A guide to airports for disabled travellers

Airports can present additional challenges for disabled passengers. This guide will detail the services available to disabled passengers.

Airport Assistance Services

Airport assistance services are designed to support disabled travellers at various stages of their journey, from arrival at the airport to boarding the plane. These services are available to passengers with a range of disabilities, including mobility impairments, sensory impairments (such as blindness or deafness), and cognitive disabilities.

  • Pre-Arrival Support: Before arriving at the airport, disabled travellers can request assistance by contacting their airline or travel agent. It’s recommended to do this at least 48 hours in advance to ensure the necessary arrangements are in place. Many airports also allow passengers to request assistance online.
  • Arrival and Check-In: Upon arrival at the airport, assistance services often include help with luggage, priority check-in, and expedited security screening. Passengers may be met at a designated point and guided through the check-in process. This ensures that the passenger can move through the airport with ease and minimal stress.
  • Mobility Assistance: For passengers with mobility impairments, airports typically provide wheelchairs and electric carts to help them move through the terminal. Assistance is also available for boarding the plane, which may include the use of specialised equipment like ambulifts or aisle chairs to ensure safe and comfortable boarding. It is worth checking before you plan your trip what assistance your proposed departure and arrival airports can provide; not all airports have air bridges routinely available, and it may be something that you would prefer.
  • Guidance for Sensory Impairments: For passengers who are blind or visually impaired, airports offer guided assistance to navigate through the terminal, including help with reading signs, finding gates, and locating amenities like restrooms and restaurants. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, many airports offer visual aids and communication support, such as text-based updates and assistance from staff trained in sign language.
  • In-Flight Support: Onboard the aircraft, cabin crew are trained to assist disabled passengers, including helping with seating arrangements, storing mobility aids, and ensuring that all necessary accommodations are made during the flight.

Access Cards:

In addition. many airports recognise the access cards for disabled travellers, which serve as a convenient way to communicate the need for assistance especially for those with hidden disabilities.

  • Priority access: In many cases, access cardholders with the queue symbol receive priority access to security screenings, boarding, and other services, reducing wait times and ensuring a smoother experience.
  • Recognition: Access cards are recognised at many airports worldwide.

To apply for an access cards you will need to submit official documentation regarding your disability. This ensures that your card accurately represents your specific needs, and protects the availability of accessible features from misuse. Visit the access card website for further information.

Complimentary private transfers:

For travellers with certain disabilities or medical conditions, some package holidays offer complimentary private transfers from the airport to the accommodation. This service is invaluable, as it eliminates the need for disabled travellers to navigate coach transfers.

  • Eligibility: The availability of complimentary private transfers varies by tour operator and destination. Typically, travellers must disclose their medical condition or disability at the time of booking to qualify. Conditions that may make travellers eligible for this service vary by tour operator.
  • Personalised Service: Private transfers provide a personalised travel experience, with vehicles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The drivers are often trained to assist disabled passengers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey to the hotel or resort.

 

Travel insurance

Good To Go insurance can help you with travel insurance for your trip. Good To Go can cover all types of existing medical condition s and has no upper age limit. Remember to buy travel insurance as soon as you've booked your trip to ensure that you have cancellation cover in place straight away. Good To Go includes cancellation cover on Gold, Platinum and cruise policies.

All of our policies provide cover for loss of prescription medication up to £300 and loss of mobility aids up to £2,500.

Don’t let your age or medical conditions hold you back. For travel insurance you’re good to go!

Happy travels!

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