Australia International Airport Accessibility Information
Australia International Airport Accessibility Information
General Information
Each airport is accompanied by its Airport Code (a simplified three-letter code used to identify an international airport), a Telephone number (you may need to use exit codes, and the country code for Australia if you are calling from outside Australia), website, and a breakdown of useful information.
It is generally recommended that you arrive at an Australia Airport a minimum of 3-hours prior to an international flight (even if the airport provides a less congested security check for passengers in wheelchairs). Flights typically begin boarding 1-hour prior to the departure time and it is especially important for passengers in wheelchairs to be present early, as they are typically the first to board. If you are a passenger in a wheelchair planning a trip with a layover for an international flight, you should consider planning a minimum of 2-hours between flights (anything less could be problematic if your previous flight was delayed and/or if you have to pass through security to reach your connecting flight).
Service Dogs and Medication:
Those planning to bring service dogs will face many restrictions, please see this page from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture Official Website for more information: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs/assistance-dogs#eligibility-criteria
Be aware that various drugs/medicines which are commonly available in other countries may be restricted in Australia. Please see this page from the Australian Government Department of Health Official Website for drug/medicine restrictions in Australia: https://www.tga.gov.au/travellers-visitors
Sydney Airport (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
Airport Code: SYD | Telephone: +61 9667 9111 | Website: https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/
- Accessibility:
- Accessible Toilets (including multipurpose unisex restrooms)
- Adult Changing Table with Hoist
- Multiple Elevators
- Optional guided assistance to/from your flight
- Wheelchairs available (for use in the airport)
- Available Hearing loop
- Parking Lot Spaces for people with disabilities
(NOTE: to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge).
- Perks: Easy to navigate, dozens of shops, dozens of dining options, various services throughout the airport, located in Sydney, and a variety of transportation options to/from the airport. The airports modifications and staff member training are centered around an inclusive and accessible experience for all passengers and visitors.
- Challenges: [Minimal to none] Some written information is provided in multiple languages, nevertheless language barriers may be an issue for non-English speakers (the official website supports English & Chinese).
- Access to/from Airport: Approximately 15-minute car ride from the heart of Sydney with easy access to Trains, Taxi, Limousine, Local Shuttles, Car rental, and Buses (Note: Wheelchair accessible van-style Taxi/Car rental with lift may be limited and may not be available without request, Wheelchair accessible Buses may not be available).
- Maps: https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/info-sheet/maps In this link, provided by Sydney Airport Official Website, you’ll find several maps of the Facilities (in English; that contains the majority of the Accessibility options listed in the section above; the print is small so you may wish to save it to a tablet/device with a zoom-in functionality if you cannot print them large enough). Even with a map in hand, new places can get you turned around, so if this happens, ask the staff for help to get you on your way.
- Assistance Information: https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/info-sheet/Accessible-facilities-and-services#accessible-facilities-services-accessible-facilities-wheelchairs In this link, provided by Sydney Airport Official Website, you’ll find many links to helpful information for “Sydney Airport Accessible Facilities and Services.” This includes information for those living with disabilities that involve walking, vision, and hearing.
Melbourne Airport (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
Airport Code: MEL | Telephone: +61 3 9297 1600 | Website: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/
- Accessibility:
- Accessible Toilets (including multipurpose unisex restrooms)
- Adult Changing Table with Hoist
- Multiple Elevators
- Optional guided assistance to/from your flight
- Wheelchairs available (for use in the airport)
- Moving walkways
- Available Hearing loop
- Parking Lot Spaces for people with disabilities
(NOTE: to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge).
- Perks: Dozens of shops, dozens of dining options, various services throughout the airport, very close to Melbourne, and a variety of transportation options to/from the airport.
- Challenges: [Minimal to none] Some written information is provided in multiple languages, nevertheless language barriers may be an issue for non-English speakers (the official website supports English & Chinese).
- Access to/from Airport: Approximately 24-minute car ride from downtown Melbourne with easy access to Taxi, Limousine, Local Shuttles, Car rental, and Buses (Note: Wheelchair accessible van-style Taxi/Car rental with lift may be limited and may not be available without request, Wheelchair accessible Buses may not be available).
- Maps: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Passenger-information/Maps In this link, provided Melbourne Airport Official Website, you’ll find several maps of the Facilities (in English), including very detailed PDF files (that contains the majority of the Accessibility options listed in the section above, the print is small so you may wish to save it to a tablet/device with a zoom-in functionality if you cannot print them large enough). Even with a map in hand, new places can get you turned around, so if this happens, ask the staff for help to get you on your way.
- Assistance Information: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Passenger-information/Disability-access In this link, provided by Melbourne Airport Official Website, you’ll find many links to helpful information for “Disability Access.” This includes information for those living with disabilities that involve walking, vision, and hearing, as well as a very detailed PDF of the facilities.
Brisbane Airport (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
Airport Code: BNE | Telephone: +61 7 3406 5732 | Website: https://www.bne.com.au/
- Accessibility:
- Accessible Toilets (including multipurpose unisex restrooms)
- Adult Changing Table with Hoist
- Multiple Elevators
- Optional guided assistance to/from your flight
- Wheelchairs available (for use in the airport)
- Moving walkways
- Parking Lot Spaces for people with disabilities (with discounted parking fees available)
(NOTE: to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge).
- Perks: Dozens of shops, dozens of dining options, various services throughout the airport, very close to Brisbane, and a variety of transportation options to/from the airport.
- Challenges: [Minimal] This airport can take some time to navigate due to its layout. Some written information is provided in multiple languages, nevertheless language barriers may be an issue for non-English speakers (the official website supports English & Chinese).
- Access to/from Airport: Approximately 19-minute car ride from downtown Brisbane with easy access to Trains, Taxi, Local Shuttles, Car rental, and Buses (Note: Wheelchair accessible van-style Taxi/Car rental with lift may be limited and may not be available without request, Wheelchair accessible Buses may not be available).
- Maps: https://www.bne.com.au/passenger/shop-dine-explore/terminal-maps In this link, provided by Brisbane Airport Official Website, you’ll find maps of the Facilities (in English), including very detailed PDF files (that contains the majority of the Accessibility options listed in the section above, the print is small so you may wish to save it to a tablet/device with a zoom-in functionality if you cannot print them large enough). Even with a map in hand, new places can get you turned around, so if this happens, ask the staff for help to get you on your way.
- Assistance Information: https://www.bne.com.au/passenger/passenger-information/special-assistance In this link, provided by Brisbane Airport Official Website, you’ll find many links to helpful information for “Special Assistance.” This includes information for those living with disabilities that involve walking, vision, and hearing, as well as a very detailed Accessibility Journey Planner full of useful maps and information.
References
“Assistance Dogs.” Australian Government Department of Agriculture Official Website, http://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs/assistance-dogs#eligibility-criteria.
“Brisbane Airport Terminal Maps.” Brisbane Airport Official Website, https://www.bne.com.au/passenger/shop-dine-explore/terminal-maps.
“Disability Access.” Melbourne Airport Official Website, https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Passenger-information/Disability-access.
“Melbourne Airport Maps.” Melbourne Airport Official Website, https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Passenger-information/Maps.
“Special Assistance.” Brisbane Airport Official Website, https://www.bne.com.au/passenger/passenger-information/special-assistance.
“Sydney Airport Accessible Facilities and Services.” Sydney Airport Official Website, https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/info-sheet/Accessible-facilities-and-services#accessible-facilities-services-accessible-facilities-wheelchairs.
“Sydney Airport Maps.” Sydney Airport Official Website, https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/info-sheet/maps.
“Traveling with Medicines and Medical Devices.” Australian Government Department of Health Official Website, https://www.tga.gov.au/travellers-visitors.
DISCLAIMER: Always review your airports rules and restricted items prior to packing you stowed/carry-on luggage. Information is based on Internet and/or personal inquiries, outdated info/inaccuracies may occur (please post any updated information, preferably with reference). TabiFolk Accessible Travel Forum, Accessible Japan, and the author of this post are not paid by, or affiliated with, any of the airports and/or websites mentioned in this article.
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Thanks for the fantastic information!
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