Popular Airports with Mobility Assistance

Traveling within the country can be the best way to explore new experiences, including the opportunity to enjoy scenic views and savor delicious meals. Additionally, airports have evolved to provide mobility support to travelers. Today, they prioritize accessibility for everyone, including seniors and those requiring assistance. With improved layouts, user-friendly navigation tools, and more, you can find these systems helpful to enhance your travel experience without any hassles. Also, don’t forget to use an expense tracking app to keep spending in check whenever you travel.

Types of Mobility Assistance

Airlines and airports are bound by the guidelines of the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights. It outlines the fundamental rights of air travelers with disabilities under the Air Carrier Access Act and its implementing regulation, 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 382. Some of the common types of mobility assistance that you can expect when flying are –

Accessible Seating Options

Individuals with mobility needs can request seats with extra legroom, bulkhead seating, or seats near lavatories, depending on their flight and the airline operator.

Support for Service Animals

Service animals are permitted in the cabin at no extra cost. However, you will have to carry and provide the required documentation, such as proof of training and, in some cases, a health certificate. Most airports also feature animal relief areas, including those located in terminals after security screening.

Wheelchairs

Moving from one counter to another within the airport can be challenging for those with mobility issues. To get access to the wheelchair, you can contact the airport 48 hours prior to your flight. You can also request for one directly from the airline when booking the tickets. The ground staff and crew are trained to assist with carry-on luggage and provide access to certain areas of the airport. If you’re going to carry one on a trip, get a reliable and durable wheelchair for long-term use.

Accessible Parking

Flyers with mobility requirements can get accessible parking in garages closest to their elevators at most airports. The parking area may also feature over-height or oversize parking.

Assistive Hearing Devices

Those who require assistance at the airport can receive paging and announcements transmitted directly to their hearing aids, which is an excellent feature when traveling in bustling airports. However, you will have to first check with an audiologist to see if the hearing aid supports the service.

While the mobility assistance services are available at most airports, you should always carry some essential travel tech to ensure you have what you need, at all times.

Popular Airports with Mobility Assistance

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

The Chicago O’Hare (ORD) has partnered with the Aira App to offer blind and low-vision passengers with live visual assistance. The airport staff are trained to recognize travelers who need extra patience, ensuring they receive assistance quickly. Additionally, the international airport features ramps, pathways, and elevators to enhance accessibility for all passengers, including seniors who require wheelchair assistance at the airport.

Los Angeles International Airport

Animal relief stations are conveniently located both before and after the terminal security checkpoints, with the closest ones present at Terminal T6. The airport also has designated drop-off/pick-up for travelers with mobility needs.

Miami International Airport

Seniors with mobility needs should know that the airport has collaborated with Mapsted, a location-technology firm, to introduce smartphone-based wayfinding. You can scan QR codes and get real-time directions tailored to wheelchair-accessible routes. Further, the terminal corridors and gates are also mapped to let travelers avoid reading signs and avoid unnecessary stairs and inclines. The airport is known for providing wheelchair ramps, priority seating, wheelchair charging stations, and wide corridors to ensure MIA meets top standards.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

This is one of the busiest airports in the country, and also one of the most well-equipped to handle seniors’ care and mobility needs. From automatic doors and wheelchair accessible telephones to curb cuts, elevators, and accessible (family) restrooms with caregiver access, the airport covers most accessibility needs.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

You can find a range of amenities available at this airport, including wheelchair assistance upon request. Moreover, disabled permit parking is available in signed areas of all parking lots and garages at the airport. The one-hour areas can be utilized for long-term parking, on the condition that the vehicle displays a disabled parking tag or license plate.

How to Get a Wheelchair and Other Mobility Services at Airports?

Accessibility, including wheelchair assistance, is easy to secure at most airports in the country. However, to access an airport’s mobility services, you can follow certain guidelines.

• If your flight is within 72 hours, you can call TSA Cares (855) 787-2227 to request assistance. TSA Cares assistance is only available for assistance through the screening checkpoint.
• For in-flight assistance or wheelchair assistance from the curb to the aircraft, you will have to connect with the flight operator. Most flights recommend providing a notice for special assistance at least 48 hours in advance. This gives the flight ample time to arrange appropriate services, including wheelchair assistance, accessible seating, or transport for special wellness equipment.
• Those traveling with service animals should let the airline know in advance for further assistance.

Also, if you’re looking for other senior transportation options, there’s an assortment of services for you to explore.