Accessibility
Sacramento (SMF) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Sacramento 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 when booking or at check-in — service is provided free of charge by airlines and curbside skycaps. For curb-to-gate ADA assistance call 916-874-0126 one to two days before your flight; for curbside ADA assistance specifically, call 916-877-3339 for domestic airlines or 916-877-2000 for Aeromexico and Volaris.
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 SMF security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
TSA Cares helps travelers with disabilities and medical conditions prepare for the security checkpoint. Call the TSA Cares helpline at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight, or review TSA's special-procedures guidance at tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures — SMF's own accessibility page links directly to this TSA resource rather than describing airport-specific TSA Cares staffing.
Security lanes
SMF 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
Terminal A: post-security relief area on the east wing before gate A1, next to the restroom. Terminal B: post-security relief area on the east wing before gate B11, next to the restroom. Both terminals also have a pre-security relief area at curbside passenger pick-up/drop-off, and waste disposal bags are provided at all locations.
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
SMF does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. SMF does not have a dedicated sensory or quiet room. The airport instead offers the Sunflower Lanyard Program for travelers with non-visible disabilities (free and voluntary — contact 916-874-0371 or Air-SMFLostAndFound@saccounty.gov) and Aira visual interpreting service for blind or low-vision travelers. If you need a lower-stimulation space, ask airport staff or gate agents to point you to a quieter seating area near your gate.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
SMF does not operate an on-site wheelchair or scooter rental counter; wheelchairs for use within the airport are provided free by your airline (see wheelchairRequest). For a personal mobility scooter or wheelchair for your broader trip, third-party services such as Cloud of Goods offer delivery rental in the Sacramento area (roughly $12/day for a standard wheelchair), typically to a hotel or residence rather than directly to the terminal.
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
SMF splits its ADA curbside phone lines by airline group — 916-877-3339 for domestic carriers and 916-877-2000 for Aeromexico/Volaris — which is different from the general wheelchair request line (916-874-0126). Call the number that matches your airline to reach the right dispatcher faster, and request assistance at booking or at least a day or two ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at SMF airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at SMF 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 SMF?
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 SMF security checkpoint at no cost.
Does SMF airport have a family security lane?
Sacramento 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. SMF's official accessibility and security pages do not describe a dedicated family or special-assistance security lane. Ask any TSA officer at the checkpoint about slower-paced or accommodated screening, or call TSA Cares (1-855-787-2227) ahead of time to arrange assistance for a family member with a disability or medical condition.
Where is the service animal relief area at SMF airport?
Terminal A: post-security relief area on the east wing before gate A1, next to the restroom. Terminal B: post-security relief area on the east wing before gate B11, next to the restroom. Both terminals also have a pre-security relief area at curbside passenger pick-up/drop-off, and waste disposal bags are provided at all locations. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: SMF TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · SMF security tips
Know exactly when to leave for the airport
The Leave-By Time calculator folds the live SMF 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 →