Special assistance

Who it is for

Assistance is free for anyone who needs help getting through the airport. That includes people who use a wheelchair, find walking long distances hard, are blind or partially sighted, are deaf or have hearing loss, or have a hidden condition such as autism, dementia or anxiety. You do not need to show proof.

How to book

Book at least 48 hours before you fly.

1. Tell your airline when you book your flight, or add it to your booking later.
2. Or use the request form on this page. We pass the details to your airline.
3. We email you to confirm what help you will get and where we will meet you.

If you turn up without booking, we will still help. You may have to wait longer.

On the day

Where to find us

There are assistance points with a help phone and seating at:

• the railway station, at the foot of the escalators
• the drop-off zones outside both terminals
• P1 Short-stay and P2 Long-stay, on level 0
• the Mid-Stay shuttle bus stops

Press the button on the help phone and we will come to you. Or go to check-in zone C in Terminal 1 or zone D in Terminal 2.

Through security

Both terminals have an assistance lane at security. It is calmer and staff will take their time. Fast Track is free for you and up to two companions.

To the aircraft

We take you to the gate and onto the aircraft. If you use a wheelchair, we can lift you on board using a high-lift vehicle or a ramp. You can stay in your own wheelchair until the aircraft door.

When you land

Stay in your seat until everyone else has left. We will come on board to meet you and help you through passport control, baggage reclaim and to your onward transport.

Hidden disabilities

Wear a sunflower lanyard to let our staff know, quietly, that you may need more time or help. Lanyards are free from any assistance desk, or we can post one to you before you travel. Both terminals have a free Quiet Room after security.

If you would like to visit the airport before you travel, to walk the route and meet the team, ask for a familiarisation visit in the request form below.

Facilities

• Step-free routes from the station, car parks and drop-off zones to every gate
• Changing Places toilets after security in both terminals
• Hearing loops at every information desk and gate
• Wheelchairs to borrow at check-in zones C and D
• Assistance dogs welcome, with a relief area outside each terminal

Talk to us

Call 0121 496 0123, every day 05:00–23:00, or email hello@meridianairport.example. If you use a textphone, call through the relay service.