PHL Airport Wheelchair Assistance

The facilities at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are supposed to be ADA and ACAA-compliant. This means that offering a wheelchair could help a person who is having a hard time walking inside the PHL Airport facility, especially from the curb to the boarding process when leaving the airport.

Important Information: PHL Airport wheelchair assistance is usually provided by the airlines operating at PHL Airport.

How to Book a Wheelchair at the PHL Airport

Arranging wheelchair service at PHL Airport is simple and should be planned before traveling to ensure a stress-free journey.

• Proper planning: Make the airline aware of your requirement when you book your flight, or within 48 to 72 hours before travel, so they can plan accordingly.
• Upon arriving at the airport: Make a request for wheelchair assistance from the ticket counter or curb service if you have not made arrangements previously (it may take some time to arrange; better to make prior arrangements).
• Let the airline staff know your requirements (manual or powered wheelchair, transfer assistance, etc., if required). So that they get prepared with all the necessary things.
• On arrival at the destination airport, inform the flight attendant of your requirements before touchdown.

Service Coverage (service offered by the airline):

The following list contains all services normally available from the airline for passengers who need wheelchair assistance.

• Pickup/dropoff at the curb or check-in counter, making sure that passengers can enter or leave the building comfortably.
• From curbside through security (and any assistance that the TSA may need) to help passengers navigate the screening process.
• From there to the gate, including assisting in moving from one terminal or concourse to another, as needed.
• From the gate to the airplane, helping passengers board the aircraft and sit in their assigned seats; aisle chairs may be used in transit from the gate to the airplane.
• Finally, baggage claim and ground transportation after arrival at the destination.

Please note: The wheelchair assistance service at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is provided by airlines or contractors and is usually free for customers.

Where to Request PHL Airport Wheelchair Assistance

PHL wheelchair assistance service is based on the category of flights from which you are traveling, whether you are traveling for departure or arrival.

• For Departure Flights: Wheelchair assistance can be requested from your airline company from the check-in counter or curbside. It is important not to visit the airport information desk, as wheelchair assistance service is not usually offered there.
• For Arrival Flights: You could be assisted with a wheelchair when you get off the plane, at the gate, or at the baggage claim point. This will be done by employees or contractors from the airlines.
• It is essential that you alert the gate agent or flight attendant about it as early as possible.

Arrival at PHL with Assistance in a Wheelchair

In order to have an easy trip, it is advised that you arrive early at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) if you need assistance in using a wheelchair.

• You should arrive 2 hours early at the airport if you are traveling domestically and 3 hours early if you are traveling internationally (or even sooner if you use an electric wheelchair), as there are several terminals at the airport along with possible queues at the security checkpoints.
• If you use an electric wheelchair, it is advised that you arrive at the airport even before other travelers, so that it helps you to cope with other arrangements like battery testing and tagging.

Types of Wheelchairs Available at Philadelphia International Airport 

The carriers providing services at PHL Airport have manual wheelchairs for the passengers’ use inside the terminal, whereas personal electric wheelchairs are handled as per airline regulations.

• Assistance within the terminal is offered via manual wheelchairs made available by the airlines or their agents working within the terminal.
• The passenger’s personal electric wheelchair will be tagged by the airline at check-in time and carried in the cargo hold of the flight as per airline rules; a manual wheelchair will be utilized within the terminal.
• Please make sure that your electric chair batteries are fully charged prior to traveling (dry cell batteries are preferable).

Accessibility Facilities at PHL Airport

Some of the accessibility facilities available at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) include:

• Parking/Drop-off: There are special areas where disabled people can park their cars and drop off, and there are curb cuts and pathways for access to the terminal.
• Transfers: The airport offers ground transportation services such as accessible taxis, shuttles, and SEPTA regional rail.
• Escalators/Elevators: There are elevators in the airport, and the airport also recommends the use of elevators by disabled people using mobility devices for easy movement to different floors.
• Restrooms: There are wheelchair accessible restrooms, including companionship assistance restrooms with wide stalls and grab bars.
• Dining and other amenities: There are accessible counters, and there are also areas for disabled people at all concession outlets with lower service lines.
• Animal Relief Area: Animal relief areas in outdoor and indoor terminals are also present for convenience.
• Other Services: Some of the accessibility services in the airport include assistance and ADA contact.

TSA Security Assistance for Passengers with Disabilities

The TSA offers security screening assistance to disabled passengers to enhance the security screening process.

• For further security screening assistance, contact TSA Cares three days before your travel or use the TSA security services available at the security checkpoint.
• Security assistance from the TSA is only offered at the security checkpoint, while wheelchair assistance beyond the security checkpoint should be made  available by the airline or its contractors.

Wheelchair Assistance at PHL Airport: Contact Details

Regarding ADA-related concerns and/or reports regarding ADA accessibility complaints about PHL Airport facilities, please reach out to the authority responsible for PHL Airport and/or your airline.

ADA Coordinator/Accessibility Services at PHL Airport:

• Phone Number: 215-937-6958
• E-mail: Please use the online feedback form at www.phl.org
• General Information at PHL Airport: 215-937-6800 or visit phl.org
• Airline Information: Visit your specific airline’s accessibility website or ask the reservation counter of your specific airline.

Common Wait Times & What to Expect

Making wheelchair reservations is normally a hassle-free process; however, waiting times depend on the time of day and staff availability.

• Those who have made prior arrangements will get their wheelchairs immediately upon arrival or very soon before that at the check-in counters or departure gates.
• Last-minute requests at the check-in counters will result in wait times of 10-30 minutes (longer during peak hours due to high traffic).

Connecting Flights and Layovers at PHL

Wheelchair-assisted passengers are allowed a continuous service if arranged beforehand for their connecting flights at Philadelphia International Airport.

• Wheelchair service may be arranged between gates and between flight connections, provided it is booked in advance.
• In case you are short of time on the connecting flight, make sure to book wheelchair assistance for both flights and notify airline officials about your connecting flights.
• Your booking will also cover wheelchair assistance from the arrival gates to the departure gates.

Special Needs of Children and Elderly Passengers

There are several assistance services that apply for passengers with children or elderly companions traveling at Philadelphia International Airport.

• Infants and children traveling in wheelchairs can be provided with priority boarding along with an aisle seat.
• Older passengers can enjoy the slower-moving assistance service, too, and also take advantage of longer transfer times and rest periods.
• Please specify your requirements as regards to children’s age or any other particular assistance needed.

What to Pack for Your Journey

Start packing in advance in order to improve your experience of using a wheelchair.

• Ensure that your own wheelchair is charged prior to arrival at the airport.
• Also, bring a small backpack that contains all necessities like medications, identification cards, and other documents that you may be able to access while seated.
• Provide proof of special assistance available onboard.
• Bring a pair of comfortable shoes in case any transferring needs to take place upon boarding and leaving the plane.

Additional Tips for Passengers at PHL Airport

Suggestions regarding how to plan your trip, taking into consideration wheelchair assistance facilities at PHL airport.

• Baggage Assistance: It would also be possible for one to make a request for help with their luggage, as well as wheelchair assistance from airline personnel.
• Feedback: One can provide feedback if there were any accessibility difficulties at the PHL airport.
• Transportation: It is also possible to obtain accessible transportation to and from PHL (SEPTA regional trains and taxis); check availability beforehand.
• Plan your wheelchair arrangements two to three days prior to travel for best outcomes.

Terminal Accessibility at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

There is more than one terminal at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). These include terminals A, B, C, D, E, and F. These terminals have facilities to assist passengers who require a wheelchair or other mobility assistance. The accessibility features offered at these terminals ensure that passengers can navigate through the airport easily.

Main Terminal Accessibility Features

Among the accessibility facilities that travelers will find at PHL are the following:

• Elevators between different terminal floors and concourse levels to make their movements easier.
• Restroom and companion restroom facilities are accessible to wheelchair users.
• Accessible pathways with sufficient room for wheelchair users, along with seats near the gate.
• Visual/auditory announcements from the paging system to ensure effective communication.
• Facilities for TSA security screening of travelers with disabilities.

Language and Accessibility Support Apps at PHL

Various language and accessibility assistance apps are available at PHL Airport and can be used by airlines.

• It is better to consult airlines regarding any translation or TTY services before booking tickets and at check-in time.
• The vast majority of airlines also have applications where you can make arrangements for special assistance and monitor flight information.

Wheelchair Services for PHL Terminal Passengers

If you are a passenger departing from the PHL terminal, then you can receive assistance in terms of wheelchair services, such as:

• Transfer from the gate to the aircraft. This will include the use of aisle chairs.
• Safe boarding and deplaning assistance from the staff in order to enter and leave the aircraft.
• Access assistance to the security checkpoints with the help of staff members.
• Assistance with transferring between the gates when using connecting flights.
• Assistance after reaching the gate until getting off the aircraft and collecting luggage.

Accessible Parking Facilities at Philadelphia International Airport

There are parking facilities available nearby that meet certain accessibility requirements, which include:

• Designated ADA parking spots are located in convenient areas near the terminal.
• Access ramps to the terminals with paved paths.
• Accessible walkways to the elevators and entrance to the terminal.

It might be hard to find an accessible parking spot, especially during peak hours; thus, arriving early is recommended.

Wheelchair Assistance from PHL Airport from Arrival to Departure

Wheelchair assistance services available at Philadelphia International Airport upon arrival for passengers requiring the service is:

• Assistance at the curbside and parking areas to ease your arrival.
• Accessible airline counters while checking in for your flight.
• Assistance at the TSA security checkpoint to ensure smooth processing.
• Help in transfer to the gate area in case you have connecting flights.
• Accessibility services provided during boarding and deboarding of the airplane.
• Services available while collecting your luggage upon your arrival.

The level of assistance offered depends on the airline, though it is advised that you arrange the service ahead of time.

Final Thoughts!

PHL ensures easy mobility for wheelchair users at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This is facilitated by the airline’s free wheelchair services, quality terminal services, and airport services. To make your trip trouble-free, prepare yourself in advance (48-72 hours before departure), be punctual, and contact people such as the ADA Coordinator or TSA Cares. PHL Airport Wheelchair Assistance makes inclusive travel possible!

Frequently Asked Questions!