Accessibility
Richmond (RIC) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Richmond 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 or luggage assistance at your airline's ticket counter upon arrival. Airport-provided wheelchairs are also available for independent passenger use without a skycap escort; call 804-226-3041 for other wheelchair inquiries.
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 RIC security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight to arrange checkpoint assistance, or email TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov. A Passenger Support Specialist can meet you at either the Concourse A or Concourse B checkpoint.
Security lanes
RIC 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: a grassy relief area in the plaza between the North and South parking garages. After security: Concourse A near gate A5 and Concourse B near gate B1. Waste bags and trash receptacles are provided; call 804-226-0001 to request training pads or diapers if construction has temporarily affected access.
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
RIC does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. RIC does not have a dedicated sensory or quiet room. Travelers with sensory sensitivities can pick up a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard at the Visitor Information Center, the American/Delta/Southwest ticket counters, the Atrium Applebee's, or the Valet Parking office (lower level) to discreetly signal a need for extra patience, or call TSA Cares in advance to arrange a calmer screening experience.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
Airport wheelchairs are available for independent passenger use at no charge; request one at your airline's ticket counter or call 804-226-3041. The complimentary EasyPark shuttle fleet serving the Economy lots is fully wheelchair-accessible, with drivers trained to assist customers with mobility, visual, or hearing disabilities (Parking Services: 804-236-4030).
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
RIC's two checkpoints (Concourse A and Concourse B) both open into the same shared secure area, so if you need extra time or a shorter line for screening, use whichever checkpoint matches your airline's side of the terminal — you won't need to backtrack to reach your actual gate afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at RIC airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at RIC 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 RIC?
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 RIC security checkpoint at no cost.
Does RIC airport have a family security lane?
Richmond 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. RIC does not advertise a dedicated family/special-assistance security lane. Tell any TSA officer at either the Concourse A or Concourse B checkpoint that you need extra time or assistance and they will accommodate you. Family restrooms are located near upper-level ticketing, in the baggage claim area, and in each concourse.
Where is the service animal relief area at RIC airport?
Before security: a grassy relief area in the plaza between the North and South parking garages. After security: Concourse A near gate A5 and Concourse B near gate B1. Waste bags and trash receptacles are provided; call 804-226-0001 to request training pads or diapers if construction has temporarily affected access. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: RIC TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · RIC security tips
Know exactly when to leave for the airport
The Leave-By Time calculator folds the live RIC TSA wait, real-time drive time from your door, and gate-walk distance into one exact time to leave home — no guesswork.
Calculate my Leave-By Time →