RSW Airport Wheelchair Assistance

Facilities at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida, are meant to be ADA and ACAA-compliant. As such, it implies that providing a wheelchair would benefit an individual experiencing difficulty walking around the RSW Airport terminal, including travel from the curb to the aircraft and back when departing from the airport.

RSW Airport Wheelchair Assistance Important Note: RSW Airport wheelchair assistance services are typically provided by contract services provided by the airlines operating to and from RSW Airport.

How to Book a Wheelchair at the RSW Airport

Booking a wheelchair at RSW Airport is easy and must be done in advance to ensure the trip goes smoothly.

• Best practice: Inform the airline at the time of booking or within 72 hours prior to travel.
• At the airport: Request wheelchair services at the ticket counter or curbside if you haven’t booked them in advance (it will take longer to arrange; prefer pre-booked services).
• Inform the airline about your needs (whether you need a manual wheelchair or a power chair, any transfer needs, or assistance with service animals, etc.).
• Once you arrive, let the flight attendant know ahead of landing that you require a wheelchair.

Service Coverage (provided by the airline):

• Pick up/drop off at the curb or at the check-in counter.
• From curbside to security (with TSA help, if required).
• From there to the boarding gate.
• From the boarding gate onto the aircraft (to the designated seat).
• Baggage claim area and onward ground transport on landing.

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

Where to Request Southwest Florida Airport Wheelchair Assistance

Wheelchair assistance at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is available according to whether you are traveling on departure or arrival flights.

• On Departure Flights: Request wheelchair assistance from your air carrier at the check-in counter or curbside counter. You should not visit the airport information counter, as wheelchair assistance is typically not provided there.
• On Arrival Flights: You might receive wheelchair assistance right away upon alighting from the plane, at the gate, or at baggage claim. This assistance will be provided by airline employees or contractors.
• It is imperative that you inform the gate agent or flight attendant as soon as possible.

Arrival at RSW with Assistance in a Wheelchair

For a hassle-free experience, it is recommended that you arrive at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) well ahead of time if you require wheelchair assistance.

• It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure (even earlier for international destinations or if you use an electric wheelchair).
• If you use an electric wheelchair, we advise you to arrive at the airport even earlier than other passengers to help you deal with additional procedures.

Types of Wheelchairs Available at RSW (Manual/Electric)

Carriers operating from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) offer manual wheelchairs for use in the terminal, while personal power chairs are processed in accordance with airline policies.

• Terminal assistance is provided through manual wheelchairs provided by airline staff or carriers operating there.
• Personal power wheelchairs are tagged by the airlines at check-in and carried in the airplane cargo per airline regulation; a manual wheelchair is used in the terminal area.
• Be sure to check your power chair batteries in advance.

RSW Airport Accessibility Facilities

Some of the accessibility facilities found at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) include:

• Accessible Parking/Drop-Off: There are designated spots for people with disabilities to park and access the terminal.
• Transfers: Ground transportation services, including accessible taxis and shuttles, are provided by the airport, and accessible transportation links to other transit options within the region are available.
• Escalators/Elevators: There are elevators, which the airport also recommends for people with disabilities who use mobility devices.
• Restrooms: All restroom facilities are wheelchair-accessible, including those for companionship assistance.
• Dining Services & Amenities: Accessible counters and accessible areas for people with disabilities at all concession outlets.
• Service Animal Relief Areas: There are animal relief areas at both outdoor and indoor terminals.
• Other Services: Accessibility services at the airport include general assistance and ADA contacts.

TSA Security Assistance for Passengers with Disabilities

TSA provides security assistance for passengers with disabilities to facilitate the security screening process.

• Contact TSA Cares for additional security screening assistance prior to your travel (72-hour advance notice is recommended) or use the TSA resources available at the security checkpoint.
• TSA provides assistance up to the security checkpoint; wheelchair assistance beyond the security checkpoint is the responsibility of the airline or its contractors.

Wheelchair Assistance at RSW Airport: Contact Details

For ADA-related inquiries or to report ADA compliance issues with airport facilities at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), contact the airport authority or the airline.

RSW ADA Coordinator / Lee County Port Authority ADA Coordinator:

• Telephone: 239-590-4625 (Lee County Port Authority contact for ADA questions).
• Airport General Information: RSW Airport contact number and RSW Airport website.
• Your Airline: Refer to your airline’s accessibility website or reservation desk.

Common Wait Times & What to Expect

Reservations for wheelchairs at RSW are generally handled smoothly, but wait times vary by time of day and staff availability.

• Pre-arranged assistance should be provided just as you arrive, or shortly before, at the check-in counters or gates.
• Requests made at the last minute at the ticket counters may result in a wait of 10-20 minutes.

Connecting Flights and Layovers at RSW

Passengers who require wheelchair assistance during their connecting flights at Southwest Florida International Airport can have a continuous service if requested in advance.

• Wheelchair assistance can be provided between gates and from one connecting flight to another if pre-booked.
• If your connecting flight is tight, ensure that assistance is booked for both flight segments and inform airline staff about your connecting flights.
• Pre-booked assistance would include being met at your arrival gate and taken to the departure gates.

Special Needs of Children and Elderly Passengers

Special assistance services are offered to passengers traveling with children or elderly passengers at RSW airport.

• Children and infants using wheelchairs have high chances of being prioritized and given priority boarding.
• Elderly passengers can also get slower moving assistance service as well as extra care during transfers.
• Specify any requirements you might have concerning the age of children or other special assistance needs when booking.

What to Pack for Your Journey

Pack early in order to optimize your wheelchair travel experience.

• Make sure that your personal wheelchair is fully charged and ready to go.
• Pack a small backpack that is accessible with all necessities like medicines, identification, and documents.
• Have proof of special assistance service on board.
• Wear comfortable shoes in case transfer will be required.

Language and Accessibility Support Apps at RSW

There are various language and accessibility assistance apps provided by RSW and airlines.

• It is recommended to inquire with airlines about their translation services and TTY communication when booking tickets or at check-in.
• Most airlines also feature applications in which one can request and confirm special assistance.

Additional Tips for Passengers at RSW Airport

More advice on how to arrange the trip, considering wheelchair assistance services at RSW airport.

• Luggage Handling: One may request assistance with baggage handling, along with wheelchair assistance, from airline representatives or contracted workers.
• Feedback: You may provide feedback on any accessibility-related issues you encountered at the RSW airport.
• Transportation: Accessible transportation to or from RSW is available; inquire about availability ahead of time.
• Make all wheelchair-related arrangements from two to three days before departure.
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) operates only one terminal equipped with special amenities to help wheelchair users.

Main Terminal Accessibility Features

Some of the accessibility amenities that passengers will encounter at RSW include:

• Elevators connecting terminal floors.
• Restrooms and companion care restrooms that are wheelchair-accessible.
• Accessible routes and seating areas next to gates.
• Announcements via the visual and audio paging system.
• TSA security screening support.

Wheelchair Services for RSW Terminal Travelers

Those traveling from the RSW terminal can request the following wheelchair services:

• Assistance in transferring from the gate to the aircraft.
• Help in boarding and deplaning.
• Help in accessing the security checkpoint.
• Assistance with transfers between gates when traveling through connecting flights.
• Assistance upon arrival at the gate until reaching baggage claim.

Accessible Parking at Southwest Florida International Airport

There is accessible parking near the airport terminal. The services include:

• Available designated ADA parking spaces.
• Access ramps to the terminals.
• Wheelchair-accessible walkways to elevators.

Accessible parking is seasonal; therefore, travelers should arrive early.

Wheelchair Assistance At Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) from Arrival to Departure

Wheelchair assistance services provided by Southwest Florida International Airport to those who request such services include:

• Curbside and parking assistance for arrivals.
• Assistance at airline check-in counters.
• Assistance during TSA security screening.
• Assistance transferring to gate connections for connecting flights.
• Boarding and disembarking assistance.
• Assistance in retrieving luggage and arranging ground transport on arrival.

The extent of the assistance will depend on the airline, although you should book your wheelchair assistance well in advance.

Final Thoughts!

RSW Airport Wheelchair Assistance services ensure that the airport is accessible to travelers through facilities offered in the airport and wheelchair assistance contracted by the airline; advance booking of your wheelchair assistance, arriving early, and contact with your airline or airport ADA representatives will make your journey much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions!