MSY Airport Wheelchair Assistance

It is a fact that Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is committed to ensuring that the airport is accessible to everyone and to providing facilities for passengers, while airlines ensure wheelchair assistance from the ground to the plane and vice versa.

MSY Airport Wheelchair Assistance Important Note: Wheelchair assistance at the airport is provided by the airlines operating flights to and from MSY.

How to Arrange Wheelchair Help at MSY Airport

Arrange ahead of time and inform your carrier what specific help you need, ensuring enough time for scheduling equipment and help on your day of travel.

• Recommendation: Call your airline either during booking or at least 48–72 hours before departure to arrange a wheelchair, aisle, or transfer chairs or help. All airlines have phone numbers for assistance or an online form accessible to fill out.
• At the Airport: If you come unprepared, proceed immediately to your airline’s check-in desk (Level 1). Help will be arranged for you there; however, finding the necessary equipment may take more time during peak times.
• Specify Your Requirements: Let the airline representative know precisely if you need a manual wheelchair, aisle/transfer chair, help with your service animal or handling any specific type of mobility aids requiring special batteries.
• On Arrival/Landing: Inform a flight attendant no later than 30 minutes before landing so that airline staff at the gate can provide you with proper equipment.

Services Included (usually offered by your airline):

• Pickup/drop-off from curb side/ticket check-in.
• From check-in/security point through screening.
• To the boarding gate.
• Boarding/deboarding the aircraft (into your seat).
• At baggage claim/ground transport after arrival.

Please Note: The wheelchair assistance services at New Orleans International Airport (MSY) offered by airlines are completely free; tips are not obligatory but left at your discretion.

Places to Ask for New Orleans Airport Wheelchair Assistance

It depends on whether you are leaving or landing, because there are specific places where you can find help.

• Departure: You have to ask for wheelchair assistance services at your airline’s counter on Level 1, where airlines receive your request and register it, label your wheelchair, and assign an attendant to assist you.
• Arrival: The airline’s representative will usually bring the wheelchair to you at the gate or jet bridge; otherwise, you can visit the airline’s arrivals counter or baggage claim area.
• Gate Assistance: Make sure to inform the gate agent or flight attendant about your needs for assistance in getting off the plane with a wheelchair.

MSY Arrival Recommendations

Plan for more time at MSY when checking in, charging power chair batteries, and coordinating transportation, traffic around New Orleans, and busy events may cause delays.

• Domestic Flights: Arrive two hours before the flight to account for the check-in process, tagging of equipment, and passing through security.
• International Flights: Allow for three hours to account for any extra procedures regarding documentation, customs, and immigration.
• Electric Wheelchair Riders: Arrive 30–60 minutes earlier than other passengers to allow for the inspection and tagging of batteries and wheelchair preparation for transport.

Wheelchair Types Available (Manual or Electric)

Airlines based at MSY offer manual wheelchairs for in-terminal use and allow passenger-owned electric chairs that comply with FAA guidelines on battery types. 

• Manual Wheelchairs: Offered by airlines for mobility around the airport from check-in to boarding gate and baggage pickup. 
• Electric Wheelchairs: Allowed by airlines when they meet FAA requirements for batteries (i.e., non-spillable batteries or those below a certain watt-hour capacity). Electric wheelchairs are generally labeled and loaded in checked baggage; a manual wheelchair is used for in-terminal mobility. 
• Transfer Chairs: Narrow chairs for transferring safely along aircraft aisles are available on request; reserve your seat in advance to secure one.

Accessible Airport Facilities at MSY

There are ADA-compliant parking lots, restrooms, elevators, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, among others, that cater to sensory or hidden disability travelers.

• Accessible Parking/Drop off: There are special ADA parking spaces and curbside drop-off points close to the entrance of terminals to minimize travel distance for travelers with mobility issues.
• Ground Transportation and Shuttle Services: Ground transportation services offer accessible shuttle services for traveling from the airport to downtown areas and hotels; request accessible transport services where possible.
• Elevators/ Escalators: There are elevators connecting all levels within the airport terminal; people who have mobility aids must utilize elevators only.
• Restrooms: There are restrooms accessible to people using wheelchairs; there are also family bathrooms that provide adequate turning space for accessibility purposes.
• Dining and Lounge Amenities: There are food courts and lounges that have amenities that accommodate wheelchair users, including appropriate counter height and accessible seating.
• Service Animal Relief Areas: Indoor and outdoor dog relief areas are provided at the airport; travelers should inquire about the exact location of the area from customer service.
• Hidden Disabilities: MSY is an active participant in the Sunflower programs, which help travelers with non-visible disabilities.

Security Support via TSA

There is Passenger Support by TSA via TSA Cares, working with airlines and MSY staff to ensure that the security check is easier for passengers who have special needs.

• Contact TSA Cares to Request a Passenger Support Specialist Who Explains Screening Procedures: Dial 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours in advance.
• Screening Alternatives: TSA also offers alternatives, including private screening and pat-downs when advanced imaging equipment cannot be used; TSA works together with airline employees to minimize any inconvenience.
• Scope of Assistance: TSA will assist you until and at the security checkpoint; airlines will assist with your wheelchair before and after the screening process.

Wheelchair Assistance at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

For matters relating to wheelchair assistance or other needs at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), please contact the following individuals and departments.

Contact for MSY Airport Disability Accommodations

• Email Address: ada@flymsy.com, first point of contact for queries regarding airport disability access, accommodations, and ADA regulations.
• Postal Address: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 900 Airline Drive, Kenner, LA 70062.
• Telephone Number: MSY Customer Services Line (including ADA accommodations) – 504-303-7500.

General Airport Contacts

• Main Contact: 504-303-7500 for information about terminal opening hours, parking facilities, lost items, and any general inquiries.
• Website: FlyMSY.com, check the “Access” or “Customer Services” section for terminal maps, instructions for service animals, and the Sunflower Program.

Average Wait Times & What to Expect

Wheelchair requests that are booked in advance will be provided promptly, but on-the-spot wheelchair services and large-scale events (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest) could extend wait time expectations. 

• Pre-booked Assistance: When pre-arranged before your arrival, attendants should meet you within 10-15 minutes of curb-side pick-up, thanks to the single-terminal nature of MSY. 
• Walk-Up Request: Last-minute arrangements at ticket counters may have an average wait time between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of travelers requiring assistance. 
• High Demand Periods: Be prepared for additional wait time during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Saints’ weekend games, and holidays. 

Connecting Flights & Layovers at MSY

When making reservations, ask for full journey assistance so airlines can plan meet-and-assist services along the whole itinerary to facilitate smooth connections. 

• Full Journey Assistance: Request wheelchair service for your complete journey so airlines can arrange gate-to-gate services along your itinerary. 
• Close Layover: If you have less than 60-minute connection times, contact the airline and request expedited assistance, if possible. 
• Gate Assistance: In most cases, pre-arranged service includes having an airline attendant meet you at the gate and escort you through the airport.

Special Needs of Families and Senior Citizens

Families and senior citizens need to communicate their needs before the flight so that MSY and airlines are able to plan for the seating arrangements and special equipment required. 

• Children: The airlines may offer restraining straps or special seating for children, priority boarding, and help at the gate; please note such requests when making reservations. 
• Elderly: For elderly travelers, request assistance in walking slowly, taking breaks, and transferring from one wheelchair to another and from wheelchairs to regular seats. 
• Multiple Family Members: If more than one individual is accompanying the traveler, make note of this arrangement with the airlines to accommodate space and staffing.

What to Pack or Prepare (Checklist Before Traveling)

This simple list ensures there will be no surprises with your mobility aid as you go through the airport and on the flight.

• Battery Charge of Your Wheelchair: Ensure that your wheelchair is fully charged and that you have extras in case you need additional batteries or information about what you require. 
• Essentials in a Small Bag: Bring a little bag with all essential items like medication, identification, boarding passes, and a cell phone while traveling in your wheelchair. 
• Documentation: If required by your airline, you should have all medical documents regarding any service animal or other medical aid. 
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear slip-on shoes and clothing that make transfers easier if you plan to move from wheelchair to aircraft seat. 
• Confirmation: Save or print your wheelchair request confirmation and your airline’s accessibility contact for quick reference at check-in. 

Language Assistance Apps and Tools at MSY

Use airport maps and airline apps for up-to-date information about gate locations, translation tools, and step-by-step navigation throughout MSY’s single-terminal design.

• Multilingual Translation: Airport signs and employees may be able to help with English and even Spanish assistance; airline apps provide translation tools when needed by travelers.
• Wayfinding Apps: The MSY website and wayfinding apps from third parties are recommended for navigating the terminals and finding gate information. 
• TTY and Relay Services: Use TTY or relay services (711) when necessary for communicating with airlines and airport facilities.

Additional Tips

Arrange for accessible transport and accommodation arrangements since there are accessible transport services, although fewer than in larger metropolitan regions.

• Baggage Help: Ask for attendants to place your luggage tags and transport it as part of the wheelchair assistance so that you can concentrate on getting around comfortably.
• Complaints and Feedback: Utilize MSY’s customer service or the airport’s complaints process to notify them about issues regarding ADA facilities and services; this would help to enhance services for all customers.
• Ground Transport: Arrange for accessible transport services ahead of time (such as Airport Shuttle New Orleans and mobility vans), as usual transport services may not have many accessible vehicle choices.
• Special Events: For special occasions in New Orleans, ensure that you make your arrangements well in advance due to increased traffic and more passengers.

Accessibility at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

The design concept for MSY’s terminal facility aims to minimize transfer times by concentrating facilities while ensuring accessibility compliance.

• Terminal Description: The consolidated design of the terminal building allows access to ticketing, gates, and baggage claim in one place to reduce transfer time for mobility-impaired travelers.
• Facilities: Accessible elevators, tactile signs, accessible bathrooms, accessible seating with wheelchair spaces, and audible paging are included in the facilities of the terminal building.
• Gates: Gate facilities include accessible check-in facilities and a kiosk, as well as seating and a hearing loop at some gates.

Accessible Parking at MSY

The accessible parking and curb parking spots are located in a way that minimizes the distance walked by passengers who have mobility challenges.

• Layout of Garage and Lot at MSY: MSY has provided the ADA parking spots near the terminal entrance, along with a ramp for passenger movement from the garage to the main terminal entrance.
• Cell Phone Lots and Valet Services at MSY: MSY has staging areas that facilitate pick up and drop off, reducing passenger movement between the vehicle and the terminal entrances.

Wheelchair Assistance From Arrival to Departure at MSY

MSY Airport Wheelchair Assistance usually entails coordination between the airlines, TSA, and the airport customer service department to ensure that passenger transfer is seamless.

• Process Involved: The process includes passenger pick-up from the curb/garage, check-in process, TSA escort services, gate-to-gate assistance, boarding/deplaning assistance, and baggage claim assistance. Verify each step involved by your airline.
• Minimized Hand-offs: MSY’s integrated design structure ensures minimum hand-offs, facilitating quick transfers for passengers with mobility challenges.

Final Thoughts!

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) makes an effort to provide a smoother and more respectful experience for mobility-impaired passengers through a blend of complimentary wheelchairs provided by airlines, with airport facilities and personnel support that guide you from the curb to the boarding point. Being well-prepared, securing the service at least 72 hours before traveling, being punctual, and making contact with necessary contacts like your airline’s accessibility helpdesk and TSA Cares will assist in ensuring you have a safe and pleasant experience. MSY Airport Wheelchair Assistance helps make inclusive travel possible for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions!