Accessible Travel Checklist

Call airline accessibility desk

Each airline has a dedicated line: Delta 404-209-3434, American 800-237-7976, Southwest 800-435-9792, United 800-228-2744. Tell them wheelchair, walker, or oxygen. They flag your reservation so the airport knows.

Request TSA Cares pre-screening

Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before. A trained TSA officer (Passenger Support Specialist) meets you at the airport and walks you through security at a slower pace, away from the line.

Reserve accessible hotel room directly

Don't use the hotel chain's website to request accessibility. Call the specific property and ask: roll-in shower? bed height? grab bars in tub AND toilet? door width? Confirm in writing via email.

Consider renting equipment at destination

Scootaround.com and CloudOfGoods.com rent wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen concentrators, and shower benches and deliver to your hotel. Often cheaper than shipping or hauling your own.

Confirm POC battery hours

If you use portable oxygen, airlines require 150% of flight time in battery life. For a 6-hour flight, you need 9 hours of batteries. Get a spare. Pack them in carry-on, not checked.

Pack medications in carry-on

Never check medications. Bring the original labeled bottles. Print a current medication list (use our Medication List tool). Pack 2 extra days' worth in case of delays.

Request bulkhead or aisle seat

Bulkhead has the most legroom. Aisle is easier if you may need the lavatory. Both can usually be reserved free if you mention mobility needs when you call the airline.

Photograph your wheelchair, walker, or POC

If the airline damages or loses it, photos prove condition. Take pictures of every angle, including any visible damage. Note model number and serial number.

Arrive 2-3 hours early

Mobility processing takes longer. Curbside check-in for departure, gate-checked wheelchair at the door, advance boarding via accessibility services.

Use wheelchair service even if you do not own one

Airlines provide free wheelchair service for anyone who has trouble walking long airport distances. Request at curb. Tip the attendant $5-10.

Boarding pre-board

Tell the gate agent you need to pre-board. You get on first, settle without crowds, and gate-check your own wheelchair if you brought one. It will be at the jetway when you land.

Keep medications, ID, snacks in one small bag

If your main bag is gate-checked or lost, you still have what you need for 24 hours. Phone charger goes in this bag too.

Inspect mobility equipment at the jetway

Before leaving the gate, check the wheelchair or POC for new damage. If something is broken, report at the gate to the airline before you leave the airport. They are required to repair or replace under the Air Carrier Access Act.

Confirm rental equipment delivery at hotel

If you ordered a wheelchair or shower bench, ask the front desk on arrival. Don't wait — if there is a problem, you want to solve it before bedtime.

Test the accessible bathroom yourself

Roll-in shower truly accessible? Grab bars feel sturdy? Toilet at a height you can use? If anything is wrong, ask for a different room before unpacking — and most hotels will swap you free.

Note nearest pharmacy and urgent care

Look up the address and phone for the nearest CVS / Walgreens and the closest urgent care. Save in your phone. You hope to never use them, but if you need them, you do not want to be searching.