Roberta Aguirre
If you need a wheelchair at the airport, you must self-identify as a person with a disability who needs assistance to airline staff. You can request a wheelchair when you book your flight or by calling the airline. You should also inform a ticket agent if you need help checking in or getting to your gate. If you have a non-electric or non-battery-powered wheelchair, you must check in and be available to board at least 30 minutes before departure; for electric or battery-powered wheelchairs, this time is 45 minutes. If you are bringing your own wheelchair, you may be able to store it on board if it meets size restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for wheelchair assistance? | Anyone who self-identifies as disabled to airport personnel is entitled to assistance. |
| When to request wheelchair assistance | Request assistance when booking your flight or at least 48 hours in advance. |
| Where to request wheelchair assistance | Request assistance from the airline or airport staff at the check-in desk or ticket counter. |
| Wheelchair options | Manual or battery-powered wheelchairs, carts, or scooters. |
| Check-in time for wheelchair users | Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure and be at the gate at least one hour before. |
| Check-in requirements for wheelchair users | For manual wheelchairs, check-in at least 30 minutes before departure. For battery-powered wheelchairs, check-in one hour before the normal check-in time. |
| Wheelchair assistance during connections | Yes, wheelchair assistance is available at connecting airports and for connecting flights upon request. |
| Additional services | Guide assistance for individuals who are blind, assistance with service animals, early boarding, seat belt extensions, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Requesting a wheelchair in advance
You can request a wheelchair when you make your reservation. You can do this by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking your trip online or via an app. If this is not an option, you should call the airline. You should also specify whether you will need a wheelchair from the moment you arrive at the airport, as well as if you will need one on the aircraft.
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to let the airline check-in desk staff know that you require wheelchair assistance. If your reservation was made properly, there should be a wheelchair ready for you. You can also request a wheelchair from any airport personnel, including skycaps at the departures curb, who will be able to assist you through security and to your gate.
It is important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability and needing 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. You may be asked for credible verbal assurance that you need the service and how it assists with your disability, but this must not focus on the nature of your disability. For example, you may be asked, "How does the requested wheelchair service assist with your disability?"
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Self-identifying as a person with a disability
Knowing Your Rights:
As a person with a disability, you are protected by laws such as the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) of 1986. This act prohibits airlines from discriminating against individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. This includes the right to request and receive wheelchair assistance without providing a detailed description or documentation of your need.
Making a Request:
When booking your flight or as soon as possible thereafter, request wheelchair assistance. Most airlines offer this option during the booking process, either online or through their mobile app. If this is not available, call the airline directly to make your request. Be specific about your needs, including whether you require assistance from the moment you arrive at the airport, during security checks, or only to and from your gate.
Providing Advance Notice:
While last-minute requests are sometimes accommodated, it is highly recommended to make your wheelchair request at least 48 hours in advance. This ensures that the airline can adequately prepare and reduces the risk of delays for you and other passengers with disabilities.
Arriving Early:
Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This buffer gives you ample time to check in, address any potential issues, and ensure that the requested assistance is in place. If you are travelling with your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair, some airlines may require you to arrive one hour before the standard check-in time.
Self-Identifying at the Airport:
Upon your arrival at the airport, approach the airline check-in desk or airport personnel and clearly state that you have requested wheelchair assistance. You may be asked to provide verbal assurance that the wheelchair assists with your disability, but you are not obligated to disclose the nature of your disability. If you have not made a prior request, you can still approach airport personnel and self-identify as a person with a disability to receive assistance.
Additional Considerations:
If you are travelling with a service animal, the airline is required to escort you to the service animal relief area upon request. Additionally, if you have vision or hearing limitations, inform the airline so that they can provide you with important safety briefings and flight updates.
Remember, self-identifying as a person with a disability is a straightforward process, and you are entitled to assistance throughout the airport. Don't hesitate to ask for help, as it is there to ensure your comfort, safety, and timely travel.
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Boarding and departing the plane
If you have mobility issues, getting from the airport curb to the gate for your flight can be daunting. However, airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities who request it. This includes guide assistance for individuals who are blind and wheelchair assistance for those with mobility impairments. To receive such assistance, you must self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs additional time or assistance to board the plane. You can do this by letting airport personnel know that you require wheelchair assistance when you arrive.
When you reach the gate, your wheelchair will be taken from you, and if you cannot walk, you will be transported to your aircraft seat using an aisle chair. The aisle chair is a small wheelchair that helps immobile passengers get to their seat on the plane. It is also used during the flight to access the lavatory. If you need to be lifted into the aisle chair, the assistance teams are trained in proper transfer techniques and will be able to help you.
If you have a power wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour before the normal check-in time. You should also make sure to have the make, model, and type of battery available when calling the airline. When you reach the gate, speak with the airline representative about pre-boarding. Once pre-boarding begins, you will need to be transferred to an aisle-sized wheelchair.
Passengers with their own electric or battery-powered wheelchairs, carts, or scooters must be available to board the aircraft at least 45 minutes before departure. Those with non-electric or non-battery-powered wheelchairs, carts, or scooters must be available to board at least 30 minutes before departure.
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Travelling with your own wheelchair
If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to make a reservation for wheelchair assistance as early as possible, preferably when booking your flight. This will ensure that the airline is prepared to accommodate your needs. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport one hour prior to the normal check-in time. If your wheelchair is non-electric or non-battery-powered, you must be checked in and available to board at least 30 minutes before departure.
When you arrive at the airport, let the airline staff know that you require wheelchair assistance. If you have made a reservation for a wheelchair or cart, the airline check-in desk should have one available for you. Many airlines provide wheelchair assistants for travellers who require assistance from the moment of arrival. These assistants will help you through security checkpoints and to your gate. If your airport has skycaps at the departures curb, you can also request a wheelchair from them. It is important to alert your airline in advance if you require a wheelchair, and to self-identify as a person who needs assistance.
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. If you are travelling with a non-battery-powered, manually collapsible wheelchair, you may be able to store it on board. Ask a gate agent about this option, as they will need to confirm that it can be stowed without accidental in-flight activation. If the wheelchair needs to be checked at the gate, it will be returned to you at your destination or connecting airport. Some airlines may also offer electric carts for those who cannot walk long distances or need to get to a gate quickly.
Additionally, if you have vision or hearing limitations, inform an airline staff member so that they can ensure you receive important flight updates and a safety briefing. If you are travelling with a service animal, airline personnel are required to escort you to the service animal relief area upon request. It is important to note that while airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities, they may propose alternative assistance services if the wheelchair does not assist with your specific disability.
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Connecting flights
If you require a wheelchair for your connecting flights, it is important to plan ahead. Wheelchair assistance is available at all airports, and airlines are required to provide assistance free of charge. However, it is always good to notify the airline in advance to ensure timely and efficient service.
Firstly, when booking your ticket, add a wheelchair request or contact customer service. Most airlines allow you to add this request online under "Manage My Booking". Alternatively, you can call the airline or request assistance through their website. It is recommended to do this at least 48 hours before departure.
Secondly, arrive at the airport early. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights, 3 hours. This will allow enough time for assistance and security screening. Once you arrive, notify a staff member or a representative at the ticket counter about your request for wheelchair assistance.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to the normal check-in time. If you have a non-battery-operated wheelchair, confirm with a gate agent before boarding whether your device can be stowed or needs to be checked. If you are transferring to a connecting flight, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the gate for use at your destination airport.
If you did not request assistance before your flight but realise during your flight that you will need assistance at your connecting flight, notify the flight crew. They can arrange for a wheelchair or cart to be available at your transfer point.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to provide proof of disability. According to the 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 of their need. However, if your disability is not obvious, you may be asked to provide credible verbal assurance that the wheelchair will assist with your disability.
It is recommended that travellers using wheelchairs arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight is scheduled to depart. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive one hour before the normal check-in time.
You can request a wheelchair at the airport by letting airport personnel know that you require wheelchair assistance. You can do this by informing a ticket agent, requesting assistance when booking or managing your trip, or calling the airline in advance.
Yes, you can bring your own wheelchair on the plane, but you may need to check with the airline in advance to ensure that it meets the size restrictions for approved storage space. If your wheelchair is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store it on board. Some battery-operated devices may be stowed upright in the cargo hold, while others may need to be disassembled and checked before you fly.
