Accessibility
Albuquerque (ABQ) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Albuquerque International Sunport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.
Airline-provided service
Wheelchair assistance
Request a wheelchair when you make your flight reservation or call your airline before arriving at the airport. If you arrive without prior arrangements, a wheelchair may be available at the ticketing level — ask a Skycap or airline representative for assistance.
Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.
TSA Cares
Free security screening assistance
TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.
How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the ABQ security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
Passengers with disabilities or medical conditions can get help with screening questions by calling TSA Cares toll-free at 1-855-787-2227 (or the general TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673). Requests should be made at least 72 hours before travel via the TSA Cares form at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. The Sunport's checkpoint operates 4:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Security lanes
ABQ does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints. Ask any TSA agent at the checkpoint for assistance — agents are trained to help travelers with special needs and can route you around standard queue lines.
Service animal relief areas
One indoor relief area at Gate A7, plus two outdoor relief areas just outside the baggage claim level, on both the east and west ends of the terminal building. All traveling animals may use these areas, with priority given to service animals.
Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.
Quiet and sensory room
ABQ does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. The Sunport does not publicize a dedicated sensory or quiet room. Passengers who need a low-stimulation space or extra support should contact TSA Cares in advance (1-855-787-2227) or ask any airport information/Skycap desk for a quieter waiting area near their gate; the airport's ADA Coordinator, Kelly Price, can also be reached at 505-244-7867 for accessibility questions.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
The airport does not list an on-site wheelchair/scooter rental counter; wheelchairs for use inside the terminal are provided free through your airline. For accessible ground transportation (wheelchair-van rentals), contact Accessible Vans of America at 877-501-8267 — reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability.
Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.
Pro Tip
Because the Sunport's single terminal has only four compact concourses (A, B, C, E) around a central Great Hall, distances are short compared to major hubs — but still arrange wheelchair assistance with your airline ahead of time, since curbside and gate staffing can be limited outside peak hours. For any accessibility question not covered by TSA Cares, ADA Coordinator Kelly Price (505-244-7867) is the airport's direct contact.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at ABQ airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at ABQ is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.
How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from ABQ?
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the ABQ security checkpoint at no cost.
Does ABQ airport have a family security lane?
Albuquerque International Sunport does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints, but TSA officers are trained to accommodate travelers who need extra time. The Sunport's official accessibility and security pages do not advertise a dedicated family/special-assistance screening lane. Travelers who need extra time or support should tell a TSA officer at the checkpoint, or arrange a TSA Cares Passenger Support Specialist in advance (1-855-787-2227) to be escorted through screening.
Where is the service animal relief area at ABQ airport?
One indoor relief area at Gate A7, plus two outdoor relief areas just outside the baggage claim level, on both the east and west ends of the terminal building. All traveling animals may use these areas, with priority given to service animals. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: ABQ TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · ABQ security tips
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