Accessibility
Buffalo (BUF) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Buffalo Niagara 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
Pre-arrange through your airline at booking, call the airport's dedicated wheelchair line at 716-633-3726, or ask for assistance upon arrival at the airline ticket counter.
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 BUF security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
TSA Cares covers assistance only through the security screening checkpoint — for curb-to-gate or in-flight help, contact your airline directly. BUF has trained Passenger Support Specialists on-site; request one at least 72 hours before travel by calling 1-855-787-2227, emailing TSA-contactcenter@dhs.gov, or completing TSA's online request form.
Security lanes
Family lane available
A separate lane at the Upper Level security checkpoint accommodates travelers needing extra assistance and families traveling with small children.
Service animal relief areas
Pre-security: outside the Lower Level (arrivals/baggage claim) doors — exit right, and the relief area is posted to the right. Post-security: indoors on the Departures (upper) level between Gates 11 and 14.
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
BUF does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. BUF does not have a dedicated sensory room. It does have a Reflection Room (opened August 2024), centrally located in the concourse post-security, intended for quiet reflection, meditation, or prayer rather than sensory/neurodivergent-specific accommodation. Separately, the airport offers pre-trip acclimation walk-throughs for autistic travelers — arrange one by calling Customer Service at 716-630-6072 or completing the airport's request form.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
There is no independent on-site wheelchair-rental counter. Wheelchair assistance is provided free through your airline — pre-arrange at booking or via the airport line (716-633-3726). Post-security, electric carts with drivers are available to transport passengers to gates; request one through your airline ticket agent at check-in.
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
BUF is a small, single-terminal airport, so waits are generally short, but electric carts meet passengers just past the security checkpoint rather than at curbside — confirm the request with your airline at check-in. The airport is also an Aira Access Partner (free live visual-interpreter app for blind/low-vision travelers while on site) and participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program — pick up a free lanyard or wristband at the Ambassador Information Desk near baggage claim.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at BUF airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at BUF 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 BUF?
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 BUF security checkpoint at no cost.
Does BUF airport have a family security lane?
Yes — Buffalo Niagara International Airport has a dedicated family and special-assistance security lane. A separate lane at the Upper Level security checkpoint accommodates travelers needing extra assistance and families traveling with small children.
Where is the service animal relief area at BUF airport?
Pre-security: outside the Lower Level (arrivals/baggage claim) doors — exit right, and the relief area is posted to the right. Post-security: indoors on the Departures (upper) level between Gates 11 and 14. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: BUF TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · BUF security tips
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