Accessibility
Norfolk (ORF) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Norfolk 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 check-in counter — airlines provide it free of charge. Curbside skycap and wheelchair help is also available at ticket counters and baggage claim via Huntleigh USA; call 757-435-4199 to arrange or confirm ahead of your trip.
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 ORF security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
TSA Cares Passenger Support Specialists can meet you at the checkpoint and walk you through screening. Call 855-787-2227 (or 711 federal relay) at least 72 hours before your flight — weekdays 8am-11pm ET, weekends/holidays 9am-8pm ET.
Security lanes
ORF 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
Grassy relief areas outside the terminal at Departures near Doors A (gated), C, and D, and at Arrivals near Doors 0 and 5, plus one near the Daily East Parking Lot pedestrian walkway. The Concourse A expansion also added an indoor pet relief area after security.
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
ORF does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. ORF has no dedicated sensory or quiet room. The airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program instead — pick up a free Sunflower lanyard, pin, or bracelet at the Information Center in the main lobby (daily 9am-9pm) as a discreet signal to staff that you may need extra help or time; ORF staff and TSA officers are trained to recognize it.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
The airport does not run its own wheelchair/scooter rental counter — getting through the terminal is handled free via your airline or Huntleigh USA (757-435-4199). For a personal mobility device for your whole visit, local companies such as Scootaround (1-888-441-7575) and Hudson's Wheelchair Rentals (757-675-1791) deliver manual wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters to addresses around Norfolk.
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
ORF is a compact, single-terminal airport, so walking distances are short, but still book airline wheelchair assistance at reservation time — same-day requests can be delayed during peak banks. If you have a non-visible disability, grab a free Sunflower lanyard at the Information Center before you head to security.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at ORF airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at ORF 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 ORF?
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 ORF security checkpoint at no cost.
Does ORF airport have a family security lane?
Norfolk 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. ORF does not have a separately marked family/special-assistance security lane. TSA Cares Passenger Support Specialists can instead accompany travelers with disabilities or medical conditions through the standard checkpoint lanes at Concourse A or Concourse B when arranged in advance.
Where is the service animal relief area at ORF airport?
Grassy relief areas outside the terminal at Departures near Doors A (gated), C, and D, and at Arrivals near Doors 0 and 5, plus one near the Daily East Parking Lot pedestrian walkway. The Concourse A expansion also added an indoor pet relief area after security. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: ORF TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · ORF security tips
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