Travelling Through Heathrow with a Disability or Wheelchair: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re heading off on holiday or flying for business, travelling should be an enjoyable experience from start to finish. If you’re a passenger with reduced mobility or a disability—or you’re accompanying someone who is—it’s important to know that Heathrow Airport offers a wide range of support services to make the journey smoother. With a little planning, your airport experience can be just as relaxing as the destination itself.
In this blog, we’ll cover how to book special assistance, where to park if you hold a Blue Badge, what facilities are available at the airport, and how to make your experience stress-free. Let’s get into it.
How to Book Special Assistance at Heathrow Airport
If you require wheelchair assistance, mobility support, or any other type of help, it’s essential to request this service before you travel. Heathrow’s special assistance service is free of charge and available to anyone who might need help getting through the airport.
How to arrange it:
- Book through your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Provide details such as your flight number, nature of your disability, and whether you’ll be travelling with your own wheelchair or an assistance animal.
- When you arrive at the airport, head to one of the clearly marked Assistance Help Points, available in every terminal.
The trained staff will guide you through check-in, security, and boarding—all while making sure you’re comfortable. And yes, you can stay in your own wheelchair until it’s time to board, unless otherwise agreed.
For full details on how to request assistance, Heathrow provides an overview on their official accessibility page.
Parking at Heathrow for Blue Badge Holders
Driving to the airport? Heathrow makes it relatively easy for Blue Badge holders to access suitable parking options. Whether you’re getting dropped off or leaving your vehicle for a week, here’s what to expect:
Blue Badge Parking Options:
- Long Stay Car Parks at each terminal provide 2 hours of free parking for Blue Badge holders.
- Short Stay Car Parks have dedicated accessible bays, located close to terminal entrances.
- You can use your Blue Badge in Park & Ride locations too, but make sure it’s clearly visible.
- Upon entry and exit, use the call point to provide your badge number and vehicle registration.
And here’s the great news: if you’re looking to compare prices and find the most convenient, accessible parking for your trip, we recommend using Parkos. With Parkos, you can compare trusted parking providers at Heathrow—including information about shuttle accessibility, valet services, and more.
Wheelchair Accessibility Throughout Heathrow
Heathrow is fully committed to offering a barrier-free airport experience. All terminals provide:
- Step-free access to all areas
- Wheelchair-friendly toilets, including accessible cubicles and changing places facilities
- Induction loops for passengers with hearing aids
- Mobility support through security
- Clearly signposted lifts and ramps for easy navigation
If you’re travelling with your own mobility aid, let your airline know in advance. Most airlines allow you to keep your wheelchair with you until boarding, and it will be returned to you either at the aircraft door or in the baggage reclaim area.
Arriving at the Airport: Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to make your journey stress-free is to arrive early. Special assistance procedures take a little longer, and arriving around 2.5 hours before your flight (or earlier if you prefer) allows you to move through the airport at your own pace.
Here are some quick tips:
- Let security staff know about any medical devices, implants or aids you’re carrying.
- Print or save all your documents (boarding pass, assistance confirmation, parking details).
- Wear comfy clothing and slip-on shoes if you’re going through security.
- Travel with snacks or water if your condition requires it—most airlines allow this with prior notice.
Accessibility on Public Transport to Heathrow
If you’re not driving, you can still reach Heathrow using accessible public transport:
- TfL Rail and Heathrow Express services are step-free at Heathrow terminals.
- London Underground access is available, but not all stations along the Piccadilly Line are wheelchair-friendly—so check ahead.
- Assistance dogs are welcome across all modes of transport.
Want to avoid lugging luggage across the city? Pre-booking parking and driving can often be the simpler, more accessible option—especially with Parkos, where you can reserve in advance and arrive at your own pace.
Assistance for Elderly Passengers
Travelling with an elderly friend or relative? Heathrow offers the same excellent assistance for older passengers who may not have a registered disability but still need support. From help with heavy luggage to escorting through long terminal corridors, the special assistance team is on hand.
Just make sure the request is submitted ahead of time—at least 48 hours before the flight.
Tips to Make Your Journey Smoother
Here’s a final list of practical tips for navigating Heathrow as a passenger with reduced mobility:
Ask for help when you need it—the staff is trained to assist and always happy to do so.
Use the special assistance lanes at security—they’re quicker and less stressful.
Bring your Blue Badge even if you don’t plan to park—you may need it for shuttle services or to justify help at drop-off points.
Take your time—it’s your trip, and there’s no rush.
