Special assistance at the airport

Curbside service:

Inform the skycaps that you are visually impaired and ask for directions to the ticket counter or your gate. They will assist you to the ticket counter or gate if you desire.

Ticket counter service:

If you are checking in at the ticket counter, inform the agent of your special needs and ask for assistance if necessary.

Security checkpoint:

Ask the screener to explain the security procedures; describe what will happen next; let you know where the metal detector is located; when you will be going through the metal detector; and, let you know when there are obstacles you need to avoid. In addition:

• Let the screener know when you need someone to escort you through the screening process.
• Notify screener if X-ray inspection will harm the equipment you may be using (i.e. Braille note takers). Ask for your device to be visually and physically inspected instead of X-ray inspection.
• Ask the screener to reunite you with your carry-on items and personal assistance devices once X-ray or physical inspection is completed.
• Ask the screener to verbally direct you toward your gate once the screening process has been completed.

Gate service:

Check in and let the gate personnel know that you are present. Inform the gate agent that you are visually impaired and ask for any assistance you may need in advance.

If you are traveling with a service animal or other equipment, inform the agent.

Boarding the aircraft:

Inform a flight attendant of your visual limitations and feel free to ask for any assistance you may need, such as assistance locating your seat or with the overhead service panel and its functions.

If you have carry-on baggage or equipment, ask the attendant to help you with stowage. If your flight provides a meal or snack, feel free to ask a flight attendant to identify the food on your tray.

Deplaning the aircraft:

If you have a connecting flight, check with a gate agent to see if there will be a gate change. If you need to make a telephone call, please check with a gate agent. TDD/TTY service is available in most airports.

Note for drop-off/pick-up party assisting passengers with special needs:

As a customer with special needs you are permitted to have your drop-off/pick-up party accompany you to/from the gate, in domestic locations. The drop-off/pick-up party should proceed to the ticket counter to receive a pass to advance through security.

In international cities (Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe) or if airport security at a particular airport prohibits non-ticketed passengers in the gate area, US Airways will assist you to or from your gate and make sure your needs are met as you board or deplane your flight.