Sachin Walls
If you or someone you know needs a wheelchair at the airport, rest assured that most major airlines offer services to make your journey smooth. It is important to know the procedure for requesting assistance and to plan ahead. Airlines tend to provide wheelchair assistance without an extra fee, although it is customary to tip the attendant in some regions. Here is a guide to help you prepare for your journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to request wheelchair assistance | Notify the airline when booking your ticket or as soon as possible afterward. Most airlines allow you to add this request online under "Manage My Booking" or by contacting customer service. |
| Time to arrive at the airport | It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. |
| Informing staff | Notify a staff member or a representative at the ticket counter about your request for wheelchair assistance. |
| Self-identification | It is important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability and needing assistance. |
| Assistance provided | Assistance may be provided from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to the gate location, including security checkpoints, and onto the aircraft to your seat. |
| Boarding | You may board the aircraft before other passengers. |
| Deboarding | For safety reasons, you are asked to leave the aircraft last upon arrival. Airlines generally provide wheelchair assistance after all other passengers have deboarded. |
| Personal wheelchairs | You can bring your own wheelchair or scooter. If it is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store it on board. Otherwise, you can stow it in the cargo area. |
| Aisle chairs | Foldable wheelchairs designed to fit the aisles of the aircraft are available on board. |
| Wheelchair-accessible toilets | Available on some aircraft. |
| Moveable armrests | Aisle and middle seats with moveable armrests are available to facilitate easier transfer into your seat. |
| Documentation | Keep your flight details, ID, and confirmation emails handy for quick assistance. |
| Tipping | Tipping the attendant is customary in some regions. |
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What You'll Learn
Requesting wheelchair assistance in advance
When making your reservation, it is essential to specify the type of assistance you need. For example, indicate whether you require a wheelchair, guide assistance, or both. If you are unable to walk long distances, request an airport wheelchair when booking your flight. You may also need to specify whether you will be bringing your own wheelchair or scooter and whether it is battery-powered, as this may impact your check-in time and how the device is stored on the aircraft.
It is recommended to make your reservations as early as possible and to confirm your accessibility needs with all airlines involved in your journey. This is especially important if you have a connecting flight, as you will want to ensure that your needs are met throughout your entire trip. Additionally, arriving at the airport early can help ensure that you have enough time to check any baggage, go through security screening, and board the plane.
While requesting wheelchair assistance in advance is helpful, it is also important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability needing assistance when you arrive at the airport. This can be done by checking in with a designated assistance desk or a special phone that connects you with assistance services. You will typically be asked to provide your name, flight number, and destination, and assistance will be dispatched to help you with check-in, luggage, and escorting you through security and to your gate.
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Identifying yourself as a passenger with a disability
When you arrive at the airport, it is important that you identify yourself as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. Although the airline may have noted in your reservation that you need assistance, the airline will not know that you are the person who requested that assistance if you do not self-identify.
You can do this by informing a staff member or a representative at the ticket counter about your request for wheelchair assistance. You may also notify staff by completing a Customer Request for Assistance Form or by calling the Reservations Center. Some airlines will have you complete the form online, and others will request that you print out the form, fill it out, and bring it with you to the airport.
If you are bringing your own wheelchair, you can check it at the ticket counter or at the gate, free of charge. If your wheelchair is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store your wheelchair on board. If you are bringing a battery-operated device, some may be stowed upright in the cargo hold of the aircraft, while others may need to be disassembled and checked before you fly.
If you need assistance getting off the plane and into the airport once you arrive at your destination, you can ask a flight attendant. Airlines generally provide this assistance after all other passengers have deplaned.
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Using your own wheelchair
If you are planning to bring your own wheelchair to the airport, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth travel experience. Firstly, it is important to notify your airline about your need for wheelchair assistance as early as possible. Most airlines allow you to add this request online under "Manage My Booking" or "Accessible Services" in "My Trips", or by contacting customer service. It is recommended that you make this request when booking your ticket or at least 48 hours before departure. This will allow the airline to plan ahead and ensure that the necessary assistance is provided.
When you arrive at the airport, make your way to the check-in area and identify yourself as the person who requested assistance. You can then check your personal wheelchair at the ticket counter or at the gate, free of charge. Some airlines may require you to complete a wheelchair or mobility device handling form, which can be submitted online or provided to the ticket agent upon check-in. If you plan to bring your wheelchair on board, ask a gate agent about this option, as some non-battery-powered and manually collapsible wheelchairs may be stored on board.
If your wheelchair is too large to bring on board, you can stow it in the cargo area and use an airport wheelchair to navigate the airport. You are typically entitled to stay in your own wheelchair until you reach the gate, where it will be taken from you and stored. If you cannot walk, you will be transported to your aircraft seat using an aisle chair. Your wheelchair will be returned to you at the gate once you reach your destination.
To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This will allow sufficient time for any necessary assistance and for you to board the aircraft comfortably. Keep in mind that you may need to wait a bit for the requested assistance to arrive, so arriving early is advisable. Additionally, always carry essential items like medications, travel documents, and snacks in an easily accessible bag.
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Boarding and disembarking the aircraft
When you arrive at the airport, it is important that you self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. You can do this by notifying a staff member or a representative at the ticket counter about your request for wheelchair assistance. If you have already requested assistance when booking your ticket, make sure to still inform a staff member upon arrival.
If you bring your own wheelchair, you can use it until you get to the gate. At the gate, your wheelchair will be taken from you and you will be transported to your aircraft seat in an aisle chair. If your wheelchair is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store it on board. Ask a gate agent about this option on the day of travel. Some battery-operated devices may be stowed upright in the cargo hold of the aircraft, while others may need to be disassembled and checked before you fly.
If you are using the airport's wheelchair, you can expect assistance from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to the gate location, including the security checkpoint, and onto the aircraft to your seat. You may board the aircraft before the other passengers. For safety reasons, you will be asked to leave the aircraft last upon arrival.
When you reach your destination, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the gate. If you need assistance getting off the plane, ask a flight attendant.
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Connecting flights
If you require wheelchair assistance for a connecting flight, you should request this when booking your ticket or as soon as possible afterward. Most airlines allow you to add this request online under "Manage My Booking" or by contacting customer service. You can also request a wheelchair from a skycap at the departures curb to get you through security and to your gate.
When you arrive at the airport, inform a staff member or a representative at the ticket counter about your request for wheelchair assistance. If you need help checking in or reaching your gate, you can request a courtesy wheelchair, arm assistance, or directions. You can also request early boarding if you need extra time or assistance boarding.
Dedicated wheelchair assistants are available to guide passengers through the terminal, security, and boarding. Assistance is provided to/from gates, between connecting gates, and to baggage claim. If you need to use the bathroom on your way to a departing flight, airline personnel assisting you are required to stop at the entrance, provided it is on the way to your destination and the stop can be made without an unreasonable delay.
If you did not request wheelchair assistance before your flight, but you realize during your flight that you will need assistance at your connecting flight, notify the flight crew that you will need assistance when the flight lands. Airlines generally provide this assistance after all other passengers have deplaned.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
You can request a wheelchair when booking your ticket or by contacting customer service. You can also notify a staff member or a representative at the ticket counter when you arrive at the airport.
Yes, you can bring your own wheelchair to the airport. If it is too large to bring on board, you can stow it in the cargo area and use the airport's wheelchair to get around.
Flight attendants will assist you with using the onboard wheelchair, but they are not allowed to lift or carry you or assist you in the toilet area. Depending on the type of assistance you need, you may need to travel with a companion or safety assistant.
If you believe your rights are being violated, you can ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). Airlines are required to make one available to you at no cost.
