How To Get Wheelchair Assistance at Airports
Airport travel can be a challenging experience for individuals with mobility issues. Navigating long terminals, handling security procedures, and dealing with crowded spaces can be overwhelming without proper support. Fortunately, most airports offer wheelchair assistance to ensure that people with disabilities or limited mobility can travel comfortably and safely. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, knowing how to request wheelchair assistance at airports can make your journey much smoother.
Nov 26, 2024
Why Is Airport Wheelchair Assistance Important?
Airports are often large and busy environments, and navigating them can be exhausting for individuals that have limited mobility. Whether someone has a temporary injury, a long-term disability, or may need extra support, wheelchair assistance can help make the travel experience much less difficult or stressful.
Wheelchair assistance at airports offers the following benefits:
- Easier navigation: Airports are often large, with long distances between check-in counters, gates, and security. Wheelchair assistance allows passengers to navigate more easily based on their unique mobility needs.
- Reduced stress: Traveling can be stressful, especially for those who may have more difficulty walking or standing for extended periods. Wheelchair assistance ensures passengers can travel comfortably while making the experience much less stressful.
- Better security process: Wheelchair assistance staff can help guide passengers through the security process, including assisting with screening and providing extra support during boarding.
How to Request Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport
There are several ways you can request wheelchair assistance at an airport. Most major airlines and airports offer wheelchair and mobility assistance. Planning ahead is key to ensure that assistance will be available, and to ensure that you have everything you need for an easy experience.
What to Do Before You Travel
The most reliable way to ensure wheelchair assistance is available is to request it when booking your flight. Here's how to do it:
When Booking Your Flight:
- During the reservation process, inform your airline about your mobility needs. Most airlines have a section in the booking form where you can request special assistance.
- In most cases, you can request assistance at the time of booking or up to 48 hours before your flight. You should notify the airline at least a few days in advance to ensure they have enough time to arrange necessary accommodations.
Call the airline:
- If you’ve already booked your flight and forgot to request wheelchair assistance, you can call the airline’s customer service line. You should inform them about your assistance needs, and they will be able to add the request to your flight details.
Special Assistance Form:
- Some airports and airlines also have a specific special assistance form on their website, which you can use to request assistance services. This is especially helpful if you will need to request a wheelchair from the airport, or to inform airports about your FDA-approved device.
What To Do On the Day of Travel
If you did not pre-arrange wheelchair assistance, or if you need to make changes to your request, you can still get help on the day of travel.
At the check-in counter:
- When you arrive at the airport, head to your airline's check-in desk. Inform the airline representative that you need wheelchair assistance. They will assist you by arranging for a wheelchair and staff to escort you through the airport.
Airport help desks:
- Many airports have dedicated help desks or special assistance desks located near check-in counters. If you have not pre-booked wheelchair assistance, you can visit these desks upon arrival to request assistance instead.
At the security checkpoint:
- If you have not arranged for assistance before reaching security, you should notify a TSA officer, and they can help you arrange assistance. Airport personnel are trained to provide support and can guide you through the screening process.
How Does Wheelchair Assistance Work at the Airport?
Once you have requested wheelchair assistance, you can expect the following:
Check-In and Security
- Arrival at the airport: Once you inform the airline or airport staff of your request, they will arrange for a wheelchair and attendant. You will be helped from the check-in counter to security, where a staff member will assist you in navigating through security screenings.
- Security process: Wheelchair users may need to go through a slightly modified screening process. Security personnel will provide assistance, but you may be asked to undergo a pat-down or other screening. Staff members will also assist with any necessary screening of mobility devices or medical equipment.
Navigating the Airport
- Escorts to the gate: After clearing security, the wheelchair assistant will escort you through the terminal to your departure gate. They will help you navigate crowded areas, guide you to your gate, and ensure you get to the waiting area without stress or strain.
- Boarding assistance: Wheelchair assistance extends to boarding. Airport staff will guide you to the boarding area and ensure you’re ready for the boarding process. For those flying on larger planes, you may need to use an aisle wheelchair to board the plane. Staff will help transfer you from the regular wheelchair to the aisle chair and escort you onto the plane.
- Arriving at your destination: Once you’ve landed, wheelchair assistance will also be available to help you disembark the plane. They will assist with getting off the aircraft and escort you to baggage claim or your transportation options.
What Types of Assistance Are Available?
Airports provide different types of wheelchair assistance based on your unique needs. It is important to communicate any specific requirements when requesting service.
- Standard Wheelchair Assistance: This is the most common type of service. A staff member provides a manual wheelchair and helps you navigate through the airport, security, and boarding.
- Aisle Chair Assistance: For those with more severe mobility impairments, aisle chairs are available. These are smaller wheelchairs that can be used to board the plane. Airport staff will transfer you from your regular wheelchair to an aisle chair, and you’ll be escorted onto the plane.
- Transport for Long Distances: In larger airports, sometimes electric wheelchairs or scooters are used for passengers who need to travel long distances between gates or terminals.
Important Tips for Using Wheelchair Assistance Services at Airports
Here are some helpful tips for using wheelchair assistance:
- Request assistance early: Request wheelchair assistance as far in advance as possible. Most airlines ask that you make your request at least 48 hours before your flight, but it is better to request assistance as early ahead as possible.
- Communicate your needs: When you make your request, be clear about your specific need and requirements. If you need extra time for boarding, have a particular seating preference, or need extra medical assistance, be sure to let the airline know so they can plan accordingly.
- Allow extra time: Airports can be busy, and wheelchair assistance can sometimes take longer than expected, especially during peak travel times. Arrive at the airport two or three hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, security, and boarding.
- Check your airport’s services: Some airports may have different procedures or additional services to help you. Research the airport you will be traveling from or arriving at to understand their processes and services that are available.
- Be patient and flexible: There may be unexpected delays in receiving assistance, as airports and airlines rely on busy staff to meet the needs of all travelers. Delays can happen, so being patient and flexible will help make your experience better.
Find Airport-Approved Electric Wheelchairs With WHILL
Wheelchair assistance is an essential service that helps those with mobility limitations have the best air travel experience possible. By planning ahead, clearly communicating your needs, and allowing enough time for airport procedures, you can make your journey as smooth as possible.
WHILL’s Model C2 and Model F electric wheelchairs are FDA-approved for air travel. Designed with advanced features and convenient technology, our power chairs are perfect for those who live to travel. You can find retailers online or schedule your test free drive today!