Accessibility
Anchorage (ANC) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport 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 wheelchair assistance from your airline at booking or at the ticket counter; airlines and contracted private companies provide wheelchair service curbside, at check-in, and at the gate in both the South and North Terminals.
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 ANC security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight, or submit a request at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares, and a Passenger Support Specialist can meet you at the checkpoint to guide you through screening.
Security lanes
ANC 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
South Terminal: indoor relief area before Gate B1 in the B Gates section, plus outdoor areas near Baggage Claim 1 (Door 1 courtyard/commercial curb) and Baggage Claim 8. North Terminal: outdoor area across from Door 4, plus an indoor area behind security near Gate N8.
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
ANC does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. ANC does not have a confirmed dedicated sensory/quiet room. Request TSA Cares assistance in advance for a calmer screening experience, or ask airport staff about quieter spots such as the observation area near Gate C1.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
There is no airport-operated wheelchair rental counter; wheelchairs for use within the airport are provided free through your airline. For longer-term or off-airport mobility equipment, local vendors such as Alaska Mobility and Cloud of Goods deliver wheelchairs and scooters within the Anchorage area.
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
ANC's two terminals (South and North) are a 5–10 minute walk or free shuttle ride apart with no airside connection — if you need mobility assistance and are connecting between terminals, tell your airline in advance so an escort or wheelchair can be arranged for the terminal-to-terminal transfer, not just within one terminal.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at ANC airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at ANC 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 ANC?
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 ANC security checkpoint at no cost.
Does ANC airport have a family security lane?
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints, but TSA officers are trained to accommodate travelers who need extra time. No dedicated family/special-assistance security lane is confirmed at ANC's South or North Terminal checkpoints. Ask any TSA officer at the checkpoint and they will direct you to the lane best suited to your needs, or arrange TSA Cares assistance in advance for a guided screening.
Where is the service animal relief area at ANC airport?
South Terminal: indoor relief area before Gate B1 in the B Gates section, plus outdoor areas near Baggage Claim 1 (Door 1 courtyard/commercial curb) and Baggage Claim 8. North Terminal: outdoor area across from Door 4, plus an indoor area behind security near Gate N8. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: ANC TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · ANC security tips
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