Special Needs
Special Needs
Phoenix Sky Harbor is one of the most accessible airports in the world for people with physical and hidden disabilities, thanks to the advice provided by the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities.
Accessibility
All terminals have: curb cuts; automatic doors; elevators; ramped access to all lobbies and gate areas; designated areas on inner curbs for vehicles with disability plates to load or unload; and wheelchair-accessible telephones, automatic teller machines, accessible (family) restrooms with caregiver access and drinking fountains. Review the PHX Frequently Asked Questions for more about the information below and additional accessibility details.
Wheelchairs
Flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor? Request a wheelchair when checking in and tell a flight attendant during the flight. Flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor? Request a wheelchair from a Sky Cap at the curb or from a Sky Cap or the airline on the ticketing level of the terminal. You can also request wheelchair service ahead of time when you book your tickets with your airline. Ask your airline about traveling with power chair batteries.
Oxygen
If you need to travel with oxygen, be sure to discuss this with your airline when making reservations. Visit the TSA website for more information.
Assistive Hearing Devices
Hearing Loop or induction loop technology provides a clearer listening experience to passengers with hearing aids by directly transmitting paging and announcements directly to an individual’s hearing aids or cochlear implants through a telecoil, thus eliminating background noise. Hearing loops or induction loops are available in the gate areas of Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 – Gates D11 to D18. It’s important to note that it is unavailable in food, beverage, and retail areas. Check with your audiologist to see if your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a telecoil or T-coil service.
Blind or Low Vision Service Program
To provide assistance, the Aira mobile app connects users with professionally trained visual interpreters, who use live-streamed video to translate visual information into descriptive audio at the touch of a button, providing better efficiency, engagement, and independence.
The Aira app is free to download and available in the Apple App and Google Play stores. While accessing the service for personal use requires a monthly subscription, Phoenix Sky Harbor will offer the service free to users at the Airport.
Assistance Animals
When making reservations, let your airline know if you plan to travel with a service animal. Get tips on traveling with service animals from the TSA. Phoenix Sky Harbor offers eight animal relief areas, including areas in the terminals post-security.
Accessible Restrooms with Caregiver Access
Each terminal has at least one family restroom with a private area to change clothing or disposable undergarments. Ask for directions at any information desk; go to Interactive Maps on skyharbor.com and select Restroom.
Passenger Paging
The names of those being paged are announced in the terminal and displayed on monitors throughout the airport. To send or retrieve a paged message, go to Passenger Paging or go to a PHX Information Counter in the terminal for assistance or to use the paging tablet.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available in all garages closest to the elevators. In the East Economy lot, accessible parking is available north of the PHX Sky Train® Station. In the Park & Walk, accessible parking is available at the east end.
Overheight or oversize parking is available in the uncovered economy parking areas and the Oversized Vehicle parking area east of Terminal 4.
Sensory Room
Did you know that America’s Friendliest Airport® offers a place in its busiest terminal for people seeking a quiet setting? The Sensory Room inside the Airport Chapel, pre-security near the B Checkpoint in Terminal 4, offers a quiet space for meditation, prayer, or a break from the fast-paced airport environment. Children with autism/sensory issues or young adults with an intellectual or developmental disability may visit the Sensory Room inside the Chapel for a respite from the sensory overload they might experience when coming to the airport. There is a child-sized table and chairs and quiet activities for children to use in the Chapel space for a respite from the sensory overload they might experience when in the airport. The Chapel offers a quiet space to minimize sensory overload for people with hidden disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, brain injuries, anxiety, or other sensory-related conditions. The Chapel offers a quiet place for all faiths to meditate.
The hours of operation are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily except Saturday. Hours on Saturday are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dial-A-Ride (Paratransit): A Public Service
Seniors and people with disabilities can access Dial-A-Ride daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please call 602-253-4000 or visit their Web site.
Pickup Locations
- Terminal 4: Level 1 (baggage), west of Door 2 on the inner curb.
- Terminal 3: Level 1 (baggage), east of Door 8 on the inner curb.
Ground Transportation
Accessible taxi and van service vehicles are available. Travelers should proceed to the loading location and request one from the curb coordinator. The PHX Sky Train® provides a fully accessible connection between the Airport terminals and Valley Metro Rail at the 44th Street Station.
Valley Metro Rail & Bus
Valley Metro Bus service, with wheelchair accessible transportation, is available to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Valley Metro Rail is accessible through the PHX Sky Train® 44th Street Station. Valley Metro Bus Route 13 serves the airport at a stop near the Airport Operations building, west of Terminal 3. Call 602-253-5000 or visit its website.
Accessible Loading/Unloading Areas
Rental Cars with Hand Controls (advance notice recommended)
Avis: (800) 331-2323 – accessibility webpage
Budget: (800) 826-5510 – accessibility webpage
Hertz: (800) 654-2280 – accessibility webpage
National: (800) 328-6323 – accessibility webpage