What Is Assisted Travel in the UK and Who Needs It?

Introduction

Airports are busy places where you might need to walk, covering a lot of ground and stand in long queues etc. This experience can be overwhelming and a put-off for many people. This is more so for individuals who need extra support.

What Is Assisted Airport Travel?

It’s extra support provided to passengers who need help when they’re travelling by air.

You can request airport assistance to start from when you arrive at the airport, and the help can continue as you travel through your destination airport.

Help can be provided for:

• Navigating through the departure airport
• Boarding the aircraft and certain needs onboard
• Disembarking and transferring to a connecting flight
• Finding your way through your destination airpor

Services can include:

• Transport from the airport car park to the terminal building in an electric buggy or airport wheelchair
• The use of an airport wheelchair to help you get to the gate – this can be useful for people travelling with senior passengers and those with mobility issues
• A sunflower lanyard to indicate to staff that you need extra support and/or patience – this is particularly useful for those with hidden disabilities
• Help getting through airport security – particularly for those who are blind, deaf or who have additional needs
• Assistance with boarding and getting seated on the plane – if you’re a senior passenger or have any impairments this can provide extra reassurance
• Access to specific seats on the plane – depending on their needs, disabled passengers might be offered a bulkhead seat or a seat with more legroom
• Stowing your hand luggage
• Retrieving your luggage and any mobility equipment
• Help with transferring between flights
• Similar support as you travel through your destination airport
• Taking you to a meeting point at your arrival airport

So, if you think you’ll need extra support to help you manage, from pick up at home to arrival, including help with check-in, security and boarding, it’s worth requesting airport assistance.

It’s best to book this when you buy your flight, or at least 48 hours before your departure, to make sure everything is in place. Being clear beforehand about what you need will help things go smoothly on the day and give you extra peace of mind.

Who Qualifies For the Service?

You don’t usually need to prove that you have a disability or require special assistance to access the services in the UK.

When you call to pre-book assistance you can explain the level of help you need.

In some situations, you might be asked to provide proof of your fitness to fly when you request assistance – although this is not usually required if your condition is stable.

If medical clearance is necessary, it could simply mean you need to provide a bit more information about your condition. Or, if there’s a particular concern that flying might affect your condition, you might need to provide a doctor’s note

Who Benefits?

According to the latest airport accessibility performance report from the Civil Aviation Authority, 5.5 million passengers requested assistance when either departing, arriving or connecting at a UK airport in 2024

That includes:

• Seniors and the elderly with mobility issues
• Passengers with physical disabilities, those who use wheelchairs
• Passengers with hidden disabilities like dementia or autism

What Are The Benefits

• Reduced stress
• Personal assistance
• Improved sense of safety
• Smooth navigation

Preparation Tips

• Book early
• Share special requirements with us and/or our partners

Confirm travel details

Conclusion

• People with a disability or mobility issues are entitled to free special assistance when flying from a UK airport on any airline, or on a UK or EU carrier to the UK
• You can ask ahead for help with things like getting through your departure and destination airport, boarding, disembarking and transferring flights
• You should ask for this type of assistance via your airline or tour operator rather than from the airport directly
• Aim to ask for assistance give at least 48 hours’ notice before you travel to ask for assistance