Tell the Airline
Let the airline know that you need wheelchair or mobility assistance and explain what part of the airport journey you need help with.
Senior Travel Directory
Airport Wheelchair Assistance for Seniors
Airport wheelchair assistance can help travelers get from the terminal entrance through check-in, security, the gate, boarding, connections, baggage claim, and back to the pickup area.
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If you requested assistance in advance, still identify yourself to
airline staff when you arrive. The airline needs to know that you
are the passenger who requested the service.
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Airport help, accessible travel, mobility guidance, hotels,
cruises, attractions, and practical destination planning.
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Airport Assistance
You Do Not Have to Manage a Large Airport Alone
Airport wheelchair assistance is intended for travelers with disabilities who need help moving through the airport, including people who can walk short distances but cannot comfortably manage a long terminal, connection, or boarding process.
Assistance can begin near the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point and continue through important parts of the journey, depending on the assistance you need.
The key is to tell the airline what kind of help you need and identify yourself to airline staff when you arrive.
Before the Flight
How to Request Airport Wheelchair Assistance
You can usually request assistance while booking, through the airline's website or app, or by contacting the airline before travel.
Describe Your Needs
Tell the airline whether you can walk short distances, climb aircraft stairs, transfer into a seat, or need assistance all the way to your aircraft seat.
Confirm Connections
If your itinerary has a connecting flight, make sure wheelchair assistance is requested for the connecting airport too.
Arrive Early
Leave additional time for check-in, wheelchair dispatch, security, gate changes, and boarding.
Identify Yourself
When you arrive, tell airline personnel that you are the traveler who requested wheelchair assistance.
Confirm at the Gate
Tell gate personnel what help you need with preboarding, boarding, carry-on items, or getting to your seat.
Be Specific
Explain What You Can and Cannot Do
The word “wheelchair” alone does not tell airport staff what level of assistance you need.
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I can walk short distances but cannot manage the full airport.
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I can walk to my aircraft seat but need wheelchair assistance through the terminal.
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I cannot climb aircraft stairs and need an accessible boarding method.
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I cannot walk from the aircraft door to my seat and need an aisle chair.
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I need help during my connection as well as at departure and arrival.
Through the Airport
Where Airport Wheelchair Assistance Can Help
For covered U.S. air travel, airline assistance can include several important parts of the airport journey.
Terminal Arrival
From the Entrance or Drop-Off Area
Assistance can include moving from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point toward check-in, security, and the departure gate.
Check-In
Ticket Counter and Baggage
Assistance can include access to important airport service areas, including ticket counters, and help with carry-on or gate-checked luggage when disability prevents the traveler from carrying it.
Security
Assistance Continues Through Screening
The wheelchair attendant can assist with navigating to and through the security checkpoint, while TSA personnel conduct the actual security screening.
Gate
Getting to the Departure Gate
Airline assistance can continue to the gate. If your gate changes, tell airline personnel that you still require mobility assistance.
Boarding
Preboarding and Getting to Your Seat
Travelers with disabilities who need additional time or assistance can request preboarding. Travelers who cannot walk to the aircraft seat may require an aisle chair.
Arrival
From the Aircraft to Pickup
Assistance can continue from the aircraft through the terminal to baggage claim, a connecting gate, or the terminal pickup area.
Security Screening
Wheelchair Assistance and TSA Screening Are Separate
The wheelchair attendant can help you navigate the airport, but TSA personnel are responsible for security screening.
Tell TSA About Your Mobility Needs
Let the security officer know if you cannot stand, walk through the
screening equipment, raise an arm, remove a device, or perform
another part of standard screening.
Your Wheelchair May Be Screened
Travelers who remain seated in a wheelchair may receive screening
while seated, and the wheelchair or mobility device may also need
to be inspected.
Allow Extra Time
Screening may take longer when additional procedures or mobility
equipment are involved.
Ask Questions
If you are unsure how screening will work with your mobility needs
or medical equipment, ask the TSA officer before the process begins.
Connecting Flights Need Their Own Plan
Connections can be one of the most valuable times to have airport wheelchair assistance because terminals may be far apart and the available connection time may be limited.
Request It for the Connection
Make sure assistance appears on the entire itinerary, not only
the first airport.
Tell the Flight Crew
If you realize during the flight that you will need assistance
after landing, tell the crew before arrival.
Watch Gate Changes
If your next gate changes, tell airline personnel so your
assistance can follow the new route.
Do not schedule an unnecessarily tight connection.
Deplaning assistance, waiting for a wheelchair, large terminals, trains between concourses, security procedures, and gate changes can all add time.
Traveling With Your Own Wheelchair
Your Personal Wheelchair Needs Additional Planning
Travelers using their own manual or powered wheelchair should discuss handling, boarding, return location, batteries, and device instructions with the airline.
Stay in Your Chair as Long as Practical
DOT guidance says travelers are entitled to remain in their own
wheelchair until reaching the gate. The device can then be
transferred for loading when necessary.
Provide Handling Instructions
Give airline personnel clear instructions for brakes, freewheel
mode, removable parts, batteries, folding, lifting points, and other
important handling details.
Photograph the Wheelchair
Taking clear photos before travel can document its condition and
help explain how parts should be positioned.
Ask Where It Will Be Returned
Confirm whether your wheelchair will be returned at the aircraft
door or another agreed location after arrival.
Flight Day
Airport Wheelchair Assistance Checklist
Use this quick review before leaving for the airport.
I requested the type of airport assistance I need.
I confirmed assistance for connecting and arrival airports.
I know where to identify myself when I arrive at the airport.
I allowed extra time for check-in and security.
I will tell gate staff if I need preboarding or an aisle chair.
I have handling instructions for my own wheelchair if I am bringing one.
I know how I will get from baggage claim to my final pickup point.
What If the Assistance Is Not Working?
If you encounter a disability-related airline service problem during U.S. air travel, there are steps you can take while you are still at the airport.
Tell Airline Staff
Explain what assistance was requested and what part of the
service is missing.
Ask for a CRO
Airlines operating U.S.-covered flights must make a Complaints
Resolution Official available for disability accommodation issues.
Keep Your Details
Save your flight information, assistance request, names when
available, and notes about what happened.
Growing Travel Directory
More Airport Accessibility Guides
Airport accessibility can grow into its own useful section of the Senior Travel Directory.
Airport Topics We’re Building
Individual guides can be linked here as they are published.
Flying With a Wheelchair
Boarding, aircraft storage, handling, damage prevention, and return of mobility devices.
Flying With a Mobility Scooter
Batteries, dimensions, check-in, loading, freewheel mode, and airport preparation.
TSA Screening for Seniors
Mobility limitations, medical devices, medications, screening, and preparation.
Accessible Airport Transfers
Taxis, hotel shuttles, rides, rental vehicles, trains, and cruise-port transfers.
Airport Assistance for Connections
Large terminals, gate changes, minimum connection times, and mobility help.
Senior-Friendly Airports
Terminal layouts, transportation, seating, accessibility, and easier airport navigation.
Official Airport Assistance Information
Airline procedures and disability rules can change. Check official guidance and your airline before travel.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Guidance covering wheelchair and guided assistance throughout the airport.
View wheelchair assistance guidance →Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights
DOT's summary of important rights for travelers with disabilities on covered flights.
View passenger rights →60AndOver.net Travel Directory
Continue planning with accessible hotels, cruises, attractions, mobility travel, and destination guides.
Browse Travel Directory →
Common Questions
Airport Wheelchair Assistance FAQs
How do I request wheelchair assistance at the airport?
Request assistance through your airline when booking, through its
website or app, or by contacting the airline. When you arrive at
the airport, identify yourself to airline personnel as the traveler
who needs the assistance.
Do I have to pay for airport wheelchair assistance?
For passengers with disabilities on flights covered by U.S.
disability rules, airlines are required to provide applicable
wheelchair and guided assistance without charging the passenger for
the required disability accommodation.
Can airport wheelchair assistance take me through security?
Airline assistance can include helping a passenger navigate through
the airport security checkpoint. TSA personnel, however, perform the
actual security screening.
Can wheelchair assistance help me make a connecting flight?
Yes. Airline assistance can include transportation between gates
for connecting flights. Make sure the assistance is included for
each airport on your itinerary.
Can I request wheelchair assistance if I can still walk?
A traveler with a disability may need wheelchair assistance even
if they can walk short distances. For example, the person may be
unable to manage the long distance through a large terminal.
Can I preboard if I need wheelchair assistance?
Passengers with disabilities who identify themselves as needing
additional time or assistance to board, stow accessibility
equipment, or be seated must generally be given the opportunity to
board before other passengers under applicable U.S. airline rules.
What should I do if wheelchair assistance does not arrive?
Tell airline personnel that you requested disability-related
assistance. If the issue is not resolved, ask to speak with the
airline's Complaints Resolution Official, or CRO.
About This Airport Assistance Guide
60AndOver.net provides travel-planning information. Assistance procedures can vary by airline, airport, aircraft, itinerary, and individual mobility need. Confirm important arrangements with your airline before departure.
Rules and Procedures Can Change
Airline disability procedures, airport layouts, security processes, gates, and assistance arrangements can change. Review current airline and government guidance for your actual trip.