SLC Airport Wheelchair Assistance

The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Wheelchair assistance is available to travelers who have difficulty walking to get around the airport from the point of departure until boarding (or vice versa on arrival).

SLC Airport Wheelchair Assistance Important Information: Wheelchair assistance services at SLC International Airport are provided solely by the airlines and their contracted agencies.

How to Get Wheelchair Assistance Services at SLC Airport?

Getting wheelchair assistance at SLC airport is easy, and it is advisable to arrange it in advance for the best service experience.

• Best Practice: You should book your services with your airline when purchasing your tickets or at least 48-72 hours before departure.
• On-Spot Booking: Should you decide to make your bookings on the spot, you may do so at your airline’s check-in desk, with a skycap at the entrance, or by calling 801-744-4292 (which may result in an extended wait time, as pre-booked services are prioritized). Let the airline know about your needs (manual wheelchair transfer, power wheelchair, assistance with a service animal, etc.).
• Notify the flight attendant about your needs before landing so that the ground staff will be ready.

Services Available (from your airline):

• Curbside, parking or rideshare drop-off assistance all the way to the ticket/check-in counter.
• Escorting you through the TSA screening process.
• Transportation from the check-in area to your boarding gate.
• Boarding and disembarking from the aircraft, including assistance to your seat (use of aisle chairs when required).
• Baggage claim and escort services.

Please note: There are no fees for wheelchair assistance at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Any tip for the assistance offered in this regard is optional. No fees are charged for this facility. This facility is free of charge (provided by the airline).

Where to Get SLC Airport Wheelchair Assistance

Wheelchair assistance can be obtained at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), depending on whether you are arriving or departing.

• Departures: Request wheelchair assistance at the airline check-in desk or with the skycap outside the airport terminal. It’s not possible to organize wheelchair assistance through the airport information desk.
• Arrivals: There is usually someone at the gate to assist with wheelchairs or at baggage claim. Staff wearing their airline uniforms will assist you with a wheelchair.
• Let gate personnel or flight attendants know as soon as possible about any needs for wheelchair assistance. Otherwise, you can always dial 801-744-4292.

SLC Airport Arrivals Recommendations

To avoid stress during your airport experience, try to arrive earlier than passengers who need wheelchair assistance.

• Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
• Passengers traveling with electric wheelchairs should arrive even earlier (ideally 3+ hours) to allow time for proper handling and battery checks.

Types of Wheelchairs Available at SLC Airport

Commercial airlines serving SLC primarily offer manual wheelchairs for use at the airport.

• Assistance will be provided by airline personnel or their contractors with manual wheelchairs from check-in to boarding through disembarking. The manual chair will be used during this time while you travel on the flight.
• Personal electric or power chairs can be packed and loaded in the aircraft cargo area along with your luggage. Manual wheelchairs are used for transit within the airport. The type of battery (wet/dry) should be confirmed beforehand. Transfers are normal both for boarding and deplaning the plane.

Accessibility Facilities at Salt Lake City International Airport

SLC International Airport boasts great accessibility amenities inside the new terminal building.

• Accessible Parking/Drop Off: Plentiful ADA-approved spots in all airports’ parking garages and parking lots, including curb cuts and accessible pathways.
• Transfers: All airport transfer services, including the shuttle bus and TRAX light rail, are wheelchair accessible.
• Elevators/Escalators: Elevators between all levels and concourses. It is advised to use elevators rather than escalators.
• Toilets: Accessible toilets at all locations in the terminals and concourses, with roomy stalls and handrails.
• Restaurant/Services Amenities: Most restaurants and services offer accessible menus and counters.
• Relief Facilities for Service Animals: Designated relief zones outdoors and indoors.
• Additional Services: Assistance for passengers with invisible disabilities.

TSA Assistance at SLC Airport

The TSA provides extra help for disabled passengers when passing through security checkpoints at Salt Lake City International Airport.

• TSA Cares provides free help 24 hours a day by calling toll-free at 1-855-787-2227 at least 3 days in advance.
• TSA assistance is available at the security checkpoint, and the airline handles wheelchair transportation before or after security clearance.

SLC Airport Wheelchair Assistance: Contact Information

Any information you need on the services provided to people with disabilities in the terminals at SLC Airport can be seen below:

ADA Coordinator: Mark Cheminant

• Telephone: 801-575-2909
• Email: AirportADA@slc.gov
• General Information about SLC Airport Phone: 801-575-2401, www.slcairport.com
• Wheelchair Dispatch: 801-744-4292
• Your Airline: Contact your airline’s special assistance desk or reservations line.

SLC Airport Wait Times & What You Can Expect

Pre-scheduled wheelchair services usually run smoothly, but wait times are unpredictable.

• Scheduled help should be ready just before your scheduled arrival time at the airport or boarding gate.
• Impromptu requests could require 10-25 minutes to complete.
• Travel times during peak periods (morning, evening, and winter months) may be delayed.

Connecting Flights & Layovers at SLC Airport

Wheelchair assistance for connecting flights may be provided upon prior arrangement.

• Inform your airline well in advance for gate-to-gate assistance.
• If your connection is tight, ask for help separately for each flight leg.
• The airline personnel will generally greet you at the arrival gate and then take you to the next gate.

Special Considerations for Children & Elderly Passengers

Special care and attention are extended to families and senior citizens at SLC Airport.

• A child in a wheelchair usually receives priority boarding and is seated in an aisle seat.
• Seniors have the option of slower speed, additional rest periods, and more transfers.
• Include age, fatigue, and other requirements while making the booking.

Pre-travel Checklist for Salt Lake City International Airport

A few things passengers must consider when flying from/to SLC Airport. This will make your flight experience a lot smoother.

• Make sure your personal assistance equipment is fully charged.
• Carry with you a small, easily accessible bag with medicines, ID proof, phone, and other items.
• Get confirmation of your special assistance booking.
• Wear easy-to-wear shoes.

Additional Tips for SLC Airport Passengers

The following are suggestions to further facilitate your travel.

• Assistance With Luggage: Offered as part of the wheelchair assistance.
• Making Complaints: Contact the Airport ADA Coordinator with any concerns regarding the ADA or file a complaint via the airport website (slcairport.com).
• Transportation Assistance: Taxis, WAV Uber/Lyft, TRAX rail transit, and hotel shuttles are easily accessible. Book them beforehand wherever possible.

Note: Verify everything 2-3 days prior to your departure.

Accessibility Features at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

The Salt Lake City airport boasts a large, modern terminal with Concourses A, B, and C, all designed with accessibility in mind to serve people who require wheelchair assistance.

Accessibility Features in the Main Terminal

The travelers will have access to the following excellent accessibility facilities.

• Wheelchair-accessible elevators connect all floors and concourses.
• Wide, well-lit hallways to facilitate wheelchair movement.
• Adequate restrooms that are large enough and have grab rails on all levels.
• Accessible seating is available throughout the area around the gates.
• Visual and audible announcements.
• Dedicated TSA accessibility lanes and support.

Wheelchair Assistance at SLC Airport Terminals

Travelers may seek assistance, which includes the following services.

• Assistance during gate escort.
• Boarding and deplaning wheelchair support.
• Assistance during security checkpoints.
• Transfer at the gate for connecting flights.
• Complete assistance in arrivals from the gate to baggage claim and ground transportation.

Language Help and Assistance Applications at SLC

You may get translation help and TTY/TDD assistance from the airlines. You can also use the airline application on your phone to book and monitor any assistance that you require.

Accessible Parking at Salt Lake City International Airport

SLC airport also provides accessible parking facilities near the terminal building. Here are some facilities provided by SLC Airport:

• Several ADA-accessible parking spots in all parking garages and surface parking areas.
• Curb cuts and accessible pathways leading directly to terminal entrances.
• Elevator-connected parking structures.
• Wide, wheelchair-friendly walkways with proper signage.
• Dedicated curbside drop-off and pick-up zones with accessible spaces.

SLC Airport Wheelchair Assistance from Arrival to Departure 

When required, continuous assistance is typically provided until departure.

• Assistance at the curbside or parking area on arrival.
• Check-in counter to assist with boarding.
• Assistance for TSA Security.
• Gate transfer assistance for connecting flights.
• Boarding and offloading from the plane.
• Baggage claim and assistance with ground transport.

Final Thoughts!

The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) offers professional and reliable wheelchair assistance through the airlines, enhanced by good facilities and an accessible airport terminal. Planning ahead, arriving early, and communicating well with airline personnel will ensure a comfortable and smooth trip for all. SLC Airport Wheelchair Assistance ensures a seamless journey for all people.

Frequently Asked Questions!