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Airline Accessibility Guide

Booking Tips

  • Notify the airline about your needs as early as possible. Request accommodations when you book your ticket whenever possible, clearly explain the accommodation you need and ask the airline to confirm them in writing.
  • Provide details about mobility devices, medical equipment, batteries, service animal needs, seating needs, boarding assistance, and any travel companion or personal care attendant.
  • If you use a mobility device, be prepared to provide the device’s weight, dimensions, battery type, and any special handling instructions.
  • Confirm every accommodation before travel day
  • Arrive early
  • Keep important documentation easy to reach. AWU Suggests keeping a paper boarding pass.  A paper boarding pass has a wealth of information, such as the confirmation number, actual ticket number, flight number, all information needed if you need to file a complaint.
  • Service animal paperwork when required (please see other tab for service animal information)
  • Use the airline’s “Special Assistance,” “Accessibility,” or “Accessible Travel” option online, or call the airline directly. (AWU highly suggests you call directly)
  • Follow up with the airline a few days before departure to confirm your accommodations are noted.
  • Contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight if you would like screening support at the airport.

Available Accessible Seating Options

  • Movable aisle armrests: Helpful for safer transfers from an aisle chair or mobility device.
  • Extra legroom seating: May help travelers with certain mobility or medical needs, subject to safety requirements.
  • Companion seating: Request adjacent seating if you travel with a personal care attendant or companion who assists you.

Mobility Device Safety Steps

  • Tell the airline about your mobility device when booking or as early as possible.
  • Share the device’s weight, dimensions, battery type, removable parts, and handling instructions. Create your own label.
  • Remove or secure loose parts, cushions, bags, and accessories before the device is loaded.
  • Ask whether gate check is available
  • Take photos of the device before travel so you have a record of its condition.
  • Track your devices. AWU suggests using Apple Tags, or Tile trackers.

Bags

Airlines allow a bag containing only medical equipment or supplies to be brought on board at no extra charge, as long as it meets standard carry‑on size and weight limits and is not mixed with other non‑essential items

Tip: Clearly identify bags carrying medical equipment and/or supplies.

Airline Accessibility Contact

Airline Airline Accessibility Page or Department Phone Information

Post Flight

  • Inspect the device immediately when it is returned.  Document and Report damage, delays, or missing parts before leaving the airport.
  • If you experience any issues (discrimination, damage to your medical equipment or wheelchair, or are injured) Step 1: ask airline staff for a Complaint Resolution Official.
  • If you experience any issues (discrimination, damage to your medical equipment or wheelchair, or are injured) Step 2 – file a compliant with the DOT. See separate link on our website for the DOT compliant form
  • Document everything, write down names (First and Last names) this information will aid the airline in tracking back to what happened and at which airport.