Special assistance at the airport

Curbside assistance

If you need an airport wheelchair or help with your own wheelchair, please ask the skycap for assistance. Skycaps are available at no charge, although tips are accepted. Please advise skycaps of any special needs as they do not have the ability to access reservations.

Check-in

Passengers can check in up to 4 hours in advance of scheduled departure time and request special seating. Inform the ticketing agent of any special assistance you may need. Movable armrests may be helpful for mobility challenged passengers, so ask the agent to accommodate you in a seat with this feature if it’s available. If you’re traveling with a companion who will be assisting you, ask the agent to ensure that your companion's name is listed in your reservation and that they are seated next to you.

Security checkpoint

As you proceed through the security checkpoint, don't hesitate to ask screeners for assistance with your mobility aid and carry-on items. Let the screener know your level of ability (e.g. whether you can walk, stand or perform an arm lift) so they can assist you.

In addition:

• Inform screeners of any special equipment or devices that you are using and where this equipment is located on your body. This will help the screener to be careful of that equipment if a physical search is necessary.
• Let screeners know if you cannot remove your shoes when additional screening is necessary. Assistance will be provided.
• Ensure that all bags and satchels carried on or under your wheelchair are put on the X-ray belt for inspection.
• Ask the screener to reunite you with your carry-on items and other personal assistance items once the X-ray inspection is completed.

Boarding the aircraft

If you need extra time to board the aircraft or assistance transferring from a wheelchair to an aisle seat, please inform a US Airways gate agent or flight attendant. Special boarding chairs are available to assist physically challenged passengers to their seats. Remember to provide clear instructions to personnel regarding how you wish to be lifted.

Deplaning the aircraft

If you need extra time exiting the aircraft, a wheelchair at your destination or transfer point, or assistance departing the aircraft or traveling through the terminal, please notify a flight attendant at least 45 minutes prior to arrival. Airport wheelchairs are in great demand during peak travel times.

Transporting wheelchairs, scooters and Segways

Contact US Airways at least 48 hours prior to departure and check in 2 hours prior to departure if you are requesting the transportation of a wheelchair or other device that uses a gel cell or wet cell battery or NiMH battery. If room is not available on the flight, your wheelchair or assistive device will be tagged for special handling and placed in the cargo bin as you board the plane. The wheelchair or other devices will be returned to you at the destination gate upon arrival or at a connecting airport.

• Download the wheelchair description form

Please advise us in advance if you prefer to use your own personal wheelchair at your connecting airport. At Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Phoenix and Las Vegas, we have special equipment to expedite the delivery of personal wheelchairs for use during your layover. Time between connecting flights may be insufficient to provide this service if disassembly and reassembly of a personal wheelchair is required. If time is a factor, we recommend taking advantage of our wheelchair service.

• Wheelchairs, canes, three wheel scooters or Segways are not counted towards your baggage allowance.
• Please provide clear instructions for disassembly and assembly if you have a battery-powered wheelchair or Segway.
• Canes and Walkers - Canes and walkers are permitted as carry-on items when traveling. Walkers must be stowed in the overhead storage compartment when on board the aircraft. Canes may be kept by the passenger at their seat.
• Electric Carts - Electric carts may be available at some airport locations. These carts are used to transport passengers between concourses within the same terminal. Ask a gate agent for assistance when you arrive.
• Segways will be accepted if used as an assistive device only. They will not be accepted for transport in the cabin on any aircraft. They will only be accepted as checked baggage at the gate or ticket counter. Segways with lithium batteries are restricted from air transportation by the U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous Regulations and will not be accepted for transport.
• On-Board Wheelchair - If you are in need of an on-board wheelchair during your flight, please notify Reservations at 800-428-4322 (TDD/TTY 800-245-2966) 48 hours in advance of your departure and one will be provided for your flight.