Greater Manchester planes 

County advice overview

The nearest airports to Greater Manchester are Manchester Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport.

Passengers with a disability or reduced mobility are legally entitled to support, commonly known as ‘Special Assistance’. Airports and airlines must provide help and assistance, which is free of charge and helps ensure you have a less stressful journey.

Special assistance is available to passengers who may need help to travel, such as older people, those with a physical disability, including wheelchair users, and those who experience difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as people with autism or dementia.

Key tips

Always allow plenty of time to plan your journey. It may be worth considering:  

• If you will need help whilst in the airport and on the plane. Will you be travelling with mobility equipment? 
• Booking Passenger Assistance in advance through your airline or tour operator. Make sure you provide at least 48 hours’ notice of any help you need. 
• When booking assistance, you should be able to provide the size of your mobility equipment, including the total weight with or without the user. 
• What local transport do you need once you arrive at your destination? Can you pre-book an accessible taxi? 

Remember, your local Central England and Greater Manchester Hubs Mobility Advice Service can provide helpful advice and information.

Nearest airports

Manchester Airport

www.manchesterairport.co.uk

Blue Badge parking is available in all car parks. 

Liverpool John Lennon Airport 

www.liverpoolairport.com

Passengers who hold a valid Blue Badge can reclaim up to 40 minutes free parking in the Express Pick-up & Drop-off car park.

Leeds Bradford Airport 

www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk

Passengers can be picked up or dropped off in the Pick Up & Drop Off car park, with Blue Badge bays available for up to 60 minutes for a nominal charge on the production of a valid Blue Badge. The terminal is a 1-minute walk from this car park.   

Special assistance

If you require special assistance at the airport, you should inform your airline, tour operator or travel agent at least 48 hours before your flight.

It is best to give as much notice as possible both for your outbound and return journeys so the necessary arrangements can be made to give you the assistance you require.

Your airline will pass on your special assistance booking prior to your arrival at the airport. If you arrive at the airport and have not booked in advance, all reasonable efforts will be made to assist you.

You can access further information regarding special assistance at Manchester Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport via the links below.

• Manchester Airport Requesting Assistance
• Liverpool John Lennon Airport Booking assistance
• Leeds Bradford Airport Special assistance

Travelling with mobility equipment

For those passengers taking a mobility aid – such as a scooter or wheelchair – onto the aircraft, your airline must be advised in advance, preferably at the time of booking. 

You should provide details to your airline, tour operator or travel agent which outline the dimension, weight, make and model of the mobility aid. You will be able to travel with your mobility aid from arrival at the airport up until the point of boarding the aircraft. 

The ground handling team will ensure your mobility aid is made safe for carriage on the plane and you or a person in your travelling party may be required to liaise with the team to ensure the mobility aid is immobilised.

You will be reunited with your mobility aid at the aircraft side after disembarking. In the unlikely event there is any damage to your mobility equipment, the Special Assistance team will make every effort to provide you with a temporary replacement.

Support and assistance in other countries may differ, so it is best to check in advance.

Transfer equipment

Hoists and additional seating support are generally available, but you will need to check with specific airlines. You can lease equipment for the flight as well but check with your airline to make sure it can be used. 

Batteries on aircrafts

The batteries used in power wheelchairs and mobility aids are considered dangerous goods when carried by air. They are permitted for carriage by passengers provided certain safety requirements are met. 

Passengers may only travel with a battery-powered mobility aid with the airline’s approval. Powered chairs must have the Airsafe Power Inhibitor for safety. 

Medications

You are allowed to carry essential medications including medicinal liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage and any medical equipment if it is essential for your journey. You will need a letter from your doctor to travel with the medicine to prove this is prescribed. 

Assistance dogs

If you are travelling with a recognised assistance animal, you should inform your airline or tour operator in advance. 

You may take your assistance dog into the terminal with you. It is important to remember that guide dogs can only travel if they are registered with the Pet Travel Scheme and if allowed by your airline and holiday destination.