Jazmin Li
Getting around an airport can be daunting for those with mobility issues, but most airlines offer free wheelchair assistance to help travellers get to their gates and board their flights. Airlines are required by law to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities who request it, but it's important to request a wheelchair in advance if possible. When you arrive at the airport, make sure to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to request a wheelchair | When booking your flight or at least 48 hours in advance |
| Where to request a wheelchair | At the airline counter, online, or over the phone |
| Who can request a wheelchair | Any traveler who asks for it |
| What to do when you arrive at the airport | Self-identify as a passenger with a disability needing assistance |
| What to do if you bring your own wheelchair | Check in on the airline app or at an airport kiosk, then head to your gate |
| What to do if you requested an airline wheelchair | Meet with an airline representative for guidance to the Special Services check-in or the closest wheelchair staging area |
| What to do if you have a battery-powered wheelchair | Arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to the normal check-in time |
| What to do if you have a non-battery-powered wheelchair | Check with a gate agent to see if it can be stowed or needs to be checked |
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What You'll Learn
Requesting a wheelchair in advance
When booking your flight, you can request wheelchair assistance. If this is not an option during the booking process, call the airline directly after booking. Specify whether you will need a wheelchair or an electric cart, and whether you will need it at your arrival or departure, or both. You can also request assistance for any connections you may have.
If you are bringing your own mobility device, such as a manual or battery-powered wheelchair, you must inform the airline in advance. You may be able to store your wheelchair on board if it meets size restrictions. However, you should check with the airline and device manufacturer beforehand. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you may need to arrive at the airport earlier than the standard check-in time.
Upon arrival at the airport, make yourself known to airline personnel as a passenger with a disability who requires assistance. Even if you have requested assistance in advance, it is important to self-identify in person. This ensures that the airline knows you are the person who requested assistance and can provide the necessary support.
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Self-identifying as a passenger with a disability
Before Your Journey
When booking your flight, it is advisable to request wheelchair assistance. Most airlines offer this option during the booking process, either online or via a phone call. If you are unable to make the request during booking, contact the airline directly as soon as possible. Making this request in advance helps the airline prepare for your needs and ensures that a wheelchair is available upon your arrival at the airport.
Upon Arrival at the Airport
As you arrive at the airport, it is essential to self-identify as a passenger with a disability to the airline and airport personnel. This step activates the assistance services you require. Alert the check-in staff, gate agents, or any other airline representative that you are the person who requested wheelchair assistance. They should have a record of your needs, but self-identification ensures they can promptly provide the necessary support.
During Your Time at the Airport
After self-identifying, the airline staff will provide assistance according to your needs. This may include guiding you through the security checkpoints, escorting you to the gate, and helping you board the aircraft. If you have any specific requirements, such as needing assistance with baggage or requiring an aisle chair, inform the airline personnel accordingly.
Using Your Own Mobility Device
If you bring your own mobility device, such as a manual or battery-powered wheelchair, be sure to arrive at the airport early. Some airlines may require you to check in an hour or more before the standard check-in time. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the airline's policies regarding the handling of mobility devices. You may need to fill out a Mobility Device Handling Form and provide it to the ticket or gate agent.
Understanding Your Rights
It's important to know your rights as a passenger with a disability. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits airlines from discriminating against individuals with physical or mental impairments. Airlines are required to provide timely assistance to passengers who self-identify as needing wheelchair assistance. They may ask how the requested service assists with your disability, but they cannot inquire about the nature of your disability.
By following these instructions and being proactive in self-identifying as a passenger with a disability, you can ensure that you receive the necessary wheelchair assistance throughout your airport experience.
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Checking your own wheelchair or mobility device
If you are bringing your own wheelchair or mobility device, it is important to be aware of the procedures and requirements at the airport. Firstly, when booking your flight, be sure to request wheelchair assistance if needed. Most airlines ask that these requests are made at least 48 hours in advance, and last-minute requests may not always be accommodated. You can usually make these arrangements through the airline's website, mobile app, or by calling them directly.
When you arrive at the airport, it is crucial that you self-identify as a passenger with a disability who requires assistance. Even if you have noted this in your reservation, the airline will not know it is you unless you explicitly identify yourself. Go to the check-in counter or kiosk, and inform the staff that you need assistance. If you have a Mobility Device Handling Form, be sure to provide it to the ticket agent.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility device, you will need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure and be at the gate at least one hour in advance. Your device may need to be disassembled and checked before you fly, so allow sufficient time for this process. Additionally, some airlines may require you to measure the height and width of your device at its smallest size (not expanded) and provide these measurements in advance or during check-in.
For non-battery-operated, manually collapsible wheelchairs or mobility devices, you may be able to store them on board the aircraft. However, it is essential to confirm with a gate agent before boarding if your device can be stowed or needs to be checked. If your device can be stowed, airline staff must ensure that it can be safely stored without accidental activation during the flight. If there is any uncertainty, they may need to disconnect the battery connectors and tape them to prevent electrical issues.
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Getting assistance through security checkpoints
When you arrive at the airport, it is important that you self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. Although the airline may have noted in your reservation that you need assistance, they will not know that you are the person who requested it unless you self-identify.
If you have a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport one hour prior to the normal check-in time. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart and be at the gate at least one hour before departure. If you are bringing your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair, you must be available to board the aircraft at least 45 minutes before departure. If you are travelling with a non-electric or non-battery-powered wheelchair, you must be available to board at least 30 minutes before departure.
If you have requested wheelchair assistance, an assistant will help you through security checkpoints, the terminal, and to the gate. If your wheelchair/cart reservation was made properly, the airline check-in desk should have a wheelchair ready. Many airlines provide wheelchair assistants for travellers who require a wheelchair or cart from the moment of arrival. If your airport has skycaps at the departures curb, you can request a wheelchair from them to get you through security and to your gate.
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. If you have a non-battery-operated wheelchair or mobility device that meets the size restrictions for the approved storage space on the aircraft, you may stow your collapsible device on your flight. Wheelchairs take priority over other carry-on items.
If you are travelling with a battery-operated device, it may need to be stowed upright in the cargo hold of the aircraft, or it 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 and see an agent at the airport for help with your battery-operated device.
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Boarding and departing the aircraft
When booking a flight, you can request wheelchair assistance. Most airlines ask that you make such requests at least 48 hours in advance. If you travel with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to the normal check-in time. It is important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance.
Upon arrival, there will be people waiting with wheelchairs on the jet bridge. If you have requested wheelchair assistance, a representative will guide you to the Special Services check-in or the closest wheelchair staging area. You may also check in at an airport kiosk and then head to your gate.
If you are unable to walk, you will need to use an aisle chair to board the plane. An aisle chair is a small wheelchair that is used to transport immobile passengers from their own wheelchair to their seat on the plane. You will need to request preboarding assistance and the use of an aisle chair in advance. On the day of travel, remind the gate agent of your requirements. Once your boarding pass has been scanned, you will proceed down the jet bridge to the aircraft door.
When deplaning, your wheelchair or walker should be returned to you as close as possible to the aircraft door, unless you request to pick it up in baggage claim.
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Frequently asked questions
You can request a wheelchair at the airport by contacting the airline in advance. This can be done by phone or online. When you arrive at the airport, inform the airline staff that you are the person who requested assistance.
No, according to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with physical or mental impairments. However, you must self-identify as a passenger with a disability and verbally assure airline personnel that you need a wheelchair.
It is recommended to request a wheelchair when booking your flight or at least 48 hours in advance. Last-minute requests may not be accommodated.
If you have your own wheelchair or mobility device, you can check it in at the counter or bring it to the gate. Make sure to arrive early and confirm the size and battery restrictions with the airline.
Inform the airline about your connection, and they will assist you in transferring to your next flight. Wheelchair assistance is typically provided at each stage of your journey, including during layovers and connecting flights.
