ATL Airport Wheelchair Assistance

Facilities at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, were developed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) rules; wheelchair assistance is provided for individuals who have trouble walking and moving around ATL Airport.

ATL Airport Wheelchair Assistance Information: Airport wheelchair assistance services are provided through the airlines at ATL Airport; they are in charge of the wheelchair assistance services in and out of the ATL Airport, so all requests must be made through your airline

How to Request Wheelchair Assistance at ATL Airport

You can get wheelchair assistance at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Arrange this service ahead of time.

• How to request the service: Call your airline when you book your flight or 48-72 hours before your flight so they can plan accordingly.
• If you didn’t ask in advance: When you arrive, you can ask at the airline ticket counter or at the SkyCap curbside. Expect the service to take a little while since attendants may need to be found.
• Tell them what assistance you need: This way, they can ensure you receive the appropriate help, such as a battery or manual wheelchair, transferring, and animal assistance, among others.
• Upon arrival: Tell airline staff you need the service so you can receive help from the gate.

Assistance rendered (usually by the airline)

The airline usually provides this entire list of services to wheelchairs:

• Wheelchair assistance curbside / pick up & drop off to check-in and terminal to provide access for passengers.
• To security ( to escort as appropriate in security due to TSA interaction with the security checkpoint) for seamless passage through this area.
• To the gate ( to provide an escort through the terminal and any available Plane Trains), and inside Plane Train to the terminal.
• To the aircraft from the gate (to their seat within the aircraft), using aisle chairs as needed.
• Back to ground transport ( to baggage claim and escorted to ground transport).

Please note: Wheelchair services at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are free for any passenger requesting one for assistance navigating the airport. Beyond what the airline offers, Wheelchairs can not accompany passengers throughout the airport. Wheelchairs are not a service that requires tipping, but tips for services rendered will be greatly appreciated.

Where to Request ATL Airport Wheelchair Assistance

You can request wheelchair assistance at ATL when you leave or arrive, depending on your needs.

• When Leaving ATL: The easiest place to request wheelchair assistance at ATL is the check-in counter of the airline you are flying on. Some airlines may let you request this at the info counter, but they won’t provide assistance.
• When Arriving at ATL: Assistance is available at the gate, baggage claim, or throughout other arrival areas at the airport. An airline representative at any of the above locations can arrange wheelchair assistance for you.
• As soon as you can, inform either the gate agent and/or flight attendant so they can arrange wheelchair assistance for you.

Arrival at ATL Wheelchair Assistance

It would be better to arrive at the airport early to get wheelchair assistance to get around and make your trip go smoothly.

• If domestic, arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before your flight. If international, arrive 3-4 hours before.
• If you are traveling internationally, you can go even earlier to complete the procedures.
• Also, it is better to arrive at the airport earlier for electric wheelchairs to get the batteries tested. 

Wheelchair Assistance Provided by Airlines at ATL Airport

As per the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), all airlines flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are obligated to give free wheelchair services to any passenger who makes such a request. These services are coordinated via your airline and provided by professional ground handling staff. The airport consists of an extensive Main Terminal connected by seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, & F) through the Plane Train.

Main Terminal (Domestic & International Check-in)

Here, all passengers have to arrive first to get their boarding passes and drop off their luggage, and go through security checks.

• Delta Air Lines (Hub Airline): As the leading airline at ATL, Delta offers the most extensive wheelchair assistance services with specialists in all check-in desks and around the airport.
• American Airlines, United Airlines & Southwest Airlines: Fully assisted wheelchair services from the arrival point (curbside/check-in) to security and concourse gates.
• Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines & JetBlue: Quality mobility assistance emphasizing efficient check-in and security assistance.

Concourses T, A, & B

Mainly domestic operations, with Delta having a significant presence.

• Delta Air Lines: Comprehensive wheelchair services, from curb to gate and vice versa via the Plane Train.
• American Airlines and United Airlines: Professionally assisted travel for domestic flights.
• Southwest Airlines: Efficient escort services with priority boarding assistance.

Concourses C & D

A mix of domestic and international flights.

• Delta Air Lines: Fully assisted travel, including attendants who know their way around the extended concourses.
• Delta Connection and other regional carriers: Good services, especially with use of aisle chairs.
• Frontier and Spirit Airlines: Wheelchair escorts from security to boarding areas.

Concourses E & F (International Concentration)

The main international concourses that deal with long-haul flights.

• Delta Air Lines: Excellent wheelchair service for international passengers, which also arranges for arrivals through customs and immigration process.
• British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates & other International Carriers: Well-trained ground staff who take passengers on a full escort through security, immigration & all the way to the flight.
• Aeromexico, Turkish Airlines & Virgin Atlantic: Wheelchair services for long-haul and connecting international travelers.

Note: Wheelchair services provided in ATL are absolutely free of cost. The best way to get these services is to request them directly with your airline while making the reservation or a minimum of 48-72 hours before the travel date. Immediate requests may be placed at the counter where you check in or with the skycaps. But advanced notice will save you time as the process becomes lengthy during peak hours. ATL has facilities that make it highly accessible by means of Plane Train, elevators, moving sidewalks & wide walkways.

Types of Wheelchairs Available at ATL

Transportation providers to ATL have been provided with manual wheelchairs for your use within the airport terminal.

• The manual wheelchairs available at the airport will have a person from the airline or a staff member available to help you to get from check-in to security to your flight gate and to the luggage area.
• If you are traveling with an electric wheelchair, it will most likely be tagged and will travel in the cargo area and be in baggage when you arrive at your destination.
• When you arrive, you will have a manual to help you through the airport. 
• You may have to change your wheelchair when you get on or off the plane.
• Be sure to check with your airline what kind of batteries your electric wheelchair requires (dry cell batteries are always preferred). 

ATL Airport Accessibility Features 

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport offers the following assistance to disabled travelers who may require assistance accessing its facilities: 

• Parking and Drop-Off: The airport’s parking areas have both accessible parking spaces and curb cuts for getting onto accessible sidewalks. 
• Transportation Services: Public transit (MARTA rail) and Ground Transportation (taxis, shuttles, rideshare services) serve the airport. 
• Elevators: Elevators connect all floors of the terminal and ground-level departures with the ATL’s underground transit system (Plane Train) and are also connected to public transportation. 
• Restrooms: All restrooms are accessible for all travelers, and each terminal contains restrooms that are wheelchair-accessible and meet ADA specifications. 
• Amenities: Each restaurant is designed to accommodate persons with disability, as well as have accessible customer service counters. 
• Service Animal Relief Areas: Each concourse has an Indoor Service Animal Relief Area (SARA) located just before the checkpoint at each concourse gate in the middle of the concourse. 
• Additional Services: Additional services are provided for persons with hidden disabilities and other materials to assist with accessibility. 

TSA Security Assistance

TSA offers extra support to passengers with disabilities traveling through ATL during the security screening process

• You may contact TSA Cares by toll-free number 1-855-787-2227; TSA recommends giving TSA Cares at least 72 hours’ advance notice for any requests for assistance.
• The TSA will assist from the boarding gate to the security screening checkpoint, and the airline is responsible for the wheelchair assistance.

Wheelchair Assistance at ATL Airport – Contact Information

For questions about accessible services at ATL Airport, contact the following resources.

Accessibility Services –ADA Coordinator

Steve Mayers, CHA, Director of Customer Experience and Airport ADA Coordinator

• Phone: (404) 382-2280
• Email: steve.mayers@atl.com
• Airport Information: 404-530-6600 or atl.com
• Airline Contact: Airline Accessibility Website or Airline Reservation Number (i.e., Delta’s Disability Assistance Line (404) 209-3434)

Average ATL Wait Times & What to Expect

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, wheelchair reservations can generally be made in advance, but since these are usually handled by airport personnel, you may experience some wait times that do not correspond with the times shown below. 

• Any services pre-arranged with your airline or outside agency will be available at the time you arrive at the airport, either at the departure or arrival terminal.
• When booking on site at the check-in desk, wait times may vary, typically between 10-30 minutes as staff attempt to locate a wheelchair for you.
• During peak travel times, you will likely experience longer wait times than usual due to the increased volume of travelers.

Layovers and Connecting Flights at ATL

All passengers with connecting flights through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may utilize continuous wheelchair service.

• If you are very concerned about time between connections, arrangements can be made ahead of time, so that you will receive continuous wheelchair service for your entire trip.
• If this is very time sensitive to you in relation to your connections, it is highly recommended that you arrange for separate wheelchair service for each leg of your flight.
• When you use continuous wheelchair service, airline representatives will assist you at the gate upon your arrival and escort you to your new departure gate.
• You can use the underground Plane Train to move to a different concourse if necessary.

Special Arrangements for Kids and Seniors

Travelers with children and seniors enjoy special assistance when traveling to/from ATL.

• Travelers who need wheelchair/walking assistive equipment when flying will usually receive assistance during boarding, before regular passengers arrive, and will be accompanied until safely boarded.
• Senior travelers can request additional time to complete the boarding process and can also request an escort for transport to the next flight.
• You must advise staff of your child’s age, energy level, and disabilities.

Preparing for Travel (Pre-Travel Checklist)

When traveling with a wheelchair, ensure that it is planned ahead of time.

• Make sure that your mobility device (wheelchair or other) has had a full charge before you leave.
• Keep a bag of essentials (such as medicine, your ID cards, cell phone, snacks, etc.) close to you in your wheelchair.
• Bring any paperwork necessary to show that you have requested special assistance services.
• Wear shoes with comfortable soles – preferably ones that are easy for you to remove when you board your coach.
• If using your wheelchair, provide the airline at the time of booking/reservation with as much detail about your wheelchair as possible, including its dimensions and weight.

Language Help & Accessibility Applications at ATL

When traveling through ATL, please use language assistance and accessibility applications to become familiar with the gate and boarding area locations, language translation, and airport navigation.

• Language Help: The airport provides language assistance for passengers, allowing you to communicate with staff primarily in your preferred language or through sign language throughout the airport.
  
• Terminal Navigation & Gate Information: The Atlanta Airport offers valuable resources to aid your efforts to navigate through the airport by utilizing the airport’s website or third-party applications.
  
• Relay Services & TTY Services: Relay services are always available as needed for language assistance from airport staff.

Additional Tips for ATL Airport Passengers

Doing some homework prior to traveling through ATL will help you find your way around while you use your wheelchair.

• Luggage Claim: When at the luggage claim area, you should ask that your luggage be tagged for pick-up when you receive your wheelchair assistance.
• Concerning Comments/Complaints: Comments/complaints regarding the airport itself may be made to the airport customer service or the ADA Coordinator (Steve Mayers).
• Getting to/From Your Ground Transportation: When you make ground transportation reservations, we strongly suggest reserving an accessible vehicle whenever possible.
• Weather Tip: Allow ample time in the summertime for extreme heat, and allow extra time in the winter for bad weather.
• Connection Flight Information: When using wheelchair assistance, you will typically be the last to get off the plane, so do not make any connections with less than 1 hour between them.

Accessibility within Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

The airport consists of seven terminals/concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F), with a Plane Train underground that connects each of the terminals/concourses. The terminal buildings and each concourse are designed with accessibility that allows wheelchairs to enter the terminal buildings and move through the concourse thoroughfares. Each terminal is designed with: 

• Wheelchair accessible curbside 
• Accessible elevators, wheelchair 
• Check-in counters 
• Lavatories
• Wheelchair access within the Plane Train and through to the gates. 

Each concourse/terminal is more than a mile in length, which will be difficult for some people with walking limitations, and therefore wheelchair service is available. Wheelchair service is available to anyone who requests assistance at check-in through a wheelchair-accessible check-in facility, or who calls ahead to arrange assistance before boarding.

Accessibility Features in Main Terminal

At ATL, here are a few examples of some of the accessibility features available to passengers.

• All floors in the terminal and concourse have lifts available for access between levels.
• Accessible restrooms for people who use a wheelchair have larger stalls and handrails and are located on all floors.
• The terminal buildings have wheelchair-accessible pathways.
• Seating areas are located near each gate area.
• For passengers who rely on tones or sounds, page announcements are made both audibly and with images.
• The TSA has provided wheelchair access for people needing assistance completing the TSA accessibility screening process.

Passengers who require wheelchairs will have designated pick-up areas adjacent to the departure check-in counters.

Wheelchair Assistance at ATL Terminal

Passengers who are released at the ATL terminal may receive assistance for the following:

• The passenger can be escorted to the gates.
• They may be given a wheelchair to help the passenger board or deplane.
• Check in through security.
• Relocated to a new concourse if they need to (aided by the Plane Train).
• Transported to their gate of arrival on their concourse, up to the point that they can find baggage claim on their own.

Airline employees and airport employees are able to assist with the services above, and all employees between check-in and the boarding gate.      

Accessible Parking at ATL Airport

On-site disabled parking and curbside access have been added to make it convenient for passengers with disabilities.

• Garage/Lot Layout: Accessible parking areas located near terminal entrances and reached by ramps.
• Pickup & Drop-off Areas/Cell Phone Lot/Valet Area: Enhances customer convenience by shortening the walk from the parking space to the terminal.
• Clearly marked and accessible parking spaces will have handicap signs and curb cuts.

Wheelchair Assistance From Arrival to Departure at ATL

For disabled customers at ATL, the airline, TSA, and ATL employees will provide wheelchair service (manual or electric) or any other mobility device.

• Procedure: Curb-side assistance, Check-in help, TSA assistance, help to the gate with a wheelchair, help boarding/deplaning, and help picking up baggage.
• Few Transfers: Because of the airport’s design, transfers are kept to a minimum for those who need mobility assistance.
• Fully accessible plane train: Connects all concourses with minimal walking.

Final Thoughts!

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) provides an enhanced experience for travelers with physical disabilities. Booking ATL Airport Wheelchair Assistance online, arriving early, and giving airlines and TSA Cares prior notice will definitely help!

Frequently Asked Questions!