Book special assistance at Heathrow at least 48 hours before you travel, through your airline, tour operator or travel agent, not directly with the airport. The assistance itself is free at the point of use. Checked 2026.
Who is responsible for what
Heathrow Airport is responsible for the practical care and support you receive once you are in the terminal: help moving through check-in, security, to the gate, and between flights if you are connecting. Your airline is responsible for telling Heathrow what help you need, which is why booking goes through the airline rather than the airport directly.
How to book assistance before you travel
- Contact your airline, tour operator or travel agent as soon as possible, ideally when you book your ticket, or at least 48 hours before you fly. Many airlines let you add assistance requirements during online booking.
- Give full details of your impairment or mobility need, including whether you use your own wheelchair or mobility device, or are travelling with an assistance animal.
- Tell your airline about your return journey too, so Heathrow can plan support for when you arrive back, not just when you depart.
- The airline passes your details to Heathrow's assistance team, who prepare the right staff and equipment ahead of your arrival at the terminal.
What happens at the airport
Heathrow provides dedicated guides for each stage of an assisted journey: a departure guide covering check-in through to boarding, an arrivals guide for passengers landing at Heathrow, and a connections guide for passengers changing flights who need assistance moving between terminals. If you have booked assistance, Heathrow's team can also support you to visit shops or restaurants while you wait for your flight, subject to availability. Ask a member of staff in the assistance area if you would like to use this.
Assistance across Heathrow's four terminals
Heathrow has four operating terminals (T2, T3, T4 and T5), and assistance is available at all of them. If your connecting flight departs from a different terminal to the one you land at, tell your airline about both directions of travel so the assistance team can plan your route between terminals, since this takes longer than a same-terminal connection. See how to find your Heathrow terminal if you are not sure which terminal your airline uses, and connection time at Heathrow for how long a terminal change adds to a connection.
Parking and drop-off for passengers needing assistance
Heathrow's car parks and drop-off areas include provision for passengers with reduced mobility. If you are being dropped off rather than parking, check the drop-off page for the closest set-down points to each terminal. If you are driving yourself, mention any accessibility needs when you book parking so you can be directed to the most suitable area.
Taxis and private hire with mobility equipment
If you are booking a taxi to or from Heathrow, tell the operator in advance if you need a vehicle that can carry a wheelchair or other mobility equipment, so they can send an appropriately sized car. See the taxi luggage and vehicle sizes guide for what different vehicle types can accommodate, and the taxis page for booking options.
Hidden and non-visible disabilities
Heathrow offers passengers with non-visible impairments, such as autism, a chronic illness or a mental health condition, the option to wear a Sunflower lanyard as a discreet signal to staff that they may need a little more time or support. This is separate from booking formal assistance for practical help such as a wheelchair, and the two can be used together: wear the lanyard for day-to-day interactions with staff around the terminal, and still book assistance through your airline if you need hands-on support getting through the airport.
If your flight is delayed, cancelled or diverted
Assistance already booked does not disappear if your flight is disrupted. Tell a member of Heathrow's assistance team as soon as you know about a delay or cancellation so they can adjust their plans and keep supporting you until your revised flight departs, or help you find your way if you need to be rebooked. If a wider disruption affects your journey, see Heathrow strikes and how they affect your flight for how to plan around it.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book assistance at Heathrow? At least 48 hours before you travel, ideally when you first book your flight. Contact your airline, tour operator or travel agent, not Heathrow directly.
Is special assistance free at Heathrow? Yes, it is provided at no extra charge to the passenger.
Who arranges assistance, Heathrow or my airline? Your airline arranges it by passing your requirements to Heathrow, which then provides the physical support and equipment at the airport.
What if my connecting flight is at a different Heathrow terminal? Tell your airline about both directions of travel, including any terminal change, so Heathrow's assistance team can plan the longer inter-terminal route in advance.
Can I bring my own wheelchair or mobility device? Yes, tell your airline in advance, including details of any battery-powered equipment.
Does assistance cover help getting to shops or restaurants while waiting for a flight? Yes, subject to availability. Ask a member of the assistance team once you are in the airport.
More: Overview, Facilities, Parking, Drop-off, FAQs.