Accessibility

Orange County (SNA) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services

Wheelchair assistance at John Wayne 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

Contact your airline in advance or visit the airline's ticket counter on the day of travel to request wheelchair assistance at no charge; travelers using battery-powered wheelchairs should arrange transport of the device with their airline ahead of time.

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 SNA security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.

Call the TSA Cares helpline at 1-855-787-2227 (Mon–Fri 5am–8pm PT, weekends/holidays 6am–5pm PT) about 72 hours before travel; TSA Cares can coordinate checkpoint support with a Customer Service Manager at John Wayne Airport when needed.

Security lanes

Family lane available

A dedicated Family Lane operates at the Terminal B TSA checkpoint under TSA's 'Families on the Fly' program, launched July 21, 2025 — the only lane of its kind in Southern California. It speeds screening for travelers with strollers, car seats, formula, and snacks and does not require TSA PreCheck. Terminals A and C do not have their own family lane; ask any TSA officer there for extra assistance.

Service animal relief areas

Three designated relief areas: outside Terminal A (lower level) before security, outside Terminal C (lower level) before security, and post-security near Gates 12 and 13.

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

SNA does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. SNA has no dedicated sensory or quiet room. The airport's Helping Hands program (for hidden disabilities such as autism) provides personalized Customer Relations support through arrival, check-in, security, and boarding, plus optional pre-travel terminal tours and a yellow identification bracelet — request at least 72 hours ahead by calling 949-852-4000 or via the online request form. The Terminal B Nursing Mother's Lounge and family restroom can double as a quieter space if you need one.

Wheelchair and mobility device rentals

The airport does not rent wheelchairs or scooters itself — free wheelchair assistance is provided terminal-wide through your airline at no charge. For a personal mobility device for your whole visit, third-party delivery services such as Cloud of Goods and A Scooter 4 U serve John Wayne Airport.

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

Terminal B has both the region's only TSA family security lane and SNA's CLEAR lane (6am–5pm) — if you're traveling with young kids or want the fastest screening, it's worth entering through Terminal B even if your flight departs from A or C, since all three terminals connect after security.

Frequently asked questions

Is wheelchair assistance free at SNA airport?

Yes — wheelchair assistance at SNA 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 SNA?

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 SNA security checkpoint at no cost.

Does SNA airport have a family security lane?

Yes — John Wayne Airport has a dedicated family and special-assistance security lane. A dedicated Family Lane operates at the Terminal B TSA checkpoint under TSA's 'Families on the Fly' program, launched July 21, 2025 — the only lane of its kind in Southern California. It speeds screening for travelers with strollers, car seats, formula, and snacks and does not require TSA PreCheck. Terminals A and C do not have their own family lane; ask any TSA officer there for extra assistance.

Where is the service animal relief area at SNA airport?

Three designated relief areas: outside Terminal A (lower level) before security, outside Terminal C (lower level) before security, and post-security near Gates 12 and 13. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.

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