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Yes, you can request a wheelchair at the airport. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities or limited mobility. This includes providing wheelchair assistance for individuals who have difficulty walking long distances. It is recommended that you request wheelchair assistance in advance when making your reservation or booking your trip. However, you can also inform airport staff about your needs on the day of your travel. When you arrive at the airport, it is important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability or limited mobility who requires assistance. This will ensure that you receive the necessary support throughout the airport and during your flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to request a wheelchair | When making a reservation, or on the day of travel |
| Who to request it from | Airline staff, either at the check-in desk or via the airline app or website |
| Who can request a wheelchair | Anyone who self-identifies as a person with a disability or has difficulty walking long distances |
| What happens if you bring your own wheelchair | Airlines will transport both manual and battery-powered wheelchairs, but passengers must arrive at the airport earlier than the normal check-in time |
| What happens if you need assistance during a connecting flight | If you have requested assistance in advance, the airline should provide it |
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What You'll Learn
Requesting a wheelchair in advance
When booking your flight, look for an option to add special assistance. For example, American Airlines allows passengers to select 'Add special assistance' when booking or managing a trip on their website or mobile app. Similarly, Delta Air Lines offers an "Accessible Services" option in the "My Trips" section of their website or app. If you are unable to find this information on the airline's website or app, you can always call them directly to request wheelchair assistance for your trip.
When requesting a wheelchair in advance, it is important to provide as much detail as possible about your specific needs. For example, if you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you may need to arrive at the airport earlier than the standard check-in time. Some airlines may also require measurements of your wheelchair when collapsed to ensure it can be accommodated on the aircraft. Being as thorough as possible when making your request will help ensure that the airline can meet your needs.
In addition to requesting a wheelchair, you may also want to consider requesting other types of assistance. For example, if you have vision or hearing limitations, you can inform the airline so that they can ensure you receive important updates. If you are travelling with a service animal or have specific medical requirements, this can also be noted in advance. By providing comprehensive information about your needs, you can help ensure a smooth travel experience.
While it is recommended to request a wheelchair in advance, it is also possible to make a request at the airport. If you find yourself in a situation where you need unexpected assistance, you can inform a team member at the airport about your wheelchair needs. They will be able to provide assistance and ensure that you receive the support you require during your time at the airport and on board the aircraft.
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Wheelchair assistance at the airport
If you require a wheelchair at the airport, it is recommended that you request it in advance when booking your flight. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities or mobility impairments. This includes helping you from the terminal entrance to the gate location, through security, and onto the plane. When you arrive at the airport, be sure to self-identify as a passenger with a disability or limited mobility who needs assistance. You can do this by speaking to an airline representative or by selecting "Add special assistance" when managing your trip online or through the airline's app.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, it is advised that you arrive at the airport earlier than the normal check-in time. Some airlines may require you to measure the height and width of your chair and input the measurements when booking your wheelchair assistance. You may also need to fill out a Mobility Device Handling Form and provide it to the ticket agent or gate agent.
If you are able to walk but have difficulty with long distances, most airports can provide alternative options such as golf cart-style vehicles to transport you to your gate. You can request these services at the check-in desk or by calling the airline in advance. However, please be mindful that these services are intended for those with limited mobility, and using them when you do not need assistance may cause delays for other passengers who require these services.
When booking your flight, you can also request specific accommodations, such as extra legroom or an aisle seat to facilitate easier access to the bathroom during the flight. If you require additional assistance during the flight, such as help with hearing important flight information or receiving updates, be sure to inform a gate agent or flight attendant.
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Connecting flights and wheelchair services
Yes, you can request a wheelchair at the airport. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they navigate through different portions of the airport. This includes assisting you from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to the gate location, including the security checkpoint. If you are unable to walk long distances, you can request a wheelchair when you make your reservation. It is recommended that you request wheelchair assistance in advance by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking your trip. However, you can also inform a team member at the airport about your wheelchair needs on the day of travel.
When you arrive at the airport, it is important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. Even if you have noted in your reservation that you need assistance, the airline will not know that you are the person who requested it unless you self-identify. If there is uncertainty about the access needs of a passenger, a carrier may ask the passenger for credible verbal assurance that they need the service and how it assists with their disability. For example, they may ask, "How does the requested wheelchair service assist with your disability?"
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport one hour before the normal check-in time. It is also important to confirm your accessibility needs with all airlines involved in your journey, especially if you have a connecting flight. For example, Delta Air Lines states that if you have confirmed your request for wheelchair assistance prior to travel, your service is planned and will address your mobility needs throughout airports for connecting flights.
If you need assistance during your flight or at your destination, notify the flight crew before landing. Airlines generally provide wheelchair assistance after all other passengers have deplaned. Additionally, if you request to stop at the bathroom on your way to a departing flight, airline personnel assisting you are required to stop at the entrance, as long as it is on the way to your destination and does not cause an unreasonable delay.
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Bringing your own wheelchair
If you are bringing your own wheelchair, it is important to arrive at the airport as early as possible to allow time for checking any baggage, security screening, and boarding the plane. When you arrive at the airport, make sure to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. You can do this by informing a team member at the airport about your wheelchair needs on the day of travel. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport one hour prior to the normal check-in time.
If your wheelchair is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store it on board. Ask a gate agent about this option on your day of travel. Some items may be stored on board, while others will be checked at the gate as you board the plane. You may also submit a "meet and assist" service request and/or an aisle chair if you need help getting to your seat after checking a device at the gate.
Some battery-operated devices may be stowed upright in the cargo hold of the aircraft, while others may need to be disassembled and checked before you fly. Check with the device manufacturer before you travel about whether or not your device may be stored on its side. See an agent at the airport for help with your battery-operated device, and have the printed Mobility Device Handling Form ready.
If you bring your own mobility device, you can check in on the Fly Delta app or at an airport kiosk and then head to your gate. If you requested a Delta wheelchair service, meet with a Delta representative for guidance to the Special Services check-in or the closest wheelchair staging area.
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Wheelchair alternatives
If you require assistance at the airport, there are several options available to you. It is recommended that you request a wheelchair in advance when making your reservation or booking your flight. You can do this by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking your trip online or in the airline's app. Alternatively, you can call the airline and specify your requirements.
If you are unable to request a wheelchair in advance, you can inform a team member at the airport about your needs on the day of travel. You should let airport personnel know that you require wheelchair assistance, and they will be able to help you. It is important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. This can be done when checking in, or with a gate agent or flight attendant.
If you have your own mobility device, such as a non-battery-operated wheelchair, cane, walker, or crutches, you may be able to bring it on board and store it on your flight. However, you may need to check with the airline in advance to confirm if there is space available. If you have an electric or battery-powered wheelchair, you may need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow for check-in and boarding.
Some airlines also offer other assistive devices, such as seat belt extensions, and can provide assistance with boarding and deboarding the aircraft. If you require assistance with hearing or vision limitations, you can inform a gate agent or flight attendant, who will be able to help ensure you receive important flight information.
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Frequently asked questions
You can request a wheelchair at the airport by informing a team member about your wheelchair needs on the day of travel. However, it is recommended that you request wheelchair assistance in advance when booking or managing your trip.
No, you do not need to provide a reason. Airline staff are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with a physical or mental impairment. However, you may be asked how the requested wheelchair service assists with your disability.
Yes, you can request a wheelchair for just one leg of your trip. You can specify this when making your request.
If you bring your own wheelchair, you can check in at the airport kiosk and then head to your gate. If you requested an airline wheelchair service, meet with an airline representative for guidance to the Special Services check-in or the closest wheelchair staging area.
