Accessibility

These pages provide information and resources for passengers with disabilities who are traveling at SFO. Travelers with accessibility needs are encouraged to make arrangements with their airline.

Accessibility Services at SFO

Wheelchair and Guided Assistance

Passengers can reserve wheelchair assistance in advance by contacting their airline or requesting it online via the airline’s website. View contact information for Airlines at SFO.

Airlines are mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities as they navigate through various parts of the airport, including:

• Assisting passengers from the terminal entrance (or vehicle drop-off point) to the departure gate, including passing through the security checkpoint and boarding the aircraft to their seat.
• Assisting passengers from their arriving flight's seat through the airport to the gate of their connecting flight (if applicable).
• Assisting passengers from the gate of their connecting flight to their seat on the aircraft.
• Assisting passengers from their arriving flight's seat through the airport to the baggage claim area, terminal entrance, or vehicle pick-up location.

Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance are encouraged to notify their airline of their needs when arranging their flight. Upon arrival at the airport, travelers with wheelchair or other special service requests should approach an airline representative at their airline's ticketing counter for assistance. At Domestic Terminals 1, 2, and 3, skycaps and/or airline staff are available at curbside and check-in areas. At the International Terminal, passengers should proceed to their airline's assigned counter or use specially marked phones at all terminal entry doors to dial 1-800-I-FLY-SFO or 1-800-435-9736.

Due to the narrow walkways throughout the airport, motorized carts are not available to transport passengers through the airport terminals.

Service Animals

Under the ADA and Air Carrier Access Act, a service animal is a dog trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. At SFO, service animals are permitted full access throughout the airport, including restrooms, shops and restaurants, gate areas, escalators, elevators, and AirTrain.

SFO provides Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) in indoor and outdoor locations throughout the terminals. These spaces operate 24 hours a day and include water stations, waste disposal supplies, and accessible paths. 

All animals traveling through SFO, including service animals, must have valid health certificates as required by airline and federal regulations. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation page for details.

Traveling with Pets & Service Animals

TSA Cares

TSA Caresis a dedicated helpline that provides information on screening procedures pertaining to those with disabilities, medical conditions, and other circumstances. TSA Cares also coordinates assistance through checkpoint screening depending on the Airport's resources. If you believe you would benefit from this service, please call TSA Cares at least 72-hours in advance of travel. TSA will collect your travel dates, flight information, and the type of assistance needed, and forward the information to SFO. TSA Cares can assist departing passengers and assistance is provided through the TSA checkpoints only.

Passengers may contact TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, or between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (ET) on weekends and holidays. Passengers may also use the TSA Cares form provided online.

TSA Cares Online Form

Sensory Room

The Sensory Room is a quiet, calming space designed for neurodivergent travelers. The space includes comfortable furnishings and interactive activity areas to help reduce preflight anxiety. Located in Harvey Milk Terminal 1. Located in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, post-security, near Gate C2.

Sensory Room Details

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

SFO participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program. Wearing the lanyard allows travelers to discreetly signal that they may need extra time, patience, or assistance. Lanyards are free and available at any Information Desk.

Sunflower Program Details

Statement of Web Accessibility

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) wants everyone to be able to use this website easily. We follow rules for accessibility (WCAG 2.1, Level AA) and San Francisco Language Access Ordinance. If something on this website is not working or does not work for you, please email SFO’s Webmaster ([email protected]). Please include: The webpage or URL, a description of the problem, and any additional information like the type of device (desktop, mobile phone, tablet, etc.), browser and version, time and date, etc.

Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights

To learn more about your rights as an air passenger traveling with a disability, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights" page.