BOS Airport Wheelchair Assistance

The facilities at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), located in Boston, Massachusetts, must be both ACAA- and ADA-compliant. This means that providing a wheelchair could help someone who is having trouble moving around the BOS Airport terminal, including the journey from the curb to the plane and back to the airport.

Important Notice: Wheelchair assistance programs at BOS Airport are usually offered by the airlines or their designated agents serving flights to and from BOS Airport.

How to Request Wheelchair Assistance at BOS Airport

Gaining access to wheelchair service at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is simple and should be arranged in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.

  • Procedure: Reach out to your airline either when booking your tickets or at least 48-72 hours before your travel date to allow them time to make the necessary preparations.
  • Not Making a Prior Request: Get in touch with an attendant at the airline desk or the skycap at curbside, but note that this process may delay your service (prior requests get priority).
  • Tell them what assistance you will require (whether it will be manual wheelchair service, battery-powered wheelchair assistance, transfer assistance, animal assistance, or any other type).
  • On Arrival: Inform the attendant that you would like to get assistance upon arrival at the airport.

Services Provided (usually provided by the airline):

The airline provides the following complete range of services to passengers requiring wheelchair assistance.

  • Wheelchair assistance from the curb/pick up/drop off point to check-in, thus ensuring easy access to the terminal building.
  • Assistance across the security checkpoint, including cooperation with TSA when required, for secure passage.
  • Assistance up to the boarding gate, including escort assistance while navigating through the terminals.
  • Assistance from the boarding gate to the plane, including assistance with getting seated on board the aircraft, using aisle chairs when required.
  • Ground transportation (to baggage claim area) followed by escorting you to your chosen means of ground transportation.

Please note: Wheelchair assistance at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is available at no cost to travelers who need mobility assistance. It is offered as an added service to facilitate easy movement through the airport. The traveler has no obligation to tip; however, they may do so at their discretion.

Where to Request BOS Airport Wheelchair Assistance

If you need wheelchair assistance at BOS, there are several options depending on whether you are arriving or departing.

  • When departing, it is necessary to request wheelchair services at your air carrier’s check-in counter. Do not go to the airport information desk to get a wheelchair; the staff will not provide one.
  • If you are arriving at the airport, wheelchairs may be available at the boarding gate, baggage claim area, or other parts of your arrival process. The airline provides wheelchair assistance.
  • You must notify the gate agent or flight attendant immediately about this.

BOS Airport Arrivals Recommendations

To ensure your journey is successful, arrive at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) early, especially if you need help moving around the airport using a wheelchair.

  • When traveling domestically, you should arrive 2 hours before your departure time, while those traveling internationally are advised to arrive at least 3 hours before their departure time. This is to allow ample time for security checks.
  • If you are traveling in an electric wheelchair, ensure you arrive at least 3 hours before your departure time.

Types of Wheelchairs Available at Boston Logan International Airport

The carriers serving BOS Airport provide manual wheelchairs for use in the airport terminal.

  • Assistance with manual wheelchairs will be provided by the airline and its subcontractors as you travel from the check-in point through security clearance, to the gate, and then to the baggage collection point.
  • If you have an electric wheelchair in your travels, note that it will likely be labeled at check-in and transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold, while manual wheelchairs will be provided to assist you around the airport.
  • Note that a transfer is likely when boarding or disembarking the aircraft. Discuss the battery issue with your airline (preferably dry-cell batteries).

Accessibility Facilities Provided in BOS Airport

The Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) offers all the necessary facilities for disabled persons visiting the terminal.

  • Parking/Drop-off Point: Designated parking spaces that comply with ADA standards are provided in all parking areas, with accessible routes leading to them.
  • Transfer: Transfer services from ground transport options, including accessible taxis, shuttles, and the MBTA Silver Line bus, are provided by the airport.
  • Elevator/escalator: Elevator services are provided at all terminals.
  • It is advisable to use elevators wherever possible for safety reasons.
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are provided throughout the terminal.
  • Other amenities: Dining facilities with wheelchair accessibility, wheelchair-accessible counters, and wheelchair-friendly seating.
  • Service animal relief area: Service animal relief areas, both indoors and outdoors, before and after security checks.
  • Others: Hidden disability support (Sunflower program) and additional accessibility resources.

TSA Security Assistance

The TSA can offer additional help to travelers with disabilities going through the BOS airport to ease the security screening process.

  • For more information on disability assistance, contact TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 (it is recommended that advance notice be given 72 hours before departure).
  • TSA assists with transporting passengers to the checkpoint, while airlines assist with wheelchair services.

BOS Airport Wheelchair Assistance: Contact Information

In case of any questions regarding access services at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), please feel free to contact any of the following:

ADA Coordinator / Accessibility Services

  • Phone: 617-568-3900
  • Email: Use the feedback form on massport.com
  • Airport General Information: 1-800-235-6426 or massport.com
  • Your Airline: Airline Accessibility Web Site / Airline Reservation Number

BOS Airport Wait Times & What to Expect

Pre-booking wheelchairs at BOS airport is usually successful, though it involves additional wait time.

  • The service pre-booked through the airline or another company is normally available when you arrive at the airport or at the gate.
  • In case the pre-booking was done at the check-in counter, you may have to wait about 10 to 30 minutesfor ae wheelchairto becomes available.
  • The peak-hour wait time is generally highering the early hours of the day and continues into the late hours.

Connecting Flights and Layover Services at BOS

Passengers with connecting flights at Boston Logan International Airport qualify for continuous wheelchair service.

  • In situations where there are limited time between your flight connections, the airline provides continuous wheelchair service throughout the journey, provided it is reserved in advance.
  • However, if the time between flight connections is vital to you, it is suggested that you reserve wheelchairs separately for each segment of your journey.
  • Once the reservation is made, airline authorities will definitely meet you at your arrival gate and guide you to your other gate.

Special Arrangements for Children and Senior Travelers

Traveling families with children and older adults will receive assistance at the Boston airport.

  • Children who use wheelchairs and need other mobility aids are usually provided with priority boarding assistance and are seated in the aisle for ease of access.
  • Older travelers are allowed to request slower service speeds, more rest time, and extra assistance with transfers to other modes of transport.
  • Provide information about your child’s age, fatigue, and disabilities when booking to ensure proper assistance from air crew members.

What to Bring or Prepare (Pre-Travel Checklist)

It is always advisable to ensure you are prepared for a smooth experience when traveling with your wheelchair.

  • Make sure your wheelchair or mobility aids are fully charged.
  • Pack a smaller bag containing necessities such as medicine, ID, a mobile phone, snacks, or other documents in case you need them while in the wheelchair.
  • Evidence that you have booked special assistance services.
  • Comfortable or easily removable shoes so that you can board smoothly.

Additional Tips for BOS Airport Passengers

The following are additional tips to make your journey easier when using wheelchair assistance facilities at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

  • Baggage Assistance: Baggage assistance, along with wheelchair assistance, is also offered by the airline personnel.
  • Traveler Feedback: Your opinion regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can also be shared via the airport website or at the customer service facility.
  • Ground Transportation: Accessible taxis, WAVs (Wheeled Accessible Vehicles), and MBTA Silver Line services are available.
  • It is recommended to book the services two to three days before the day of travel.

Terminal Accessibility at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) comprises various terminals (Terminals A, B, C, D, and E), which provide accessibility for wheelchair users. The amenities at BOS terminals ensure that passengers of all kinds have a hassle-free experience when using the terminals at BOS Airport, regardless of any disabilities or mobility issues.

Main Terminal Accessibility Features

These are some of the accessibility features provided in the BOS terminal to its passengers:

  • Some elevators link the different floors and concourses, making level transitions easier.
  • Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms with wide stalls are available on every floor, with handrails.
  • Wheelchair accessible walkways in all the terminals.
  • Wheelchair accessible seating areas in gate areas and waiting lounges.
  • Visual and audible paging system for announcements.
  • Wheelchair services during TSA accessibility screening.

Pickup areas for wheelchair services are located near the airline’s check-in and departure areas.

Languages Assistance & Accessibility Apps at BOS

Boston Logan International Airport provides travelers with various language assistance and other accessibility services.

  • Airline carriers provide language translation and TTY services. It is advisable to contact the airline carriers either before booking or after check-in.
  • Avail of the assistance services available from the airlines through the mobile applications of these airlines.

Wheelchair Assistance at BOS Terminal

For travelers who leave the BOS terminal, the following services can be provided:

  • Assistance in moving through the gates to enable easy movement.
  • Support in boarding and deboarding the airplane using the wheelchair service.
  • Security screening process support through specialized personnel.
  • Movement between gates on transit to other terminals.
  • Arrival at the arrival gate till you reach the baggage claim area.

This assistance will be provided by airline and airport personnel from check-in to boarding gates.

Accessible Parking at Boston Logan International Airport

BOS ensures accessible parking facilities close to the terminals. 

  • Parking spots that comply with ADA guidelines in all parking facilities.
  • Ramps from curbsides to terminal entrances with smooth surfaces.
  • Cars parked in parking facilities that have access through elevators.
  • Pathways suitable for wheelchair users with appropriate signage.
  • Curbsides that have provision for picking up/dropping off passengers.

Parking may not always be available during busy times; hence, it is important to arrive early enough.

Wheelchair Assistance From Arrival to Departure at BOS

If you require wheelchair assistance when flying out of Boston Logan International Airport, you should expect assistance throughout:

  • Arrival from the curbside or parking area for a smooth start to your travel experience.
  • At the airport check-in counter, process your tickets and baggage.
  • At the security checkpoint, go through the TSA checkpoint procedures.
  • Moving to the connecting gate (if you have any connecting flights).
  • Entering and exiting the aircraft safely until you reach your seat.
  • Handling your baggage in the baggage claim area.

The extent of assistance offered varies by airline.

Final Thoughts!

The Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) provides hassle-free wheelchair assistance to ensure that passengers’ travel is convenient through complimentary services from airlines, terminal services, and airport staff from the curbside to the airplane gates. To make your trip problem-free, prepare in advance (48-72 hours), arrive early, and contact individuals such as the ADA coordinator or TSA Cares. BOS Airport Wheelchair Assistance makes your travel easier and more comfortable!

Frequently Asked Questions!

How can I be transported between terminals at BOS while using a wheelchair?

There are airport personnel as well as airport shuttles that will transport you from one terminal to another. You should let your airline know if your arrival and departure terminals differ.

Is there an option of priority boarding for those needing wheelchair assistance at BOS airport?

Yes. Most airlines operating in Boston have priority boarding for disabled persons. You should inform the gate agent upon arrival.

Is there wheelchair accommodation on all shuttle buses at BOS from parking and other terminals?

Yes. The airport shuttles between terminals, as well as to/from parking facilities and rental cars, are accessible to wheelchair users.

Can I find electrical outlets for charging electric wheelchairs at BOS?

There are limited charging ports at some gates and in certain waiting areas designed for people using wheelchairs. You must make sure your device is charged before arriving at the airport.

Where should I address a complaint regarding wheelchair assistance at Boston Logan Airport?

A: First, you should contact your airline. Massport’s customer service phone number is 617-568-3900.