Guide for ADA, Special Needs and Senior Individuals at Los Angeles Airport

( 0 ) Create Review

Special Needs

LAX continuously works with the disabled community to improve accessibility. From wheelchair assistance and extra-wide parking spaces to hearing aid compatible phones and service animal relief stations, LAX offers several programs and services to ensure equal access to the disabled. Here's everything you need to know about LAX disability services.

Before heading to the airport

Travelers with special needs are recommended to check-in at least an hour earlier than other passengers. Those who require therapeutic oxygen on their flights are advised to notify the airline several days in advance. Syringes can be stashed in carry-on bags, but they need to come with professionally-labeled medication.

Gate passes for friends and family escorting disabled passengers

Only ticketed passengers are allowed access beyond passenger screening. Disabled passengers who require an escort to or from the aircraft gate must obtain a gate pass from the ticket counter before departure. Note that only one escort is allowed for each person with a disability. Learn more about LAX security checkpoints.

Friends or family may also escort arriving passengers. The airline will verify that the arriving passenger requested special assistance in their reservation for a passenger on an arriving aircraft.

Parking and transportation

LAX parking spaces for the disabled

LAX offers special parking spaces wider than usual for people with disabilities, and these are available in all airport parking lots and located near elevators. LAX handicap parking is not free at LAX, and all vehicles must settle the parking rate (even vehicles with disability placards). Use our search tool to find LAX airport parking.

Lift-equipped vans and special vehicles

Lift-equipped vans for transport between terminals or to and from Parking Lot C may be personally requested. These vans are available from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Call (310) 646-8921 or (310) 646-6402 to request a lift-equipped van.

Free LAX-it shuttles with wheelchair lifts run every 10 minutes (subject to change) to and from airline terminals in Economy Lot C, 96th Street east of Sepulveda Boulevard.

LAX also offers special assistance vehicles for travelers with special needs or disabilities to and from aircraft gates and terminals. These vehicles are located in the airfield.

Special services

LAX airport wheelchair assistance

LAX offers wheelchair assistance for travelers with disabilities free of charge. Passengers must contact LAX’s reservation desk ((855) 463-5252) 72 hours before their flight to book LAX wheelchair assistance. Tipping is not necessary. Before your arrival, notify a flight attendant that you’ll require a wheelchair when you land.

LAX medical clinic and first aid station

The airport’s first aid station is located in Tom Bradley International Terminal, Upper/Departures Level, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (310) 215-6000 for more information.

Airport employees or the LAX Airport Police ((310) 646-7911) may be notified during emergencies. Travelers will also find several hospitals within the airport vicinity offering 24-hour emergency service.

Disabled-friendly telephones

All LAX terminals are equipped with public telephones that feature wide spaces for wheelchair accessibility. These telephones offer volume amplification and hearing-aid compatibility for passengers hard of hearing, teletypewriter for the speech-impaired or deaf, and text features.

Defibrillators

LAX offers Automated External Defibrillators with usage instructions. These units are available in each terminal for passengers experiencing cardiac arrest.

Medical oxygen

While LAX does not provide medical oxygen, it allows travelers to bring their own battery-powered portable oxygen concentrator (POC). A company named APRIA ((310) 297-6986) can deliver POCs to LAX. Contact LAX before bringing a POC to ensure your oxygen container is allowed on the aircraft.

If you’re an international traveler in need of medical oxygen while waiting for your connecting flight, LAX personnel can assist you in accepting the oxygen container when it arrives and during your flight departure.

Portable dialysis machine

Passengers may bring a portable dialysis machine to the aircraft without being charged for additional baggage. Learn more about bringing portable dialysis machines in LAX.

Immunizations

Travel immunizations may be obtained from Reliant Immediate Care Group ((310) 215-6000), located at 5901 W. Century Blvd. The health center offers 24-hour services.

Blind or low vision passengers

To help blind and low-vision passengers navigate the airport, LAX uses an app called AIRA. This internet-connected remote assistant offers visual suggestions at a touch of a button. AIRA uses the phone’s camera to describe the environment to the user, read signages and menus, and offer various navigational tips. Find out how to use AIRA in LAX.

Traveling with a person with autism

Passengers traveling with a friend or family with autism may get in touch with TSA CARES (1-855-787-2227) three days before their departure to arrange an airport screening. Families may also choose to voluntarily self-identify through stickers. Learn more about self-identification and how to prepare for a flight with a person with autism.

LAX disabled-friendly airport facilities

Restrooms

Passengers will find restrooms with extra-wide stalls in all terminals. These toilets feature side grab bars for stability. Disabled-friendly unisex toilets are also available in Terminal 2 (Upper/Departures) and Terminal 6 (Lower/Arrivals). An adult changing station may be found on the departures level of Terminal One (Southwest), just beyond screening.

Elevators

All LAX terminals feature centrally-located escalators and elevators. Elevators are equipped with low handrails, accessible control buttons, and several other features for people with disabilities.

Shops, restaurants, and establishments

All LAX shops and restaurants in LAX are wheelchair-accessible. Passengers will find enough space to order and dine while in their wheelchairs.

Ramps ways

Wheelchair-friendly ramps are equipped on streets, sidewalks, and entrances for easy access to and from terminals.

Service animal relief stations

The LAX Central Terminal Area offers five relief stations for service animals. Relief stations are available before and after security checkpoints. These stations may be found just outside the terminals (Lower/Arrivals). Check out this guide on LAX Pet Relief Areas, and learn more about bringing pets in LAX.

Emergency and Special Needs Directory

LAX Lift-Equipped Van Service

(310) 646-6402 (310) 646-8021

Los Angeles World Airports Disability Coordinator

(310) 337-5005 (800) 735-2929 (CA Relay Service)

LAX Airport Police Emergency Numbers

(800) 646-7911 (310) 417-0439 TTY

Guide for ADA, Special Needs and Senior Individuals at Los Angeles Airport - Reviews

About The Author
Gregory Bessoni

Writer & Publisher - United States of America - Greg comes to LosAngelesLAXAirport.com with many years of travel journalism experience, having worked with many publications such as parkingaccess.com, shuttlefare.com, and cheapflightalerts.net plus several more. His degree Political Science degree from the University of Vermont allows him to form well-crafted and insightful content pieces. His deep knowledge of air travel, airlines, airports, parking, ground transportation, and his close relationships with the likes of SuperShuttle, Park 'N Fly, and other travel brands. Based in Connecticut, USA. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbessoni/

Click here To See More From Gregory Bessoni .