Airport travel · Mobility assistance
Arrange airport wheelchair assistance with your airline and confirm the car’s meeting point and equipment separately. Tell both services about the same arrival plan. An airline wheelchair request does not reserve an accessible vehicle for the journey from ATL.
Start with the passenger’s needs: help through the terminal, space to carry a mobility device, or a vehicle that can carry the passenger seated in their own wheelchair. These lead to different arrangements.
First, connect the airline request to the pickup
ATL directs passengers to their airline for wheelchair assistance. Request the help needed when planning the flight, then identify yourself to airline staff at the airport.
Do not assume that assistance must stop at baggage claim. U.S. Department of Transportation guidance includes help from an arriving aircraft through the airport to baggage claim, the terminal entrance or a vehicle pickup location.
Ask the airline how it will support your planned pickup at ATL. Give the ride provider that information before settling on the meeting place. Confirm the terminal, level and public landmark with both sides. If their instructions do not match, resolve the difference before traveling.
Our ATL chauffeur meeting guide explains the general meeting arrangements. The point agreed for your trip still needs to work with the assistance you require.
Next, explain how you will ride in the vehicle
If you will sit in a vehicle seat and bring a folding wheelchair, give the provider the chair’s folded dimensions along with your luggage details. Ask about the vehicle’s step and seat height if these affect getting in. Confirm any help needed for that transfer; luggage assistance does not describe every kind of passenger assistance.
If you need to remain seated in your own wheelchair, say that clearly. Ask for a vehicle equipped for an occupied wheelchair and confirm the boarding equipment, wheelchair securement and space for your chair. A larger SUV or van name alone does not answer those questions.
ATL’s accessibility page directs travelers to ground transportation companies for special assistance and lift- or ramp-equipped vehicles. Confirm the specific accommodation before accepting a ride. Do not assume a standard car reservation includes it.
Finally, agree when the meeting can begin
Tell the ride provider that airline assistance is part of your arrival. If you bring your own mobility device, ask the airline where it will return it. Include that step when discussing the pickup time and waiting terms.
After landing, keep the provider informed if you are still waiting for assistance, equipment or bags. Confirm the meeting location before changing terminals or heading to another pickup area. A host arranging the trip should make sure the passenger has the agreed instructions and a reachable contact.
If the assistance plan is unresolved
Speak with the airline before leaving its assistance team. For an unresolved disability-related airline issue, ask for its Complaint Resolution Official, or CRO. DOT explains this specialist’s role; assistance from the CRO may be by phone.
Discuss your pickup needs
Describe the meeting arrangement, mobility equipment and help you need. Before booking, confirm whether the proposed vehicle and service can meet those needs.
Ask about your airport pickupSee ATL Airport Car Service for the general service, or browse all travel guides.
Stock photograph by Junseong Lee on Unsplash.
