Accessibility
Columbus (CMH) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at John Glenn Columbus 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 directly through your airline at booking or at least 48 hours before travel; two contracted providers, Huntleigh USA and PrimeFlight Aviation Services, deliver wheelchair and skycap service curbside and through the terminal at CMH.
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 CMH security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 up to 72 hours before your flight (or submit a request online) to arrange a Passenger Support Specialist to meet you at your checkpoint and guide you through screening.
Security lanes
CMH 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
A landscaped pet/service-animal relief area is just outside the southernmost door of the baggage claim area (pre-security). Past security, ask your airline's gate agent to be directed to the nearest relief option before boarding.
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
CMH does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. CMH does not yet have a dedicated sensory room; the interfaith meditation room on the arrivals level near baggage carousel 6 is the closest quiet space today. A dedicated sensory room is planned as part of the CMH NEXT new-terminal project. Travelers who want extra support can request the airport's Journey Care Kit (sunflower lanyard) at least 45 days in advance by emailing airport customer service.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
CMH does not advertise a self-service wheelchair/scooter rental kiosk; wheelchairs are provided free through your airline (arrange at booking or the ticket counter), and all parking shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair/scooter lifts.
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 each of CMH's three concourses (A, B, C) has its own separate security checkpoint that is not connected airside, travelers using mobility assistance should build in extra time if a connection requires moving between concourses — you'll need to exit and re-clear a different checkpoint rather than walking directly over.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at CMH airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at CMH 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 CMH?
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 CMH security checkpoint at no cost.
Does CMH airport have a family security lane?
John Glenn Columbus 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. CMH was named as one of 13 airports slated to receive a TSA "Families on the Fly" expedited lane for parents traveling with children 12 and under, but as of mid-2026 the lane had not yet been installed and no opening date has been announced. Until it opens, ask any TSA officer at your checkpoint (Concourse A, B, or C) for family screening accommodations.
Where is the service animal relief area at CMH airport?
A landscaped pet/service-animal relief area is just outside the southernmost door of the baggage claim area (pre-security). Past security, ask your airline's gate agent to be directed to the nearest relief option before boarding. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: CMH TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · CMH security tips
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