DEN Airport Wheelchair Assistance

The facilities of the Denver International Airport (DEN) in Denver, Colorado, are intended to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Therefore, by implication, it means that being provided with a wheelchair will help a person with challenges with walking in and around the DEN Airport.

Important Notice: The wheelchair assistance service at the DEN Airport is handled by the airlines operating in DEN. All wheelchair services are arranged through the airlines you are traveling with.

How to Request DEN Airport Wheelchair Assistance

The process of arranging wheelchair assistance at Denver International Airport (DEN) is simple and must be done ahead of time to avoid problems.

• Steps to Arrange: Reach out to your airline either when you are booking your flight or 48-72 hours before, to allow proper preparations to be made.
• In Case You Miss It: If you do not arrange it beforehand, you can ask for help at the airline counter or from a skycap curbside (it will delay you).
• Inform the airline about the type of assistance you require (manual wheelchair, battery-operated wheelchair, wheelchair transfers, animal assistance, etc.) so that the proper equipment and assistance is provided.
• Once You Are There: Inform the airline representative that you need assistance so that the staff is able to assist you from the gate.

Services Provided (usually provided by the airline):

The airline generally provides the following list of comprehensive services to passengers needing wheelchair assistance.

• Wheelchair Assistance From curbside/pick up & drop off to check-in so that the passenger can easily enter the terminal building.
• To the security checkpoint (when TSA needs to be involved for security reasons), so that the passenger is efficiently navigated.
• To the boarding point; assisting the passenger within the terminal building and the train system as required.
• From the boarding point to the aircraft (onto the seat in the aircraft); aisle chair used where required.
• Finally, ground transportation (to the baggage area) and escort to ground transport like taxis/taxis etc.

Please Note: Wheelchair assistance services at Denver International Airport (DEN) are provided free of cost to passengers needing mobility assistance. These services can be rendered to enable passengers to navigate through the airport without difficulty. No tips are required for providing wheelchairs, though passengers can voluntarily give tips as a gesture of gratitude if they wish.

Where to Request Wheelchair Assistance Services?

It will be possible for you to receive wheelchair assistance at Denver International Airport (DEN) based on the circumstances, whether you are leaving or arriving at the airport.

• If leaving: You should make a wheelchair assistance request at the air carrier check-in counter. You need to avoid going to the airport information counter in order to request wheelchair assistance because it is not the responsibility of the information counter to offer wheelchair assistance.
• When arriving: You may get assistance when arriving at the boarding gate, luggage area, or other points of arrival. Airlines provide wheelchair assistance.

Tip: It will be important for you to let the gate agent or flight attendant know as soon as possible so that arrangements will be made accordingly.

Arrival at DEN Airport with Wheelchair Assistance

To ensure that your flight is uneventful, it is advisable that you reach the airport earlier if you need to be assisted to move around using a wheelchair.

• Be at the airport 2 hours before the flight if you are leaving on a domestic flight, and 3 hours before if you are leaving on an international flight. For international flights, you can come even earlier to give yourself ample time to go through all the formalities.
• If you are traveling using your electric wheelchair, it would be wise if you arrived at the airport early enough to conduct battery tests.

Airlines Providing Wheelchair Assistance at DEN Airport

Most airlines operating out of Denver International Airport (DEN) offer wheelchair services in compliance with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The services are arranged via your airline with the aid of ground staff. DEN features one terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C) joined by the wheelchair-friendly underground Train to the Plane.

Main Terminal (Jeppesen Terminal)

All activities relating to check-in, luggage drop-off, and screening happen here.

• United Airlines (Hub): Features the best wheelchair services among airlines with full-service teams at the check-in counter.
• Southwest Airlines: Offers depend on curb-to-gate service due to the carrier’s large flight network.
• Frontier Airlines & Spirit Airlines: Feature efficient mobility services, mainly focused on fast check-in and screening processes.

Concourse A

Mainly serves United Airlines, with additional airlines operating out of here.

• United Airlines: Offers comprehensive wheelchair services, including train ride and gate assistance.
• Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines: Professional meet-and-assist from the security screening area to the boarding gates.

Concourse B

Crowded concourse mainly used by Southwest and other domestic carriers.

• Southwest Airlines: Excellent mobility team members who offer priority boarding assistance.
• United Airlines, JetBlue Airlines and Frontier Airlines: Wheelchair escort through all areas of the concourse.

Concourse C

Serves a variety of international and domestic flights.

• United Airlines: Offers complete wheelchair assistance for domestic and international passengers.
• British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Icelandair and Other International Carriers: Specialized teams that escort passengers from security up to the plane.

Note: Please make your reservation with the airline for any wheelchair assistance you may need. Last-minute wheelchair assistance can be arranged, although this will cause a delay. DEN has been designed to be very accessible, with wide corridors, elevators, and the Train to the Plane system. If you have an electric wheelchair or special needs, please discuss them with your airline ahead of time.

Types of Wheelchairs Available at Denver International Airport

The providers of transportation to DEN have manual wheelchairs available that can be utilized in the terminal of the airport.

• There will be assistance provided with manual wheelchairs offered by the airline, or the staff employed by them to assist you in your movement from the check-in point through security to the gate and to the luggage area.
• If you happen to use an electric wheelchair for traveling, please be informed that the same would likely be tagged at the check-in counter and transported to the baggage area of the plane’s cargo area. Manual wheelchairs shall be made available for your mobility at the airport.
• Please note that there is a chance that you may need to switch wheelchairs when embarking or disembarking the airplane. Please check with your airline regarding your batteries’ requirement (dry cell batteries are always better).

Airport Accessibility Features at DEN Airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) has all the required amenities for people with disabilities who would like to use the airport facility.

• Parking/Drop-off Area: The parking areas of the airport have ADA-compliant parking facilities with curb cuts and accessible walkways.
• Transportation Services: Transportation services for ground transport, taxis, shuttles, and trains such as the University of Colorado A Line train are provided by the airport.
• Escalators/Elevators: There are elevators for access to all levels of the terminal building, as well as escalators, which should be avoided due to safety reasons.
• Restrooms: Restrooms are accessible to all passengers. There are some companion/family restrooms in the airport.
• Amenities: There are dining facilities that are wheelchair accessible as well as counters that are wheelchair friendly.
• Service animal relief area: Service animal relief areas for before and after going through security screening checkpoints.
• Others: Hidden disability support (Sunflower program) and additional accessibility resources.

Language Assistance & Accessibility Apps at DEN

Use the help of airport directories and airline applications to keep yourself updated about gate locations, language translations, and airport navigation.

• Language Assistance: Language assistance can be provided by signs and airport staff in English and Spanish. Additionally, some airlines offer language translation options.
• Terminal Navigation and Gate Information: The airport website and third-party applications can help you navigate through different terminals and gates.
• Relay and TTY Services: Whenever required, use the relay services for communication.

TSA Security Assistance

TSA offers extra help to passengers traveling through DEN and with disabilities to make the screening process easier for them.

Contact TSA Cares via toll-free number at 1-855-787-2227 (you should give prior notice at least 72 hours in advance). TSA assists travelers from gate to checkpoint, whereas the airline assists with wheelchair services.

Wheelchair Assistance in DEN Airport – Contact Information

In case of any accessibility related query at Denver International Airport (DEN), please contact any one of the below-mentioned options:

ADA Coordinator / Accessibility Services

• Telephone: 303-342-2200
• Email: Feedback Form on FlyDenver.com website
• General Airport Information: 303-342-2000 or FlyDenver.com
• Your Airline: Airline Accessibility Web Site / Airline Reservation Number

DEN Airport Wait Times & What to Expect

Booking of wheelchairs at the DEN airport is often successful but might require some wait time that might not be the same as mentioned above.

• Those facilities that have already been organized by your airline company or another organization would be available shortly before you reach the airport or the gates.
• Spontaneous booking of wheelchair services at the check-in counter might take around 10-30 minutes, depending on how long it takes to locate one for you.
• In peak hours, which are typically from early mornings to late evenings, you might end up waiting for some additional time.

Connecting Flights & Layovers at DEN

Any passengers who have connecting flights through the Denver International Airport qualify for continuous wheelchair service.

• Where time is of the essence in your connections, continuous wheelchair service will be provided to you throughout your trip where this is arranged in advance.
• In situations where time is very essential in your connections, it is strongly advisable for you to arrange wheelchair services for each leg of your journey separately.
• Where this is arranged in advance, there will always be an assurance from airline officials waiting for you at the arrival gate and guiding you to the departure gate.

Additional Tips for DEN Airport Passengers

Some preplanning on your part can make it easier for you to navigate around using your wheelchair while traveling.

• Baggage Handling: Ask for your baggage to be tagged and transported together with your wheelchair services.
• Comments or Complaints: Report any issues concerning accessibility within the airport through the airport’s customer service department.
• Ground Transportation: It is advised that you arrange for an accessible ground transport whenever possible.
• Winter Season: Plan for extra time during winter due to increased passenger traffic and snow.

Special Arrangements for Children and Senior Travelers

Families that travel together with children and seniors receive assistance while flying at the DEN airport.

• Kids who have to use wheelchairs or walking aids are generally provided with services that allow them to board the plane first and be seated near the aisle for convenience.
• Seniors can ask for slow speed and more breaks, as well as assistance while transferring into a different mode of transport.
• Specify your child’s age, fatigue, and disabilities to ensure proper assistance from the airline staff.

What to Bring or Prepare (Pre-Travel Checklist)

It is always advisable to equip yourself in preparation for a smooth wheelchair trip.

• Pack a fully charged wheelchair or mobility device.
• Keep a small bag of necessities such as medications, ID cards, a cell phone, snacks, or any other documentation handy while using your wheelchair.
• Documentation showing that you have made special arrangements for special assistance services.
• Comfortable shoes or easily removable shoes that will allow you to board without much difficulty.

Terminal Accessibility at Denver International Airport (DEN)

The DEN airport consists of one main terminal, referred to as Jeppesen Terminal, with three concourses (A, B, and C). These concourses have been designed in such a way as to allow wheelchairs access into them. The terminal includes curbside assistance, an airport shuttle service, wheelchair/lift, elevators for wheelchair use, lowered check-in facilities, accessible rest rooms, priority access through security checkpoints if available, and wheelchair assistance in shuttle buses and gate areas. Those travelers who require wheelchair assistance may either make prior arrangements to receive it before they board their flights or use the check-in facilities at the terminal.

Accessibility Features in Main Terminal 

The following accessibility features are available to passengers traveling in Denver International (DEN) Airport’s main terminal:

• Elevators for going up/down different floors in the terminal buildings.
• Facilities for using restrooms that are accessible to people in wheelchairs in all floors of the terminals, including wheelchairs with wide stalls and handrails.
• Widened corridors in the terminal buildings so that there is no obstruction in the movement of passengers using wheelchairs.
• A seating place for disabled passengers near the gates.
• Notifications of flights in both audio/visual modes.
• Wheelchair service during TSA accessibility screening.

Wheelchairs can be picked up from places that are close to check-in counters/departure areas.

Wheelchair Assistance at DEN Terminal

Wheelchair assistance at DEN is available to passengers traveling out from the airport and includes:

• Accompaniment in the process of moving through gate areas.
• Use of wheelchairs to facilitate embarking/descending the aircraft.
• Coordinating passengers’ movements through security checkpoints.
• Moving between gates/concourses if necessary.
• Taking passengers to the arrival gates till the passengers reach the baggage collection point.

This facility is provided by airlines/personnel of the airport. It is organized from check-in until the process of boarding the aircraft. Requesting this facility beforehand will give you better results.

Accessible Parking at DEN Airport

Accessible parking and curbside facilities have been made available for easy accessibility for passengers who are disabled.

• Garage/Lot Layout: ADA-compliant parking is available close to the terminal entrance that can be accessed using the ramps.
• Pickup & Drop-off Areas/Central Cell Phone Lot/Valet Area: This provides convenience to passengers as the distance from the car to the terminal is minimized.

Wheelchair Assistance From Arrival to Departure at DEN

Wheelchair assistance from DEN generally involves the cooperation of airlines, TSA, and DEN officials.

• Process: Wheelchair assistance includes curbside assistance, check-in, TSA assistance, wheelchair transfer to the gate, boarding/deplaning, and luggage pick-up assistance.
• Reduced Number of Transfers: The layout of the airport assists in limiting the number of transfers for passengers requiring mobility assistance.

Final Thoughts!

It is Denver International Airport’s (DEN) mission to provide an enhanced level of experience to passengers with physical disabilities by using wheelchair assistance provided by airlines and the accessibility at the airport itself. Reserving your wheelchair assistance 72 hours in advance and arriving early at the airport, as well as contacting your airline and even TSA Cares if need be, will help you have an easier journey. Welcome to DEN Airport Wheelchair Assistance!

Frequently Asked Questions!