Wheelchair Assistance in Airports: A Complete 2025 Guide

Airports can be tricky to navigate for anyone. For passengers who use wheelchairs or live with reduced mobility they present a unique set of physical and logistical challenges.

Fortunately, airports and airlines are legally required to provide accessible support services to help you complete your journey. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about wheelchair assistance in airports, including how to request it, what to expect and your rights under ADA and other laws.

What is Wheelchair Assistance at Airports?

Wheelchair assistance in airports refers to a range of support services provided to passengers who cannot walk long distances or stand in queues for prolonged periods. This service may involve manual or electric wheelchairs, assistance navigating the terminal, help with baggage, and priority boarding.

Airports are legally required to offer this service under US law through the Air Carrier Access Act.

Wheelchair assistance must be free of charge, regardless of ticket class, and is offered on both domestic and international flights.

How to Request a Wheelchair at the Airport

During Booking

Most airlines allow passengers to request wheelchair assistance when booking their flight. This is the best time to do it. Options typically appear under "special assistance" or "accessibility needs."

After Booking

If you forgot to request assistance while booking, you can still do so later by:

• Logging into your booking online and adding special assistance

• Calling your airline's customer service

• Contacting the airport's assistance desk directly

It’s highly recommended to submit your request at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee availability.

On Arrival Without a Booking

If you did not pre-arrange support, go directly to your airline's check-in counter or find a designated assistance point near the terminal entrance. While not ideal, last-minute requests are still accommodated where possible.

What Happens During Wheelchair Assistance

1. Check-in and Bag Drop

An assistant will help you check in and manage your luggage. Some airports allow bag drop without queuing.

2. Security and Immigration

You will be escorted through a dedicated or expedited security lane. You may need to temporarily leave the wheelchair for manual scanning, though airport staff will ensure the process is handled respectfully.

However, speaking to the Washington Post, TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said that wheelchair users can request to remain seated either at the checkpoint, or a private screening room.

3. Terminal Navigation

Depending on airport size, you may be taken via:

• Manual wheelchair

• Motorised cart

• Ambulift (elevated vehicle for boarding in remote stands)

4. Boarding the Aircraft

You will usually be among the first to board. Boarding is typically done using an aisle wheelchair (a narrow chair that fits the aircraft aisle). If the plane is accessed via stairs, an ambulift is used.

5. Arrival and Baggage Claim

Upon landing, a team member will meet you at the aircraft door. They will help you collect bags and exit the airport or meet your transport.

If you have connecting flights, separate assistance will be arranged in the connecting airport.

Can You Take a Wheelchair on a Plane?

Yes. Both manual and electric wheelchairs can be brought onto flights.

• Manual wheelchairs can typically be used right up to the aircraft door and then placed in the hold.

• Electric wheelchairs must be transported in the aircraft hold. Airlines require advance notice and battery specifications.

According to US DOT guidance, passengers must not be charged for the transport of wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Accessible travel blogger Cory Lee recommends:

It’s important to communicate any specific seating requirements to the airline during the booking process to ensure a comfortable and safe flight experience. I always request the “bulkhead seating” on the plane, as it allows me more space to transfer into my seat. 

Using Your Own Wheelchair vs. Airport Wheelchair

You are allowed to use your personal wheelchair throughout most of the airport journey.

Advantages include:

• Familiarity with controls and size

• Avoiding unnecessary transfers

• Reduced risk of damage

If using an electric wheelchair, provide the airline with information about:

• Weight

• Battery type (spillable or non-spillable)

• Disassembly and reassembly instructions

Is Wheelchair Assistance Free at Airports?

Yes. It is unlawful to charge for accessibility assistance in major jurisdictions, including the UK, EU, and US.

In the US, this is enforced under the Air Carrier Access Act. Airlines are required to provide free and timely wheelchair assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

If you experience a denial of service or poor treatment, complaints can be lodged directly with the airline or submitted through the U.S. Department of Transportation complaint process.

Wheelchairs and Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

A wheelchair is classified as durable medical equipment (DME). This designation is important because:

• It is protected by law and must be carried at no extra charge

• It is not considered part of your baggage allowance

• Additional aids like crutches, walking sticks, or portable oxygen may also be carried as DME

You may bring multiple pieces of DME if medically necessary. Contact your airline well in advance to notify them.

Wheelchair Assistance for Connecting Flights

If you are transiting through one or more airports, you must:

• Inform the airline about all legs of your journey

• Confirm that assistance is scheduled at each stop

• Allow ample time between flights (especially if changing terminals)

At major hubs like Heathrow or JFK, connecting flights may involve long distances and security re-checks. Assistance staff will handle all transfers, but delays can occur if not prearranged.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wheelchairs in Airport

How to get a wheelchair in an airport?

Request it when booking your flight, or contact the airline 48 hours in advance. You can also ask on arrival, but delays may occur.

How does wheelchair assistance work at airports?

Can you take a wheelchair on a plane?

Is wheelchair assistance at airport free?

Final Thoughts

Wheelchair assistance in airports is more than just a convenience. It is a legally protected right, designed to ensure every passenger can travel safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

From using your own durable medical equipment to navigating multiple connecting flights, the process is made smoother with the right preparation and knowledge.

Always communicate your needs clearly, give advance notice, and familiarise yourself with airline and airport accessibility policies.

If you encounter issues, don’t hesitate to raise a formal complaint. Oversight bodies like the CAA and the U.S. DOT exist to protect your rights.

Accessible travel should never be an afterthought. And with the right systems in place, it doesn’t have to be.