Travelling when you need special accommodations can be stressful, but as long as you work with the airline in advance, you should be able to get the support you need while you’re moving through the airport. This includes getting a wheelchair to help you get to your gate, though there are some restrictions on wheelchair use at the airport. Here’s all you need to know about how to get a wheelchair at the airport.
Key Takeaways
- To ensure that you receive the necessary support at the airport, it’s important to request accommodations in advance, preferably at least 24 hours prior to your departure.
- Once you’re at the airport, make sure to check in with your airline’s customer service team to receive assistance from a wheelchair attendant who can take you through security and to your gate.
- During the flight, you will be limited to your seat, so make sure to prepare for your flight as best as you can. If you need any assistance, simply ask the flight attendants, and they will do their best to accommodate you.
- The airline may not take you to get food or take care of other personal needs, so it’s important to bring your own personal care items.
- Airlines have limited resources, so notifying them of your accommodations as soon as possible will help ensure that they have enough staff and equipment available to assist you.
Before Your Trip
You can request accommodations when you are booking your reservation; however, you need to submit your request at least 24 hours prior to your departure, though many airlines prefer advanced notice. You should request accommodations directly with your airline to ensure they have the staff and equipment available to help you.
The sooner you can request your access, the better, and you can do so online or by calling their customer service team and sharing what your needs are. If you can, make sure you’re on a larger flight, as this will give more room to maneuver you on and off the plane, though this is not always possible.
Keep in mind that some airlines limit the number of wheelchairs allowed on the flight, so you could potentially be rebooked on another flight if your flight is currently at capacity if you didn’t notify them in advance.
At The Airport
Once you’re at the airport, you should check in with your airline’s customer service team. If you requested accommodations in advance, they will take it from there. There should be a wheelchair attendant who can take you through security and to your gate once you’re all checked in.
If you need special accommodations during security, be sure to tell your attendant, as they can ensure you are checked properly. If you cannot stand, you will need to undergo a pat-down search instead of passing through the scanner.
If you did not request accommodations in advance, you can ask the airline once you are there. They should be able to accommodate you. If not, there should be wheelchairs available in the airport for use if you do not have your own. The important thing is that you request help once you are at the airport if you need it.
Keep in mind that they are not required to take you to get food or take care of other personal needs, so it’s important to be prepared prior to arriving at the airport.
During Your Flight
During the flight, you will be limited to your seat; however, if you need any assistance, simply ask the flight attendants, and they will do their best to accommodate you. You will not be able to use your wheelchair during the flight for safety reasons, so make sure to prepare for your flight as best as you can.
Can I Use My Own Wheelchair?
Any wheelchairs in use at the airport are the property of the airport or the airline, so unfortunately, you cannot use your own while travelling in the airport. You will need to check this as you would a piece of luggage, so make sure to pack it away safely to prevent damage.
So How Can I Get A Wheelchair At The Airport?
You can get a wheelchair at the airport in several different ways, including requesting one in advance and asking for one while you’re there. Wheelchair attendants will help get you through security and to your gate so you won’t miss your flight. You will be able to board in the first group to help you get situated, and before you know it, you’ll be at your final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I request a wheelchair at the airport?
You can request a wheelchair at the airport by contacting your airline in advance and inviting accommodations. This can typically be done online or by calling their customer service team.
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Can I request a wheelchair at the airport without advance notice?
Yes, you can still request a wheelchair at the airport without advance notice. Simply ask the airline once you are there, and they should be able to accommodate you.
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Can I use my wheelchair at the airport?
No, you cannot use your wheelchair at the airport. Any wheelchairs in use at the airport are the airport’s or the airline’s property.
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Will I be able to use my wheelchair during the flight?
No, you cannot use your wheelchair during the flight for safety reasons. You will need to prepare for the flight accordingly.
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What should I do if I need special accommodations during security?
If you need special accommodations during security, be sure to tell your attendant, as they can ensure you are checked properly. If you cannot stand, you must undergo a pat-down search instead of passing through the scanner.
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What should I do if my flight is currently at capacity?
If your flight is currently at capacity, and you did not notify the airline in advance, you could potentially be rebooked on another flight. That’s why it’s important to request accommodations as soon as possible.
