Airport Accessibility: Tagging Wheelchairs, Necessary?

If you need to use a wheelchair at the airport, it's important to know your rights and what to expect. In the US, the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 requires airlines to provide free wheelchair assistance to any traveller who requests it, without needing proof of disability. This applies to all US-based airlines and foreign airlines flying to and from the US. It's best to book assistance in advance, and most airlines ask that you make a request at least 48 hours before your trip. However, you can also request a wheelchair when you arrive at the airport check-in counter, although you may have to wait longer for an attendant to become available.

Requesting a wheelchair in advance

Make a Reservation as Early as Possible

It is recommended to request a wheelchair when you book your flight or at least 48 hours in advance. This will allow the airline to prepare and have a wheelchair ready for you when you arrive at the airport. You can usually do this by selecting the 'Add special assistance' option when booking your flight or by calling the airline directly.

Specify Your Needs

When requesting a wheelchair, be sure to specify the type of assistance you require. For example, indicate whether you need assistance from the terminal entrance to the gate, onto the aircraft itself, or at your connecting flight. Also, mention if you will require assistance with your carry-on luggage or moving within the aircraft.

Confirm Your Accessibility Needs

If your journey involves multiple airlines, make sure to confirm your accessibility needs with each one. This will ensure that you receive consistent assistance throughout your entire trip.

Arrive at the Airport Early

It is advisable to arrive at the airport as early as possible, especially if you are travelling with your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair. This will allow enough time for checking any baggage, going through security screening, and boarding the plane.

Self-Identify as a Passenger with a Disability

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 your need for assistance during the booking, the airline staff will not know that you are the person who requested it unless you identify yourself.

Stay Alert for Gate and Flight Time Changes

Keep an eye out for any gate or flight time changes and notify airline personnel if you need to move to a different gate. This will ensure that your assistance is provided at the correct location and time.

Advise Airline Personnel of Your Needs

At the boarding gate, inform the staff of any assistance you may require during the flight, such as pre-boarding, assistance with carry-on luggage, or moving within the aircraft.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits airlines from discriminating against individuals with physical or mental impairments. If you believe your rights under the ACAA are being violated, you can ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO), who can provide expert guidance on disability accommodation issues.

Checking in your own wheelchair

If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, you must inform the airline in advance. It is recommended that you make a request for wheelchair assistance when you book your flight. You can do this by selecting the ''Add special assistance' option when booking your trip online or via an app. If you have already booked your trip, you can log in to your account and select 'Special Assistance' to add your request.

If you have specific needs, you can also call the airline directly. For example, if you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to the normal check-in time. It is also important to confirm your accessibility needs with all airlines involved in your journey.

When you arrive at the airport, you must self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. Although the airline may have noted in your reservation that you require assistance, they will not know that you are the person who requested it unless you self-identify. You can do this by informing a team member at the check-in desk about your wheelchair needs.

If you are travelling with your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair, you must check in and be available to board the aircraft at least 45 minutes before departure. For non-electric or non-battery-powered wheelchairs, you must check in and be available to board at least 30 minutes before departure.

Using a wheelchair through security

If you are using a wheelchair, you must inform the airline staff at the airport that you are the person with a disability who needs assistance. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they navigate through different portions of the airport, including security checkpoints.

When you arrive at the airport, let the airline staff know that you require wheelchair assistance. If you have made a reservation for a wheelchair, the airline check-in desk should have one ready for you. Many airlines provide wheelchair assistants for travellers who require a wheelchair from the moment of arrival. The assistant will help you through security checkpoints, the terminal, and to the gate.

If you have your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to the normal check-in time. You will need to be at the gate at least 1 hour before departure and be available to board at least 45 minutes before departure.

At the security checkpoint, you must inform the TSA officer of your ability to walk or stand independently before screening. If you have difficulty standing, you may ask for a chair or request to be screened while seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs and scooters will be screened by TSA officers, including the seat cushions and any non-removable pouches, which will be tested for traces of explosives. Removable items will undergo X-ray screening.

If you are unable to stand or walk, you may remain seated in your mobility device and the TSA officer will conduct a test of your hands for any trace of explosives. If you are 75 or older and in a wheelchair or scooter, you may also remain seated during screening.

Boarding and deplaning with a wheelchair

If you need a wheelchair to board or deplane, you should request wheelchair assistance when booking your flight. If you are unable to do so, you can call the airline or inform a team member at the airport about your wheelchair needs on the day of travel. It is recommended that you make a request at least 48 hours in advance.

When you arrive at the airport, let airport personnel know that you require wheelchair assistance. If you have your own wheelchair, you can use it until you get to the gate. At the gate, your wheelchair will be taken from you and will be returned to you at the gate once you reach your destination. If you cannot walk, you will be transported to your aircraft seat in an aisle chair.

If you need assistance with security, your wheelchair attendant will help you through the security checkpoint. Inform your wheelchair attendant of your abilities before you get to the security screening area. If you can stand and walk, you will need to go through the security screening device and put your carry-on items on the screening belt. If you cannot walk through the screening device or stand with your arms over your head, you will need to undergo a pat-down screening. You can request a private pat-down. Your wheelchair will also be examined.

If you are travelling with an electric or battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to the normal check-in time. Non-electric or non-battery-powered wheelchairs must be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure.

When boarding, you will be entitled to pre-board the plane. If you need assistance on the plane, inform the flight attendants. If you need to use the restroom on the way to your connecting flight, state that you are a traveller with a disability and need to stop at a restroom. Your wheelchair attendant will take you to a restroom that is on the way to your departure gate.

When you arrive at your destination, a wheelchair attendant will be waiting for you and will take you to the baggage claim area. If you need to stop at a restroom, you will need to inform the attendant.

Tipping a wheelchair attendant

Tipping culture is a complicated and often controversial topic, and this extends to the question of whether to tip a wheelchair attendant at an airport. While it may not be required or expected by the airline or airport, it is important to recognise that these workers often rely on tips to supplement their income, as they are generally subcontracted employees who make minimum wage. The physical demands of the job, as well as the assistance they provide to passengers with their bags and getting to their gates, should also be considered.

The amount you tip may depend on various factors, such as the time spent with the attendant, the distance covered, and the quality of service provided. Some people suggest tipping a wheelchair attendant anywhere from $2 to $20, with $5 being the most common amount. However, it is important to note that there is no standard amount, and you should tip what you are comfortable with and what you feel reflects the service provided.

It is always a good idea to have a variety of denominations on hand to be prepared for different situations. Additionally, it is worth noting that while tipping is common in certain industries, it is not a replacement for fair wages, and companies should ensure their employees are adequately compensated for their work.

Ultimately, the decision to tip a wheelchair attendant is a personal one, and there may be valid reasons why someone may choose not to tip. However, for those who can afford to and believe in tipping for services, it can be a way to show appreciation and help improve the quality of life for those who may be underpaid for their work.

Frequently asked questions