Accessibility
San Francisco (SFO) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at San Francisco 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 at booking or at your airline's check-in counter; SFO has a centralized Guest Experience team that coordinates passenger accessibility across all 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 SFO 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. SFO's checkpoints have dedicated lanes for passengers with disabilities.
Security lanes
Family lane available
Dedicated family and special-assistance lanes at checkpoints in all four terminals; look for signage or ask any TSA officer.
Service animal relief areas
Before security at all terminal entrance doors; after security, relief areas are in the International Terminal (near G gates) and in select domestic terminals — ask any SFO info desk for the nearest post-security 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
SFO does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. Contact SFO Guest Services (650-821-7014) for quiet space options; SFO has nursing and wellness rooms in several terminals that can serve as a quiet retreat.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
Available from Guest Services in the International Terminal and at baggage claim in all terminals. Call 650-821-7014 for specific terminal locations.
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
SFO's centralized guest services program means one call often covers accessibility needs across all terminals. For international connections, the International Terminal is linked to domestic terminals airside — your wheelchair escort can guide you through without leaving security.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at SFO airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at SFO 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 SFO?
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 SFO security checkpoint at no cost.
Does SFO airport have a family security lane?
Yes — San Francisco International Airport has a dedicated family and special-assistance security lane. Dedicated family and special-assistance lanes at checkpoints in all four terminals; look for signage or ask any TSA officer.
Where is the service animal relief area at SFO airport?
Before security at all terminal entrance doors; after security, relief areas are in the International Terminal (near G gates) and in select domestic terminals — ask any SFO info desk for the nearest post-security location. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: SFO TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · SFO security tips
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