Airport Wheelchair Service: What's The Cost?

Wheelchair assistance at airports is free, but requests must be made in advance. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they navigate through different portions of the airport, including from the terminal entrance to the gate location and onto the aircraft. This assistance may be in the form of a wheelchair or a cart, depending on the passenger's needs. It is important to notify the airline about your need for wheelchair assistance when booking your ticket or as soon as possible afterward, and to arrive at the airport early. Some airports also offer additional services for passengers with disabilities, such as visual interpreting or call stations for emergency and non-emergency assistance.

Wheelchair service at airports is free

Most airlines contract with companies to help travellers by offering wheelchairs to get around the airport, including through security checkpoints. In larger airports, they also have electric carts available for those who can't walk long distances, need a little extra help, or need to get to a gate quickly to make a flight.

To access this service, it's important to plan ahead. Wheelchair assistance can usually be requested when booking a flight, under "special assistance" or "manage my booking". Alternatively, travellers can call the airline or airport to request assistance. Most airlines ask that requests are made at least 48 hours in advance. It's also a good idea to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

Upon arrival, travellers should notify a staff member or a representative at the ticket counter about their request for wheelchair assistance. The airline check-in desk should then have a wheelchair ready. Travellers are also advised to self-identify as a person who needs assistance.

Airlines must provide assistance to those with disabilities

For individuals with disabilities, air travel can be challenging. To ensure that passengers with disabilities can navigate airports and aircraft with ease, airlines are required to provide various forms of assistance. This includes helping passengers with disabilities move through different areas of the airport, such as the terminal entrance, security checkpoints, and the aircraft itself.

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical or mental impairments that limit major life activities. Under the ACAA, airlines must provide free wheelchair service to any traveller who requests it, without requiring documentation. Most airlines contract with companies to offer wheelchairs and electric carts to aid in mobility around the airport. Additionally, airlines provide special wheelchairs to help passengers with boarding and deplaning, ensuring they can move comfortably within the aircraft.

When booking a flight, individuals with disabilities should request any required assistance, including wheelchair or guided assistance. While it is not always possible to make such requests during booking, calling the airline in advance is advisable. This allows airlines to make the necessary arrangements and have a wheelchair or assistant ready upon arrival. Some airlines, like American Airlines, offer special assistance coordinators to help customers with disabilities, medical requirements, service animals, or pregnancy.

At the airport, individuals with disabilities should self-identify to airline staff and request assistance as needed. This includes assistance with carry-on luggage, stopping at the bathroom on the way to the departing flight, and escorting service animals to relief areas. Airlines are required to provide this assistance promptly and in a timely fashion.

Furthermore, airports like Charlotte Douglas International Airport have taken additional steps to improve accessibility. They have partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, allowing passengers to request sunflower-branded items that discreetly indicate the need for additional support or time. Charlotte Douglas International Airport also offers Aira, a visual interpreting service for passengers who are blind or have low vision, aiding in navigation and interpretation of their surroundings.

In summary, airlines and airports have a responsibility to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities. By offering various forms of support, from wheelchair services to guided assistance and special programs, they aim to ensure that passengers with disabilities can travel with ease and have a positive experience.

Request wheelchair assistance in advance

Requesting wheelchair assistance in advance is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and accessible travel experience. While airports and airlines strive to provide inclusive services, advance planning is necessary to navigate any challenges that may arise during your journey. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare:

Identify Your Needs:

First, assess your specific needs. Consider whether you require wheelchair assistance for the entire duration of your time at the airport or only for certain activities, such as passing through security checkpoints or boarding the aircraft. If you have a battery-powered wheelchair, be mindful that you may need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual for check-in and boarding.

Request Assistance During Booking:

When booking your flight, look for an option to "add special assistance" or a similar feature. This is often available on the airline's website or mobile app. By requesting assistance during the booking process, you can ensure that your needs are noted in advance, and the airline can prepare to accommodate them.

Contact the Airline:

If you are unable to request assistance during booking, reach out to the airline directly by phone or email. Inform them of your wheelchair requirements, specifying whether you need assistance upon arrival at the airport, during security checks, at the gate, or on the aircraft itself. After your conversation, confirm that your request has been added to your passenger record. Most airlines request at least 48 hours' notice for wheelchair assistance.

Arrive Early at the Airport:

On the day of your flight, plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. This buffer allows you to navigate any potential challenges or unexpected delays. Upon arrival, approach the airline check-in desk or airport personnel and reiterate your need for wheelchair assistance. If you have not already, self-identify as a person with a disability who requires assistance.

Make Arrangements at the Airport:

After checking in, coordinate with a gate agent to confirm that a wheelchair or cart will be available at your transfer point or final destination. If you encounter any issues or have further requests, don't hesitate to ask airport personnel for help. They are there to ensure your travel experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

By following these steps and requesting wheelchair assistance in advance, you can feel confident that your travel experience will be well-supported and accessible.

Wheelchair assistance is available at all airports

To receive wheelchair assistance, passengers must self-identify as individuals with a disability who need assistance. This can be done when booking a flight or by calling the airline after booking. It is recommended to make these arrangements as early as possible, and at least 48 hours in advance. This allows the airline to have a wheelchair ready at the check-in desk when the passenger arrives. Passengers with their own electric or battery-powered wheelchairs, carts, or scooters must arrive at the airport one hour before the normal check-in time.

Passengers may also request wheelchair assistance at the airport. This can be done by asking airport personnel or skycaps at the departures curb. In some cases, a carrier may ask the passenger to provide credible verbal assurance that they need the service and how the service assists with their disability. For example, a carrier may ask, "How does the requested wheelchair service assist with your disability?" If the passenger does not have a disability, the carrier may refuse to provide the service.

Wheelchair assistance at airports is free, and airlines are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with physical or mental impairments that limit major life activities.

Airlines offer different types of wheelchairs

Wheelchair assistance at airports is free, but requests need to be made in advance. Airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they navigate through different portions of the airport. This includes assisting passengers from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to the gate location, including the security checkpoint, and onto the aircraft to their seat.

Additionally, some airlines provide plane-specific wheelchairs, also known as aircraft-designed wheelchairs, which are designed to fit in the aircraft aisles and lavatories. These wheelchairs allow passengers with mobility issues to move around the plane more easily during the flight.

Another type of wheelchair offered by airlines is the aisle chair, which is used to transport passengers who cannot walk from the gate to their aircraft seat. Passengers can remain in their own wheelchairs until they reach the gate, where their wheelchair will be exchanged for an aisle chair.

Lastly, some airlines offer battery-powered wheelchairs or scooters for passengers who need assistance. However, these may need to be checked in and stowed in the cargo portion of the aircraft due to size and weight restrictions. Passengers with battery-powered devices are usually required to arrive at the airport earlier than those with manual wheelchairs.

Frequently asked questions