Lois Larson
If you require a wheelchair at the airport, you can request one when making your reservation or at the ticket desk when you arrive. It is recommended that you contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made. When you arrive at the airport, you must identify yourself as the person who requested assistance. Additionally, if you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport one hour prior to the normal check-in time. It is important to note that airlines are legally required to provide prompt assistance to passengers with disabilities, and you can request to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) if you feel that your rights are not being upheld.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to request a wheelchair | When booking your flight, at check-in, or at the ticket desk |
| Who to request a wheelchair from | The airline or airport |
| How to request a wheelchair | Online, by phone, or in person |
| How early to request a wheelchair | At least 48 hours before your flight |
| How early to arrive at the airport | At least 2 hours before your flight |
| What to do when you arrive at the airport | Find a customer service representative and ask about wheelchair accommodations |
| What to do if your rights are violated | Ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) |
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What You'll Learn
Requesting a wheelchair in advance
When booking your flight, look for an option to request special accommodation or special assistance. If you are unable to find this option, call the airline directly and inform them of your need for a wheelchair. Be sure to specify whether you will require a wheelchair or a cart, as well as whether you will need assistance on the aircraft. After your request has been made, it should be added to your passenger record, and assistance should be available once you arrive at the airport.
Some airlines may ask you to complete a wheelchair information form, which can be found on the airline's website under the "accessibility" section. This form will ask for information such as your name, flight number, flight location and destination, departure and return date, and your specific assistance needs. Completing this form can speed up the time it takes to receive assistance.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, be sure to arrive at the airport at least one hour before the normal check-in time. It is also important to confirm your accessibility needs with all airlines involved in your journey, as well as to be alert to any gate or flight time changes.
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who requires assistance. You can do this by speaking to an airport customer service representative or a gate agent. They will be able to arrange for a wheelchair or cart to be available at your transfer point or final destination.
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Arranging for a wheelchair at the airport
If you need a wheelchair at the airport, you can request one from the airline when you make your reservation. This is a good idea if you are unable to walk long distances or if you need to travel with a battery-powered wheelchair, in which case you must arrive at the airport 1 hour before the normal check-in time.
If you haven't booked your wheelchair assistance in advance, you can still request it when you arrive at the airport. It's recommended that you arrive at least 2 hours early to ensure you can receive assistance promptly. Find a customer service representative and ask about wheelchair accommodations. Every airport has wheelchairs for customer use, but they may be busy with other passengers, so it's best to arrive early if possible.
When you request a wheelchair, you may be asked to fill out a form with information such as your name, flight number, flight location and destination, departure and return date, and assistance needs. Some airlines will allow you to complete this form online, while others may ask you to print it out and bring it with you to the airport. Completing this form can speed up the time it takes to get assistance.
If you need assistance getting off the aircraft, be aware that airlines generally provide this assistance after all other passengers have deplaned. If you believe your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act are being violated, you can ask to speak to a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO), who is the airline's expert on disability accommodation issues.
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Rights under the Air Carrier Access Act
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits commercial airlines from discriminating against passengers with disabilities. This applies to all flights of US airlines and foreign airlines flying to and from the United States. The Act also prohibits airlines from refusing transportation to people based on disability.
The Act requires airlines to provide assistance with boarding, deplaning, and making connections. Airlines must also accept battery-powered wheelchairs and provide packaging for batteries if necessary. They must also permit passengers to use their Portable Oxygen Concentrator during the flight if it is FAA-approved.
Airlines are required to obtain an assurance of compliance from contractors who provide services to passengers. This includes making airport facilities and services accessible. New aircraft with more than 100 seats must have priority space for storing a passenger's folding wheelchair in the cabin. Aircraft with more than 60 seats and an accessible lavatory must have an on-board wheelchair, and airlines must provide one on flights without an accessible lavatory if a passenger needs assistance to reach the lavatory.
If you believe your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act are being violated, you can ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) at no cost. The CRO is the airline's expert on disability accommodation issues.
The Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2021 further addresses the rights of individuals with disabilities when air carriers violate the ACAA. It states that individuals are not required to exhaust administrative remedies before bringing a civil action. The Attorney General may also bring a civil action on behalf of aggrieved persons.
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Boarding and deplaning with a wheelchair
If you need a wheelchair to board or deplane, you should notify your airline before you fly. You can do this by calling the airline or airport at least 48 hours before your flight to request wheelchair services. Some airlines may also have wheelchair information request forms on their websites that can be completed before travel. It is important to provide information such as the device's size, weight, and battery type to help the airline safely and properly accommodate your assistive device.
When you arrive at the airport, it is crucial that you self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. Although the airline may have noted in your reservation that you require assistance, they will not know that you are the person who requested it unless you self-identify. You should also be alert to any gate or flight time changes and notify airline personnel if you need to move to a different gate.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport one hour prior to the normal check-in time. You can check your wheelchair when you arrive at the gate, and it will be stowed in the cargo portion of the aircraft. Airlines are required to return your wheelchair to you as close as possible to the door of the aircraft, unless you request to pick it up at baggage claim.
When boarding, you will proceed down the jet bridge to the door of the aircraft. Aisle chairs are parked alongside your wheelchair to allow for an easy side-to-side transfer. If you need assistance with the transfer, the wheelchair assistance contractors are trained in proper transfer techniques and will be able to help you.
When deplaning, airlines generally provide wheelchair assistance after all other passengers have disembarked.
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Travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, it is important to be aware of the relevant regulations and procedures to ensure a smooth journey. Firstly, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance that you will be travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair. This will allow them to make the necessary arrangements and accommodate your needs effectively. Additionally, some airlines may require you to complete a wheelchair information form, which can be found on their website or by contacting their customer service line.
When travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, it is mandatory to arrive at the airport at least one hour before the standard check-in time. This additional time is crucial to ensure that your wheelchair can be properly checked and stowed. It is also advisable to bring a supply of fully charged batteries that can power your device for at least 150% of the flight duration.
In terms of battery regulations, spillable batteries are generally permitted in wheelchairs, provided they are securely attached and protected from damage. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries must be removed from the mobility device and carried in carry-on baggage only. It is essential to protect the battery terminals from short circuits and ensure they remain upright when stowed. Lithium metal (non-rechargeable lithium) batteries are prohibited on aircraft.
While you can check your battery-powered wheelchair at the gate, it is important to note that it will not be permitted in the cabin of the aircraft. Instead, it will be stowed in the cargo compartment. Airlines are required to return your wheelchair to you in a timely manner as close as possible to the aircraft door at your destination, unless you request to pick it up at baggage claim.
If you require wheelchair assistance during your time at the airport or when boarding or deboarding the aircraft, most airlines and airports offer various options to accommodate your needs. It is recommended to contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance to request wheelchair services and confirm the availability of assistance. Additionally, upon your arrival at the airport, self-identify as a passenger with a disability who requires assistance to ensure you receive the necessary support.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you request a wheelchair in advance by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking your trip. You can also call the airport and your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to arrange for wheelchair services. If you arrive at the airport without requesting assistance in advance, you can still ask for a wheelchair at the ticket desk. However, you may have to wait for a long time during busy periods.
To request a wheelchair, you can call the airport and your airline at least 48 hours in advance. You can also request a wheelchair when booking your trip by selecting 'Add special assistance' or by informing a team member at the airport about your needs on the day of travel. Some airlines may also ask you to complete a wheelchair information form, which can be found on the airline's website under the "accessibility" section.
After you request a wheelchair, you should arrive at the airport at least two hours early to allow time for checking any baggage, going through security screening, and boarding the plane. When you arrive at the airport, find a customer service representative and ask about wheelchair accommodations. The airline is required to promptly provide the requested assistance, which may include guiding you from the terminal entrance to the gate and assisting you with boarding the aircraft.
If you believe your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act are being violated, you can ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). A CRO is the airline's expert on disability accommodation issues, and airlines are required to make one available to you at no cost, either in person at the airport or by telephone.
