To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
Provide instructions for how to take apart and stow your wheelchair. Airlines are required to follow these instructions when stowing your wheelchair on the plane.
Although most airplanes do not have an accessible restroom, if you plan to use the restroom inflight, contact the airline to ensure there is an onboard wheelchair to help you access the restroom.
Contact the airline to see if your flight will have an accessible restroom on board.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding and ask to stow your manual wheelchair in the cabin! If you don’t pre-board, the plane reserves the right not to provide space on board for your manual wheelchair. If you pre-board, they must allow you to stow your manual wheelchair in the cabin on a first come first serve basis. If your manual wheelchair is in the cabin, it doesn’t have the risk of being damaged.
If staff is assisting you in a wheelchair on the jet bridge, make sure they are backing you down the jet bridge.
If you need lift/transfer assistance, inform the service provider of how to best assist you. The staff assisting you with your transfer to the aisle wheelchair can have an unpredictable level of training due to the high turnover of that position. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you need.
Any removeable parts of your device can be stowed in the cabin at no charge. This includes: wheels, seat cushions, headrests/footrests, joysticks, etc.
When deplaning, travelers have the right to wait onboard until their wheelchair is on the jet bridge. Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last.
If your mobility aid is lost or broken contact a CRO, airlines must get you your mobility aid or a replacement within 24hours.
Physical Disabilities (Power Wheelchair or Scooter)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
Provide instructions for how to take apart and stow your wheelchair or scooter. Take note of how much your wheelchair or scooter weighs, the battery type, and how to disengage the power. Airlines are required to follow these instructions when stowing your wheelchair or scooter on the plane.
Although most airplanes do not have an accessible restroom, if you plan to use the restroom inflight, contact the airline to ensure there is an onboard wheelchair to help you access the restroom.
Contact the airline to see if your flight will have an accessible restroom on board.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you are using a battery powered wheelchair, check-in at least an hour before your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If your battery powered mobility aid uses lithium batteries, transport them separately in the cabin. Airlines will not transport lithium batteries unless they are in the cabin. Airlines will not transport over 300-watt batteries.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
If staff is assisting you in a wheelchair on the jet bridge, make sure they are backing you down the jet bridge.
If you need lift/transfer assistance, inform the service provider of how to best assist you. The staff assisting you with your transfer to the aisle wheelchair can have an unpredictable level of training due to the high turnover of that position. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you need.
Any removeable parts of your device can be stowed in the cabin at no charge. This includes: wheels, seat cushions, headrests/footrests, joysticks, etc.
When deplaning, travelers have the right to wait onboard until their wheelchair is on the jet bridge. Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last.
If your mobility aid is lost or broken contact a CRO, airlines must get you your mobility aid or a replacement within 24hours.
Physical Disabilities (Walker, Cane, or Crutches)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
Although most airplanes do not have an accessible restroom, if you plan to use the restroom inflight and need assistance, contact the airline to ensure there is an onboard wheelchair to help you access the restroom.
Contact the airline to see if your flight will have an accessible restroom on board if needed.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding and ask to stow your mobility aid in the cabin! If you don’t pre-board, the plane reserves the right not to provide space on board for your mobility aid. If you pre-board, they must allow you to stow your mobility aid in the cabin on a first come first serve basis. If your mobility aid is in the cabin, it doesn’t have the risk of being damaged.
If staff is assisting you in a wheelchair on the jet bridge, make sure they are backing you down the jet bridge.
If you need transfer assistance, inform the service provider of how to best assist you. The staff assisting you with your transfer can have an unpredictable level of training due to the high turnover of that position. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you need.
When deplaning, travelers have the right to wait onboard until their mobility aid is on the jet bridge. Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last.
If your mobility aid is lost or broken contact a CRO, airlines must get you your mobility aid or a replacement within 24hours.
Hearing Loss (Hard of Hearing)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
Most airports have a hearing loop system that you can utilize to get information about announcements for your upcoming flight. A hearing loop is a form of hearing assistive technology that allows you to receive sound directly into your hearing aids or cochlear implant processor. A hearing loop location is designated with a blue logo showing a diagonal line through an ear with a “T” in the bottom right corner.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Hearing Loss (Deaf)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
There is an app called AIRA ASL that provides you with a virtual interpreter if you wish to speak with airport personnel.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Vision Loss (Low Vision)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
If you are using assistive technology, make sure your phone is charged up ahead of time!
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you choose to maneuver around the airport more independently, download the AIRA app. Some airports purchase minutes with the AIRA app, making the service free to travelers who are blind or have low vision. Travelers are able to connect to a visual interpreter through their smart phone camera, allowing them to utilize the virtual guide rather than a physical one.
If you are able to navigate around the airport independently but need extra assistance with reading signage, flight information displays, or restaurant menus, bring a magnifier or download a magnification app.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
Many restrooms on board aircrafts can have a button that is flush to the wall. Don’t be afraid to ask a flight attendant where the button is located. You could also utilize an app like AIRA to determine the layout of the restroom at the beginning of the flight before take off.
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
With baggage, utilize a brightly colored piece of duct tape to identify your bag among the others.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
If you are using assistive technology, make sure your phone is charged up ahead of time!
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you are blind and someone asks you if they can assist you, ask them to introduce themselves and if they work at the airport.
If you choose to maneuver around the airport more independently, download the AIRA app. Some airports purchase minutes with the AIRA app, making the service free to travelers who are blind or have low vision. Travelers are able to connect to a visual interpreter through their smart phone camera, allowing them to utilize the virtual guide rather than a physical one.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding! If you use a long white cane you can stow it with you in the cabin.
Many restrooms on board aircrafts can have a button that is flush to the wall. Don’t be afraid to ask a flight attendant where the button is located. You could also utilize an app like AIRA to determine the layout of the restroom at the beginning of the flight before take off.
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
With baggage, utilize a brightly colored piece of duct tape or a braille tag to identify your bag among the others.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
Some airport websites have the locations of their sensory rooms and quiet rooms. If you can’t find them online, contact the airline to get more information. Know where these rooms are located just in case you need a break from the busy airport environment.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If the airport has a sunflower lanyard program, you may utilize that to receive more help and understanding from staff through security, when maneuvering around the airport, and during your flight. The sunflower lanyard program is a service where individuals with invisible disabilities can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo to discreetly indicate they may require additional assistance from employees. Program participation is voluntary.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Invisible Disabilities (Dementia)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
Some airport websites have the locations of their quiet rooms. If you can’t find them online, contact the airline to get more information. Know where these rooms are located just in case you need a break from the busy airport environment.
If the airport environment is beginning to feel overwhelming, go to a quiet area and put on a preferred song to calm down and de-stress.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If the airport has a sunflower lanyard program, you may utilize that to receive more help and understanding from staff through security, when maneuvering around the airport, and during your flight. The sunflower lanyard program is a service where individuals with invisible disabilities can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo to discreetly indicate they may require additional assistance from employees. Program participation is voluntary.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Invisible Disabilities (Psychiatric)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
Some airport websites have the locations of their quiet rooms. If you can’t find them online, contact the airline to get more information. Know where these rooms are located just in case you need a break from the busy airport environment.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If the airport has a sunflower lanyard program, you may utilize that to receive more help and understanding from staff through security, when maneuvering around the airport, and during your flight. The sunflower lanyard program is a service where individuals with invisible disabilities can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo to discreetly indicate they may require additional assistance from employees. Program participation is voluntary.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Invisible Disabilities (Intellectual)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
Some airport websites have the locations of their sensory and quiet rooms. If you can’t find them online, contact the airline to get more information. Know where these rooms are located just in case you need a break from the busy airport environment.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you have any questions, just ask!
If the airport has a sunflower lanyard program, you may utilize that to receive more help and understanding from staff through security, when maneuvering around the airport, and during your flight. The sunflower lanyard program is a service where individuals with invisible disabilities can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo to discreetly indicate they may require additional assistance from employees. Program participation is voluntary.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Invisible Disabilities (Speech and Language)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you are having trouble communicating what you need to staff, write it down on a piece of paper or your phone.
If you need anyone to repeat themselves, just ask!
If the airport has a sunflower lanyard program, you may utilize that to receive more help and understanding from staff through security, when maneuvering around the airport, and during your flight. The sunflower lanyard program is a service where individuals with invisible disabilities can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo to discreetly indicate they may require additional assistance from employees. Program participation is voluntary.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Invisible Disabilities (Medical)
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
Provide 48 hour advance notice if you plan to use or stow a ventilator, respirator, CPAP, BIPAP, or portable oxygen concentrator.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
If you have battery-powered medical equipment, you must have enough battery to last 150% of the flight in case there are delays. For example, a two hour flight requires three hours of battery.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
If you wish to get a bite to eat before your flight, some airports now have apps where you can deliver food right to your gate!
Any medical equipment you have with you can be stored in the cabin at no extra charge.
Take advantage of pre-boarding!
Individuals needing assistance typically board first and deplane last, so be prepared to wait a little while before your assistance is ready.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Food Allergies
To determine what assistance you may need when traveling, look at the accessibility page of the airport’s website. Do this as early as possible!
Each airport is unique, find out what all that airport can offer you in terms of accessibility.
Some airport websites have maps or lists available with the locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, SARAs, and quiet rooms, allowing you to plan out your route before getting to the airport.
Identify the type of assistance you need when making your reservation. This is typically in a “Special Services” or “Disability” section of the booking system.
When booking your ticket, give yourself more than enough time. Pre-boarding typically starts 40 minutes before take off.
Download the airline’s flight app to check in to your flight 24 hours prior, receive notifications about your flight’s status, and get text messages about updates to your flight.
If you did not tell the airline what assistance you require in the reservation, tell them when checking in at the desk.
Take advantage of pre-boarding! You are now able to wipe down up to three rows to prevent against food allergies.
If you have any trouble with the accessibility of your flight, ask for a CRO! They are a huge resource for you.
Provide Advance Notice to Airlines For…
Use or stowage of ventilator, respirator, CPAP, BIPAP, or portable oxygen concentrator
Service Animals
Battery powered devices
A group of 10 or more individuals with disabilities
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