Booking A Wheelchair: Airport Edition

Booking a wheelchair at the airport is a straightforward process, and it's a service offered by all airlines. The best time to request a wheelchair is when you book your flight—look for a section on the airline's website called 'special assistance', 'special service request', or 'additional info'. If this isn't possible, you can call the airline directly. Most airlines ask that you make the request at least 48 hours in advance. If you don't manage to request a wheelchair before arriving at the airport, don't worry—you can still ask for one when you get there. However, you may have to wait a while for it to arrive. It's recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight to ensure you have plenty of time.

How to book a wheelchair at the airport in advance

Booking a wheelchair at the airport in advance is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Contact Your Airlines:

When booking your flight, look for a section on the airline's website or app called 'Special Assistance', 'Special Service Request', or 'Additional Info'. Here, you can tick a box or fill out a form to request wheelchair assistance. Alternatively, you can call the airline directly to make the request. Some airlines also allow you to log in to your booking reservation and add special assistance there.

Make the Request in Advance:

It is recommended to request wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours before your flight. This gives the airline ample time to prepare and contact you if needed. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you may need to arrive at the airport one hour earlier than the normal check-in time.

Specify Your Needs:

When making the request, be sure to specify the type of assistance you require. For example, indicate whether you need a wheelchair or an electric cart, and whether you will need assistance on the aircraft itself. If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, specify whether it is collapsible or non-collapsible, and whether it uses a lithium-ion battery.

Complete Any Required Forms:

Some airlines may require you to complete a wheelchair information form. This form can usually be found on the airline's website, in the "accessibility" section. The form will ask for details such as your name, flight information, and the type of assistance you require.

Contact the Airport:

In addition to contacting the airline, it is a good idea to call the airport directly to arrange wheelchair services. Ask to speak to the Accessibility department, and inform them of your individual needs. They will make the necessary arrangements.

Arrive at the Airport Early:

On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. This will give you ample time to find the assistance point or special assistance desk and request your wheelchair. If you did not book your wheelchair assistance in advance, allow for even more time, as you may have to wait for the service to become available.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you have wheelchair assistance ready for you at the airport, making your travel experience smoother and less stressful.

How to book a wheelchair at the airport last-minute

Before You Leave for the Airport

Even if you need a wheelchair last-minute, it is always a good idea to call the airline and request wheelchair assistance. This way, they can put a "requires special assistance" note in your reservation record. If you are unable to call, you can also request a wheelchair when you arrive at the airport check-in counter. However, keep in mind that wheelchair assistance is subject to availability, and you may have to wait for it to become available.

At the Airport

Arrive at the airport at least 1-2 hours earlier than you normally would. As soon as you arrive, find an airport customer service representative and ask about wheelchair accommodations. Inform the check-in attendants that you would like wheelchair assistance and that you need to stow your personal chair. They can help you reserve a wheelchair and arrange for boarding assistance, such as ramps or slide boards.

At the Gate

Get to your gate at least 1 hour early to request boarding assistance. Inform the attendants of your particular needs, such as requesting an aisle chair or using a ramp to get your wheelchair on the plane. You can use lifts, ramps, aisle chairs, or slide boards to board the plane.

On the Plane

Flight attendants can assist you with moving from your wheelchair to your seat and help you get to the bathroom if needed. If you are travelling with a personal wheelchair, you can request to bring a folding or collapsible wheelchair on board. There is typically space for one wheelchair on the plane, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If your wheelchair is not the first one or does not meet sizing requirements, flight attendants will transport it to the cargo compartment free of charge.

What to do when you arrive at the airport

When you arrive at the airport, your first step is to go to an assistance point. These are usually located inside or outside the terminal and are marked with a disability logo. If the assistance point is not staffed, there should be a buzzer or telephone to call for help. From there, you will be directed to the special assistance help desk, which will organise the wheelchair assistance for you.

If you have not already requested a wheelchair, you can do so at the special assistance desk. By law, the airport must provide a wheelchair, but it is recommended that you request one in advance to avoid a long wait. If you have already requested a wheelchair, it is still a good idea to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight to ensure that you receive your wheelchair in a timely manner.

If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, you can check it in at the ticket counter or gate free of charge. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you will need to arrive at the airport one hour before the normal check-in time. It is also a good idea to review your airline's wheelchair guidelines in advance, as each airline has different policies and size restrictions for personal wheelchairs.

If you are travelling with a service animal, you will need to get approval from the airline at least 48 hours before your flight.

How to get through security and to your gate

Getting through security and reaching your gate can be a stressful experience, especially if you have reduced mobility or a disability. However, there are laws in place to ensure that you receive the assistance you need. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get through security and reach your gate with a wheelchair:

Before Your Flight:

• Request Wheelchair Assistance: When booking your flight, look for a section called 'special assistance', 'special service request', or 'additional info'. Here, you can tick a box or fill out a form to request a wheelchair. Alternatively, you can contact the airline directly after booking to request assistance. Most airlines ask that you make these requests at least 48 hours in advance.
• Arrive Early: It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. This will allow enough time to receive your wheelchair assistance and go through security screening.

On the Day of Your Flight:

• Find an Assistance Point: Once you arrive at the airport, look for an assistance point or special assistance desk, which is usually located inside or outside the terminal. These areas will have disability-related logos and a way to call for assistance. Here, you can request a wheelchair, whether you booked it in advance or not.
• Check-In and Security: With your wheelchair and attendant, make your way to the check-in counters. Inform the check-in attendants that you require wheelchair assistance. They can help you reserve a wheelchair and arrange for any necessary boarding assistance, such as ramps or slide boards. After check-in, you will go through security screening.
• Reach Your Gate: Your wheelchair attendant will escort you to the departure lounge and your departure gate. It is recommended that you arrive at your gate at least 1 hour before departure to request any further boarding assistance. Inform the attendants of your specific needs, such as requesting an aisle chair or using a ramp to board the plane.

What to do when you arrive at your destination

When you arrive at your destination, a flight attendant can help you get off the plane and into the airport if you need assistance. If you did not request assistance in advance, be sure to notify the flight crew that you will need help before the flight lands. Airlines generally provide wheelchair assistance after all other passengers have deplaned.

Once you have deplaned, you will be escorted to the baggage claim area, terminal entrance, or vehicle pick-up location. If you have a connecting flight, you will be assisted from your aircraft seat through the airport to the gate location of your next flight.

If you have your own wheelchair, it will be returned to you at the gate once you reach your destination. If you are travelling with a non-collapsible wheelchair, scooter, or other battery-powered wheelchair, you can check it in at the ticket counter.

Frequently asked questions