⏰ AIRPORT DAY TIMELINE
Recommended Arrival Times:
• Domestic flights: 2 hours before departure
• International flights: 3 hours before departure
(Add 30 minutes if using crutches for first time at airport)
Before Leaving Home
- Take pain medication (if needed)
- Wear slip-on shoes (easier at security)
- Put ID and boarding pass in accessible pocket
- Empty pockets completely (put items in bag)
- Wear compression socks
- Use restroom (airport bathrooms are challenging)
At Airport Curb/Parking
- Request wheelchair if needed (look for attendants)
- Check bags at curbside (if available - saves walking)
- Keep crutches with you at all times
At Check-In/Bag Drop
- Inform agent you're using crutches
- Confirm wheelchair assistance if requested
- Verify gate number and boarding time
- Ask about gate location (close or far?)
TSA Security Checkpoint
- Tell TSA officer you're using crutches
- Keep crutches with you (they'll be inspected)
- Request assistance if needed
- Walk through metal detector with crutches OR request pat-down
- Wait for crutch inspection (30-60 seconds)
- Retrieve belongings
After Security → Gate
- Locate accessible restroom if needed
- Fill water bottle at fountain
- Buy snacks if needed
- Use moving walkways to save energy
- Locate your gate
- Find seating near gate agent podium
At the Gate (30 min before boarding)
- Approach gate agent
- Say: "I'm using crutches and would like to request pre-boarding"
- Wait near podium for pre-boarding announcement
- Use restroom before boarding if needed
🔒 TSA SECURITY PROCEDURES
What TSA Will Do:
- Visually inspect your crutches
- Swab crutches for explosive residue
- May ask you to walk through metal detector
- May perform pat-down if alarm sounds
- Inspect medications if questioned
- May test liquids/gels over 3.4oz
- Will return crutches to you promptly
✅ Your Rights at TSA:
• You can request a pat-down instead of scanner
• You can request a private screening
• You can request a chair to sit during screening
• TSA must accommodate your mobility needs
• Call TSA Cares: 855-787-2227 (72 hours advance notice)
Alternative Screening Options:
- Request to skip body scanner (use metal detector instead)
- Request private screening if uncomfortable
- Request officer assistance if you need to sit
- Request wheelchair lane if available
🎫 BOARDING PROCEDURES
Pre-Boarding (Before Group 1)
- Listen for pre-boarding announcement
- Approach gate podium when called
- One companion may board with you
- Board via jet bridge (not stairs)
Getting to Your Seat
- Walk sideways down aisle if tight
- Hold crutches together to save space
- Ask flight attendant for help if needed
- Stow carry-on in overhead bin (ask for help)
Storing Your Crutches (Choose One)
Option 1: Overhead Bin
- Place diagonally in bin
- Above your seat or nearby
- Ask attendant for help
Option 2: Under Seat
- Works for forearm crutches
- Immediately accessible
- Reduces legroom
Option 3: Coat Closet
- First/business class only
- Ask flight attendant
- Limited space
Option 4: Gate Check
- Last resort if no space
- Returned at jet bridge
- Free service
✈️ IN-FLIGHT TIPS
During the Flight
- Elevate your injured leg on a pillow if possible
- Do ankle circles with uninjured leg (prevent blood clots)
- Request ice pack from flight attendant if needed
- Take pain medication before takeoff if long flight
- Drink plenty of water (flights are dehydrating)
- Avoid alcohol (increases swelling)
Using the Airplane Restroom
- Go during low-traffic times (after meal service)
- Ask seatmate or attendant to hold one crutch
- Use grab bars inside lavatory
- Take your time - don't rush
- Consider aisle seat for easier access
🛬 ARRIVAL & DEPLANING
When Plane Lands
- Inform flight attendant if you need wheelchair for connection
- Remain seated until most passengers have deplaned
- Ask for help retrieving crutches from overhead
- Retrieve carry-on bag
- Take your time walking up jet bridge
If You Have a Connection
- Request wheelchair assistance (faster between gates)
- Check departure board for gate changes
- Use restroom before next flight
- Refill water bottle
- Request pre-boarding at next gate
At Baggage Claim
- Request wheelchair to baggage claim if needed
- Ask for help lifting bags off carousel
- Verify all bags received
- Report missing/damaged luggage immediately
⚠️ IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
Lost or Damaged Crutches
- File report with airline baggage office immediately
- Take photos of damage
- Get written documentation
- Airlines must repair or replace mobility aids
Denied Pre-Boarding
- Cite Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) - federal law
- Ask to speak with supervisor
- File complaint with DOT after flight (202-366-2220)
Missed Connection Due to Mobility Issues
- Call airline immediately (use app or phone)
- Explain you use crutches and need more connection time
- Request rebooking on next flight
- Ask about meal vouchers or hotel if overnight
📱 Helpful Apps to Download:
• GateGuru - Airport maps and amenities
• Your airline's official app - Gate changes and delays
• Flush - Find accessible restrooms
• Google Maps - Save airport terminal maps offline
💡 Final Tips for Success:
✅ Arrive early - Give yourself extra time
✅ Ask for help - Flight attendants are trained to assist
✅ Stay calm - Airports are stressful, take deep breaths
✅ Be patient - Security and boarding take longer with crutches
✅ Advocate for yourself - Know your rights under ACAA