Accessibility
Houston (IAH) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at George Bush Intercontinental 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 counter; IAH's five terminals spread across a large campus require advance coordination, especially for connections that change 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 IAH security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the checkpoint in your terminal. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel and specify your terminal (A–E).
Security lanes
Family lane available
Dedicated family and special-assistance lanes at checkpoints in all five terminals; ask any TSA officer for guidance.
Service animal relief areas
Before security at all terminal curbside entrance areas; after security, service animal relief areas are in Terminal B (near gate B80) and Terminal E (near gate E10) — ask any IAH staff member for the nearest location.
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
IAH does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. Contact IAH Guest Services (281-230-3100) for quiet space availability. Interfaith chapels in Terminals A and E may serve as quiet spaces.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
Available from Guest Services in all terminals and at baggage claim.
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
IAH's underground Subway shuttle connects all five terminals, but it is not fully wheelchair-accessible at all stations. Ask your airline for a dedicated cart escort rather than navigating the Subway tunnel independently — the above-ground walkway is long but fully accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at IAH airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at IAH 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 IAH?
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 IAH security checkpoint at no cost.
Does IAH airport have a family security lane?
Yes — George Bush Intercontinental Airport has a dedicated family and special-assistance security lane. Dedicated family and special-assistance lanes at checkpoints in all five terminals; ask any TSA officer for guidance.
Where is the service animal relief area at IAH airport?
Before security at all terminal curbside entrance areas; after security, service animal relief areas are in Terminal B (near gate B80) and Terminal E (near gate E10) — ask any IAH staff member for the nearest location. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: IAH TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · IAH security tips
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