Book special assistance at Bristol Airport through your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before you fly, or via the free PRM Assist app. On the day, head to the Passenger Assistance desk opposite check-in desk 32, where the airport's service partner, ABM, takes over for the rest of your journey through the terminal. Checked 2026.
How to book
Assistance at UK airports is arranged through your airline, not the airport itself, because under EU/UK regulation 1107/2006 your airline is responsible for booking help while Bristol Airport provides it once you're in the building. Contact your airline or travel agent when you book your flight, or at least 48 hours before departure, and tell them if you're bringing your own wheelchair or mobility scooter, including how to isolate its power, since this needs to be arranged in advance too.
If you'd rather book directly with the airport's team, download the free PRM Assist app (search "PRM Assist" on the Apple App Store or Google Play) and submit your request there. It's passed straight to ABM, Bristol Airport's special assistance provider.
Booking late, or turning up without having arranged anything, doesn't mean you're turned away, but you may face delays getting help while the team fits you in around passengers who booked ahead. Around 15,000 passengers with reduced mobility use Bristol Airport every month, so advance notice genuinely helps the team have the right equipment ready.
Parking and drop-off
Blue Badge holders get a reduced fee of £8.50 for up to 40 minutes in the Drop Off & Pick Up Car Park: drive up to the exit barrier and scan the badge's barcode. Family or friends dropping off a Blue Badge holder can use the same 40-minute, £8.50 rate even if the badge holder takes the badge away with them; press the help button at the barrier if you need the reduced rate applied without the physical badge present.
Blue Badge and special assistance bays are marked in the car parks, positioned closer to the terminal or beside the reception building in Silver Zone. Every shuttle bus has a wheelchair ramp, certified for one wheelchair per bus, with a ramp request button on the outside of the vehicle. A dedicated Assistance point sits next to the Transport Interchange entrance in the Drop Off & Pick Up Car Park; use it to let the Assisted Travel team know you've arrived.
Help points on the car park exit barriers are staffed 24 hours a day if you run into trouble on your way out.
At the terminal: check-in through to your gate
Once inside, the Passenger Assistance desk opposite check-in desk 32 is your first stop, staffed by ABM. If it's ever unmanned there's a phone with a number to call. Staff can help with check-in and bag drop if you need it.
Security has a dedicated assistance lane, Lane 1, staffed by trained personnel. If you've booked ahead and checked in at the Passenger Assistance desk, an ABM team member walks you through security. Travelling with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or walking frame is fine; it goes through the same screening as any item. If you use a powered wheelchair or scooter, tell your airline in advance about isolating the power, and know how to switch it off yourself, since this helps staff stow it safely for the flight.
If you're travelling independently and prefer a quieter route after the assistance security lane, follow the sunflower route signage up to the mezzanine level, which bypasses the Duty Free shop, or ask an ABM team member to guide you to the departure lounge reception area directly.
After security, ABM staff take you to the Special Assistance reception area on the first floor, to the right as you exit World Duty Free, ahead of boarding.
Changing Places
Bristol Airport has a Changing Places facility, with extra space and equipment beyond a standard accessible toilet, located in the arrivals concourse.
Hidden disabilities
Bristol Airport also has provision for hidden disabilities, including a sunflower lanyard scheme, so staff can offer support discreetly to passengers whose needs aren't visible. Ask at the Passenger Assistance desk or mention it when you book assistance with your airline.
Getting to the airport
If someone with a Blue Badge is being collected rather than dropped off, the same reduced Drop Off & Pick Up rate applies on arrival. For a door-to-door taxi that can accommodate mobility equipment, check with your chosen operator when booking; our approved local partner, Tick Taxi, can be asked about accessible vehicles when you book your fare, covered on the taxis page.
FAQs
How far in advance should I book special assistance at Bristol Airport?
At least 48 hours before you travel, through your airline, travel agent, or the PRM Assist app. Booking late can mean delays getting help on the day.
Where is the special assistance desk at Bristol Airport?
The Passenger Assistance desk is opposite check-in desk 32 in the terminal, staffed by the airport's service provider, ABM.
Do Blue Badge holders get reduced parking at Bristol Airport?
Yes. Up to 40 minutes in the Drop Off & Pick Up Car Park for a reduced fee of £8.50, on scanning the badge barcode at the exit barrier.
Is there a dedicated security lane for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes, Lane 1, staffed by trained personnel, with an ABM team member accompanying you through if you've booked and checked in at the Passenger Assistance desk.
Can I bring my own wheelchair or mobility scooter through Bristol Airport?
Yes. It's screened like any other item. Tell your airline in advance if it's powered, including how to isolate the battery, and know how to switch it off yourself before you reach the aircraft.
Is there a Changing Places toilet at Bristol Airport?
Yes, located in the arrivals concourse.