Book special assistance at Bristol Airport by telling your airline at least 48 hours before you travel, either when you book your ticket or by contacting them directly afterwards. You can also pre-book through the free PRM Assist mobile app, which passes your request to Bristol Airport's on-site assistance provider, ABM. The service itself is free.
Who provides assistance at Bristol Airport
Under European legislation, your airline is responsible for arranging your assistance, but it is the airport's job to deliver it once you land or arrive to depart. At Bristol, that on-the-ground service is run by ABM, the airport's dedicated special assistance partner. Their team meets passengers who need help and guides them through the airport, from check-in to the gate, or from the aircraft door to arrivals.
Special assistance at Bristol is available to passengers of all ages, including children travelling with reduced mobility, temporary injuries, sensory impairments, or hidden disabilities.
How to book, step by step
- At the time of booking your flight, or at least 48 hours before travel: contact your airline directly, or via your travel agent, and request assistance. Provide as much detail as you can about what you need.
- Tell them about any mobility equipment: if you plan to bring your own wheelchair or mobility scooter, tell your airline in advance and be ready to give details of the equipment, including how to isolate its power source, since airlines need this for handling and safety checks.
- Use the PRM Assist app as a backup or extra step: search "PRM Assist" on the Apple App Store or Google Play, and use it to pre-book assistance directly with Bristol Airport's service provider, ABM. This does not replace notifying your airline, but adds a second confirmation route.
- Confirm your return journey too: if you are flying out and back, let your airline know both legs need assistance, not just the outbound flight.
What happens if you book late
Requesting assistance on the day of travel, or without the recommended 48 hours' notice, does not guarantee you will be turned away, but Bristol Airport is explicit that late requests can mean delays receiving help once you arrive. The 48-hour window exists so that ABM has the right staff numbers and equipment, such as wheelchairs or aisle chairs, ready for your specific flight.
What to expect at the airport
Once your assistance request reaches ABM through your airline, their staff will look out for you at the point you have arranged, whether that is a designated assistance point, the check-in desk, or a specific meeting area. From there, they can help with:
- Getting from the terminal entrance or drop-off through check-in and security
- Moving through to the gate at the right time for boarding
- Support during boarding and disembarkation, coordinated with your airline
- Guidance from the aircraft through to arrivals, baggage reclaim and onward transport
Bristol Airport publishes a service level agreement setting out what passengers with reduced mobility or a disability should expect from the airport and its assistance provider, covering things like maximum waiting times after you press a call point or arrive at a designated area.
Assistance and the airport lounge
If you plan to use the Escape Lounge airside, mention it to your assistance team when you arrive, since assistance facilities are available within the lounge and your escort can guide you there directly rather than leaving you to find it yourself.
Comparing your booking routes
| Method | Who to contact | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Airline at time of booking | Your airline or travel agent | Everyone; this is the primary route and is required |
| Airline after booking (48hrs+ notice) | Your airline directly | Passengers who book flights before assistance needs are known |
| PRM Assist app | Bristol Airport's service provider, ABM | An extra confirmation once your airline booking is made |
FAQs
Answered below are the questions travellers most often ask about booking special assistance at Bristol Airport.