices may be stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft, while others may need to be disassembled and checked before you fly.
