If you need curbside assistance when you arrive at the airport, you have two basic options. If your airline provides curbside check-in and skycap services, you are permitted to use those under the same guidelines and fee structure as any other passenger. If these services are not available or you need additional help, call your airline’s special needs department at least 48 hours before your trip to arrange assistance with moving your luggage from the curb to the check-in desk.
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, screens all air travelers and their carry-on luggage for possible threats. Other countries have similar security screening. Depending on the airport and the nature of your disability, you might stand in a full-body scanner, walk through a metal detector or undergo a thorough pat-down procedure. Let the TSA agent know whether you are able to stand and walk, if you have any medical devices that must be protected, or if you have areas of your body that are painful or sensitive. Although liquids and gels are generally limited to 3.4-ounce containers, you are allowed to bring larger quantities of medications as long as you present them separately from the rest of your carry-on items. If you need assistance placing your carry-on items on the X-ray machine belts, let a TSA representative know.
If you use a wheelchair, electric mobility scooter, cane or other mobility device, you may keep it with you for your use throughout the airport. Canes, walkers and fold-up manual wheelchairs are allowed on the plane with you on a space-available basis. You can also check your mobility device at the gate, and airline personnel will return it to you at the next airport. If you need assistance traveling through the airport, make arrangements with your airline’s special needs department 48 hours before your flight.
In most cases, disabled passengers are permitted to pre-board if desired. This allows you to enter the aircraft and get settled before other passengers begin boarding. You are legally permitted to refuse this service, but airlines are not required to hold space for your medical equipment after general boarding begins. Airline personnel are required to assist you, upon request, with boarding the aircraft and loading your carry-on items into the appropriate compartments. During the flight, airline personnel will help you access your carry-ons as needed. They are not permitted to physically lift you, feed you or assist you in the restroom, but are generally available to help you with whatever else you need during the flight.
