Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is among the top five busiest airports in the US. LAX is the primary airport serving millions of domestic and international passengers flying to and from Los Angeles, including connecting flights.
As one of the largest and busiest airports on the West Coast, LAX is dedicated to offering an excellent travel experience for all passengers, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. This includes providing a range of accessibility services and facilities to help passengers navigate the airport.
Follow on to find out how to get a wheelchair at the airport as we cover LAX wheelchair services. We’ll explore how to request support going through security, accessible parking and more in our LAX accessibility guide.
In this guide:
- How to Get a Wheelchair at the Airport
- LAX Wheelchair Assistance
- Checking in a Wheelchair at LAX
- Wheelchair Rental at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
- Getting to and from Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
- Accessibility Services at LAX
How to Get a Wheelchair at the Airport
You can request a wheelchair at the airport for free by arranging wheelchair assistance directly with your airline. You can do this by:
- Adding wheelchair assistance to your ticket by filtering by wheelchair accessibility before booking your flight. Flying with American Airlines? You can request a wheelchair by selecting ‘Add special assistance’ during your flight reservation.1
- Amending your existing ticket reservation with your airline online, or by contacting their customer service team directly.
- Requesting a wheelchair at the airline counter at the airport.
- Visiting the wheelchair assistance center at Terminal 7 (between doors L2-10). 2
To arrange LAX wheelchair assistance, Los Angeles International Airport recommends that you contact your airline at least 72 hours ahead of your departure to accommodate your requirements. Then, you can pick up your wheelchair at the airline counter or the wheelchair assistance center.
LAX Wheelchair Assistance
If you’re flying from Los Angeles and need to request a wheelchair, LAX will easily oblige. You can request a wheelchair at LAX for:
- Traveling between check-in, security and your gate.
- Navigating the airport during a flight connection.
- Traveling between your gate and baggage claim.
- Wheelchair access on the plane.
You can also contact your airline to request an LAX wheelchair at the airport curb side. If you need wheelchair assistance at LAX for your return flight, remind one of your flight attendants that you’ll need one when you land.
Can I Add Wheelchair Assistance After Booking?
Yes, it’s easy to add wheelchair assistance to your LAX flight reservation after booking. It’s always better to contact your airline or amend your reservation at least 72 hours in advance to make sure the necessary services are available to you.
Checking in a Wheelchair at LAX
If you’re traveling with your own wheelchair, you can check it in for free with your checked luggage. Just remember to add wheelchair assistance to your flight reservation. Once you check it in, you’ll then receive an airport wheelchair to go through security and find your gate.
United Airlines recommends that wheelchair users check in at least an hour before the minimum check-in time. At LAX Airport, you are advised to check in at least 45 minutes before your departure. This means you should check in your wheelchair at least one hour and 45 minutes before your flight.
When you check in your wheelchair at LAX, the ground crew may look for written instructions on how to load and handle your chair. Simply create your own instructions or request a form from your airline to attach to your chair.
It’s often recommended to arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before your flight. If you think you might need more time to navigate the airport, make sure to arrive even earlier – especially during peak holidays.
For more information about flying from Los Angeles, discover our guide on how early to arrive at LAX before your flight.
Using Your Own Wheelchair at LAX
If you prefer to use your own wheelchair at the airport rather than requesting an airport wheelchair, you can often wait until you arrive at the gate to check in your wheelchair. Likewise, you can ask to receive your wheelchair at the gate rather than at baggage claim.
Visit United Airlines and American Airlines for more advice about airline wheelchair assistance and accessibility.
Wheelchair Rental at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
Flying into LAX arrivals? If you’re looking for wheelchair rental, Los Angeles Airport has a range of services available to hire a wheelchair for the duration of your stay. Some wheelchair rentals can drop off a wheelchair or mobility scooter at your hotel, or at a specific attraction or destination – depending on what you prefer. Just specify where you’d like to receive your rental when you confirm your booking.
Getting to and from Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
You’ll find a range of accessible public and private transport options at LAX. Accessible drop-off points can be found on the upper/departures level with curb ramps.
Public Transportation to/from LAX
If you’re traveling to or from LAX by public transport, there are plenty of accessible options available, including:
- LAX-it, a free and accessible shuttle service transporting taxi and rideshare passengers to each terminal.
- Accessible taxis.
- Metro rail and bus services.
- Access Paratransit rideshare services, available to eligible passengers traveling to any location within three-quarters of a mile of any LA County public bus route or Metro rail station.
If you need assistance with accessing public transport, reach out to the customer service teams at LAX-it and Metro before your journey. They can help you onboard.
Accessibility Services at LAX
Whether you’re traveling alone or with someone who needs extra assistance, LAX has various other accessibility services available. Learn more about accessible parking, airport security accommodations and more below.
Accessible Parking Facilities
We know that some parking facilities, such as gravel lots, can be difficult for wheelchair users to maneuver. That’s why you’ll find extra-wide, accessible parking spaces close to elevators at every level of the Central Terminal Area parking lot, offering a smooth surface to reach the terminal. You can also find accessible parking spaces near terminal entrances.
We recommend booking parking ahead of your journey to help you secure a parking space and better rates. Even booking a week in advance can offer significant markdowns on parking at LAX.
For more information about accessibility services and prebooking accessible parking at LAX Airport, reach out to our team at Airport Parking Reservations. We’ll also give you the parking lot’s address and contact details when you reserve with us, so you can get in touch with their support services directly for any accessibility queries.
Shuttles to the Airport
While airlines are not responsible for providing wheelchair assistance between parking lots and terminals, the shuttles at LAX are accessible in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Most of our parking lot partners at Airport Parking Reservations offer free shuttle bus transportation to the terminal. We recommend allowing 20 to 30 minutes to give you time to park up and reach the airport before you’re expected to check in. However, you may wish to allow more time if you need wheelchair assistance.
From busy parking lots to navigating traffic, explore our reasons to prebook parking at LAX Airport to help you prepare for your trip.
Support Through Airport Security
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at LAX offers a helpline service and support system called TSA Cares, where wheelchair users and travelers with disabilities can arrange assistance for going through airport security.
The TSA recommends that travelers get in touch at least 72 hours before travel. If you reach the airport and need urgent assistance, speak with a TSA officer at airport security. They can often call a passenger support specialist, who can assist you at the airport.
If you’re traveling with a service animal, you can also make arrangements for a private screening area if preferred.
Airline Assistance
LAX is the busiest airport on the West Coast, so if you need extra assistance at the airport or onboard, your airline is your first point of contact for support.
Whether you’re flying with United Airlines, Delta Airlines or flying internationally, every airline offers accessibility services as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Airline staff can help you reach your gate, board the plane and offer support with any in-flight refreshments, such as opening food and drinks.
Passengers with disabilities are also offered priority boarding to allow extra time to get comfortable.
Additional Accessibility Services
Once you arrive at LAX Airport, you’ll also find the following accessibility services and facilities available:
- Accessible restrooms – Spacious wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available throughout LAX terminals with grab bars, accessible sinks and changing facilities.
- Service animal relief zones – You’ll find service animal relief areas before and after security at LAX.
- Aira – LAX Airport partners with Aira, a live visual interpreting mobile app that helps passengers with visual impairments navigate the airport and read signs and documents.
With so much to consider, we understand that traveling can be equally exciting and stressful. Now you know how to get a wheelchair at the airport and request other LAX wheelchair assistance and accessibility services, we hope visiting Los Angeles Airport might feel less daunting.
If you need to request accessibility assistance for your journey, remember to contact your airline at least 72 hours in advance. That way, your airline can prepare for your needs. Prebooking accessibility accommodations – including your LAX Airport parking – can help ensure a smooth journey.
Learn more about what’s in store at Los Angeles Airport with our guide to the best places to eat at LAX. Or if you’re traveling with little ones, discover our tips on navigating LAX Airport with kids.
Sources
1. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/special-assistance.jsp
2. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/wheelchair-assistance.html
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