Accessibility
Washington (DCA) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Ronald Reagan Washington National 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 at booking or at your airline's check-in counter; DCA's three terminal areas are compact and relatively easy to navigate with a wheelchair escort.
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 DCA security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the checkpoint. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. DCA's post-security connecting walkways link all terminal areas, so one specialist can cover your full route.
Security lanes
DCA 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
Before security at curbside areas in all terminal sections; after security, service animal relief areas are near the end of Concourse B and in National Hall — ask any DCA staff member.
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
DCA does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. Contact DCA Guest Services (703-417-8560) for quiet space availability. Reagan National has an interfaith chapel in the main terminal.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
Available from Guest Services at baggage claim in all terminal areas.
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
DCA sits adjacent to the Metro's Yellow and Blue lines — if you arrive by Metro with mobility needs, the airport rail platform has elevator access that connects directly to the terminal. You can request a wheelchair escort from the station elevator level to your gate by notifying your airline in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at DCA airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at DCA 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 DCA?
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 DCA security checkpoint at no cost.
Does DCA airport have a family security lane?
Ronald Reagan Washington National 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. Ask any TSA officer at the checkpoint for assistance; DCA agents can quickly route travelers needing extra time through any lane.
Where is the service animal relief area at DCA airport?
Before security at curbside areas in all terminal sections; after security, service animal relief areas are near the end of Concourse B and in National Hall — ask any DCA staff member. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: DCA TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · DCA security tips
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