Special assistance at Bristol Airport is arranged mainly through your airline when you book your flight, ideally at least 48 hours before departure, and can also be pre-registered directly with the airport using the PRM Assist mobile app. On the day, dedicated assistance points inside the terminal and at the Drop and Go car park connect you to a member of the assistance team, usually within 5 to 10 minutes of checking in. Checked 2026.
How to book
The main route is through your airline: tell them when you book, or contact them at least 48 hours ahead of travel, that you need help, a wheelchair, or support boarding. Give as much detail as you can about your needs, including whether you're bringing your own mobility aid such as a wheelchair or scooter, since that changes how you're met at the gate on arrival.
As a second option, Bristol Airport lets passengers pre-register their assistance request directly with the airport itself through the PRM Assist mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. This request is passed to the airport's assistance service provider, so it works alongside, not instead of, telling your airline.
What happens at the airport
You don't have to request help the moment you arrive. You can choose at what point in the terminal you'd like to be met, whether that's at the entrance, at check-in, or once you've reached security. Complimentary wheelchairs are positioned around the terminal building, including near the assistance desks in the check-in hall and the departure lounge, for anyone who needs one while waiting.
If you're being dropped off, the assistance point for passengers using the Drop and Go car park is under the covered walkway next to the smart trolleys, close to the terminal entrance. Check the drop-off page for the layout before you arrive. Once you've checked in for assistance, a team member from the airport's assistance provider typically reaches you within 5 to 10 minutes if you've pre-booked.
Hidden and non-visible disabilities
Bristol Airport also runs a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme alongside its main assistance booking process, aimed at conditions that aren't immediately visible, such as autism, chronic pain or anxiety. Wearing the lanyard is a discreet way to let airport staff know you might need a little more time or support, without having to explain your condition at every point in the terminal. The airport has also developed its own hidden disabilities assistance card with local charities and service providers, which works alongside the lanyard. For anyone who finds the terminal environment overwhelming, there's a free sensory room in the Special Assistance area of the departure lounge, designed for conditions such as autism, dementia or cognitive impairment, and it's wheelchair accessible for departing passengers.
Getting to the airport with an assistance need
If you're travelling by taxi, wheelchair accessible vehicles are available to pre-book, which is worth arranging alongside your airline assistance request rather than on the day. If a companion is dropping you off, the Drop and Go car park sits closest to the terminal and to the assistance meeting point, which is usually more convenient than the main parking areas if mobility is a concern.
Which route to choose
Book through your airline first, since that's the request that follows you onto the aircraft and determines how you're met at the gate. Add the PRM Assist app pre-registration as a backup so the airport's own team also has your details on file. For anyone driving a passenger in, the Drop and Go car park and its dedicated assistance point is the most practical way in, rather than walking from a long-stay car park.
FAQs
How far in advance should I book special assistance?
At least 48 hours before your flight is the standard recommendation, given directly to your airline when you book or by contacting them ahead of travel.
Is special assistance free?
Yes. Airlines and airports are required to provide it at no extra charge to the passenger; it's arranged through your airline booking rather than paid for separately.
Can I bring my own wheelchair or mobility scooter?
Yes, tell your airline in advance if you're bringing your own mobility aid, since this affects how it's handled at check-in and how you're met at the gate.
Do I have to check in for assistance as soon as I arrive?
No. You can choose the point in the terminal where you'd like to be met, whether that's on arrival, at check-in, or at security.
Where do I go if I'm being dropped off by car?
Use the Drop and Go car park; the assistance point is under the covered walkway next to the smart trolleys, close to the terminal entrance.
For getting to the terminal itself, compare taxi options or check drop-off and parking details before you travel.
How far in advance should I book special assistance?
At least 48 hours before your flight is the standard recommendation, given directly to your airline when you book or by contacting them ahead of travel.
Is special assistance free?
Yes. Airlines and airports are required to provide it at no extra charge to the passenger; it's arranged through your airline booking rather than paid for separately.
Can I bring my own wheelchair or mobility scooter?
Yes, tell your airline in advance if you're bringing your own mobility aid, since this affects how it's handled at check-in and how you're met at the gate.
Do I have to check in for assistance as soon as I arrive?
No. You can choose the point in the terminal where you'd like to be met, whether that's on arrival, at check-in, or at security.
Where do I go if I'm being dropped off by car?
Use the Drop and Go car park; the assistance point is under the covered walkway next to the smart trolleys, close to the terminal entrance.
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Updated 14 August 2026 by the Bristol Airport Guide team. Bristol Airport Guide is an independent guide, not affiliated with Bristol Airport. Confirm details with the official airport or operator before you travel.