Booking Airport Carts: A Quick Guide

If you need assistance getting around the airport, you can request a wheelchair or cart service. This is a free service provided by the airline and can be requested when booking your flight online or over the phone. It is recommended that you make this request at least 48 hours in advance. When you arrive at the airport, inform the staff that you have requested wheelchair assistance and they should have it ready for you. This service can help you get through security, to your gate, and onto the plane.

How to book a cart at the airport in advance

Booking a cart or wheelchair assistance at the airport in advance is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Identify Your Needs

First, assess your requirements and the level of assistance you need. This may include considering factors such as your ability to walk long distances, manage stairs, or board the plane.

Step 2: Contact Your Airline

Once you have booked your flight, contact your airline to request the necessary assistance. You can usually do this by phone, through their website, or via a mobile app. Some airlines provide an option to select "special assistance" when booking your flight.

Step 3: Provide Details

When requesting assistance, be sure to specify the type of help you need. This may include wheelchair assistance, a cart, or other mobility services. You can also inform them if you require assistance with checking in, reaching your gate, or connecting flights.

Step 4: Confirm Your Request

After making your request, confirm with the airline that your requirements have been noted and added to your passenger record. This will ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place when you arrive at the airport.

Step 5: Arrive Early

On the day of your travel, be sure to arrive at the airport early, preferably at least two hours before departure. This will give you ample time to check in, and the airport staff will be able to provide any required assistance without rushing.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the necessary assistance at the airport and during your travel. It is important to be clear about your needs and provide as much advance notice as possible to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Requesting a cart at the airport on the day

If you need to request a cart at the airport on the day of your flight, you can inform a team member at the airport about your needs. However, it is highly recommended that you request a cart or wheelchair in advance, as last-minute requests may not be accommodated. Most airlines ask that you make these requests at least 48 hours in advance.

When you arrive at the airport, let airport personnel know that you require assistance, and they should have a wheelchair or cart ready for you if your request was properly made. Many airlines provide wheelchair assistants for travellers who require assistance from the moment of arrival. This assistant will help you through security checkpoints, the terminal, and to your gate.

If your airport has skycaps at the departures curb, you can also request a wheelchair or cart from them to help you through security and to your gate. Be sure to alert your airline in advance that you require this service and self-identify as a person who needs assistance.

After checking in, you can make arrangements with a gate agent to have a cart or wheelchair available at your transfer point or final destination.

It is important to arrive at the airport early—at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart—and be at the gate at least one hour before departure. If you have your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair, cart, or scooter, you will need to check it in and be available to board at least 45 minutes before departure. For non-electric or non-battery-powered equipment, you must check in and be available to board at least 30 minutes before your flight.

Who is eligible for a cart at the airport

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, anyone who self-identifies as disabled to airport personnel is entitled to assistance moving throughout the airport. However, there are four designations that airlines use to determine the type of assistance required:

• Passengers who can walk onto a plane but need help getting from the terminal to the aircraft.
• Passengers who can't navigate stairs and need a wheelchair to move between an aircraft and a terminal but can walk onboard a plane.
• Passengers with a disability of their lower limbs but need help boarding and alighting from a plane.
• Passengers that are completely immobile and need help from the time they get to the airport through to the time they board the aircraft.

It is important to note that, according to the 1986 Air Carrier Access Act, airlines are required to provide free wheelchair service to any traveller who asks for it, without requiring a description or documentation for that need. Therefore, anyone who feels they would benefit from a cart or wheelchair is eligible to request one.

Tips for using a cart at the airport

Using a cart at the airport can be a great way to get around, especially if you have mobility issues or are travelling with a lot of luggage. Here are some tips to help you navigate the airport with ease:

Requesting a Cart

Firstly, it's important to note that not all airports offer cart services. Carts are typically provided by airlines that lease gates in specific terminals, so their availability may depend on the carrier you're flying with. When booking your flight, look out for a "special assistance" option or contact your travel agent or the airline's customer service to request a cart in advance. Most airlines ask that you make these requests at least 48 hours before your travel date.

Cart Services

The cart services provided by airlines are usually free of charge and can help you navigate through security and to your boarding gate. However, it's important to note that cart services may not be available for transferring between concourses. If you have a connecting flight, you may need to get off the cart and transfer to another one serving the different concourse.

Tipping

The question of tipping cart drivers can be a confusing one. In some countries, like the United States, tipping is customary and expected for this type of service. However, in other countries, tipping may not be expected or even allowed. It's always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the cultural norms of the country you're travelling to or from.

Other Options

If you are unable to secure a cart or prefer not to use one, there are other options available. Many airports offer wheelchair services, which are typically available at all airports and can be requested through your airline. Additionally, if you have your own folding wheelchair or scooter, you can bring it with you and use it to navigate the airport. Just be sure to check the specific policies of your airline regarding the check-in and boarding process for these devices.

By following these tips and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when using a cart or other assistance services at the airport.

How to book a cart at specific airports

Booking a cart at the airport is usually necessary for travellers with mobility issues. Here is a guide on how to book a cart at specific airports:

Before Arrival

When booking your flight, contact your airline and request a wheelchair or cart. Most airlines allow you to do this online when booking, but if not, you can call them. Specify whether you will need a wheelchair or cart as soon as you arrive at the airport, and whether you will need assistance on the aircraft. This request should then be added to your passenger record.

Most airlines ask that you make this request at least 48 hours in advance. If you forget to book in advance, you may still be able to get a wheelchair or cart when you arrive at the airport by requesting one from a skycap at the departures curb.

On Arrival

When you arrive at the airport, let airport personnel know that you require wheelchair assistance. If your request was properly made, the airline check-in desk should have a wheelchair ready for you. Many airlines provide wheelchair assistants for travellers who require a wheelchair or cart from the moment of arrival. This assistant will help you through security checkpoints, the terminal, and to the gate.

At the Gate

After checking in, you can make arrangements with a gate agent to have a wheelchair or cart available at your transfer point or final destination. Airlines have special wheelchairs to help passengers board the aircraft, and some even have plane-specific wheelchairs so that guests can be mobile during the flight.

Tips

• It is advised 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 have your own electric wheelchair or scooter, you need to have it checked in and be at your gate at least 45 minutes before departure.
• If your wheelchair is not electric or battery-powered, you must still get it checked in and be at your gate at least 30 minutes before departure.
• You don't need to provide any proof of disability or documentation for your need. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, anyone who self-identifies as disabled to airport personnel is entitled to assistance.
• If you are using a wheelchair or cart, be aware that you may not be able to reserve one in advance. This means you will need to allow more time between flights for the gate agent to inform the cart driver of a waiting pickup, and for the cart to arrive at your gate and load and unload other passengers.
• Tipping the cart driver is customary in the United States but not in other countries.

Frequently asked questions