Accessible boarding services and support when departing Adelaide Airport
Helping you board with comfort and confidence
If you like to take your time getting settled, or you need extra assistance, Adelaide Airport and your airline are here to make boarding as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our goal is for every traveller to feel welcome, comfortable, and supported, whether you’re travelling with a disability, a hidden disability, assistance animals, young children, or simply want a quieter start to your journey.
Across the terminal, you’ll find lifts, ramps, accessible toilets, hearing loops, and quiet spaces designed to help you move around with ease. If you’d like a discreet way to let our team know you may need extra time or help, you can wear a sunflower lanyard as part of our Hidden Disabilities program.
Planning ahead
We recommend that you contact your travel agent or airline to let them know if you may need help with moving through the airport and boarding your flight, so they can make the necessary arrangements for you. Consider arriving early which can make your journey much smoother - giving you plenty of time to check in, move through security, and settle at your gate before boarding. Our staff are here to help, and arriving early ensures we can give you the time, attention, and support you deserve.
Getting to your gate
Once you are through check-in and security, you will find flight information display screens throughout the terminal, keeping you up to date on departures, gate changes, along with audio boarding announcements. The screens also show emergency messages, providing a useful visual aid if you’re deaf or hard of hearing. In the unlikely event of an emergency, we have clear safety procedures which you can read about in this guide.
All of the gates are accessible using our wide concourses, however if you feel that you may require additional support around mobility, we recommend speaking with your travel agent or airline about arranging additional assistance to the gate.
If you’ve booked assistance, plan to be at your gate at least 45 minutes before boarding. This gives airline staff and plenty of time to get you set up — whether that’s helping you board, supporting you with mobility aids, or just making sure you’re ready when your flight is called.
Buggy service
Some airlines offer a buggy (people mover) to take you to your departure gate. If you’d like to save your energy or avoid a long walk, it’s worth asking at check-in if this service is available for your flight.
Waiting for your flight
This part of your journey should feel relaxed, not rushed. At Adelaide Airport, we’ve designed the space so you can feel comfortable and confident — whether that means browsing the shops, enjoying a coffee, or simply settling in near your gate. Everything from the layout to the services is set up so all travellers can move around with ease.
You’ll find clearly marked and reserved priority seating at every gate, right near the boarding area, here you can wait in comfort and be ready to board without the last-minute rush.
It’s simple to move between levels thanks to escalators and elevators throughout the terminal. Most of the shops and restaurants are wheelchair accessible, with wide spaces to make navigation easy and comfortable.
For travellers using hearing aids, hearing loops are installed at selected check-in counters, departure gates, and in some retail and dining areas. They help make announcements clearer, so you won’t miss any important updates.
You’ll hear boarding announcements over the PA system and see them displayed visually on screens — so you always get the information, whether you prefer to read it, hear it, or both.
Need a break from the hustle and bustle? Our quiet rooms near Gate 16 and Gate 18 (also known as prayer rooms) are open to all travellers. They’re calm, comfortable spaces where you can take a moment, breathe, and recharge before your flight.
Getting on the plane
Need a bit more time or some extra support to board? We’re here to make it easier for you.
Priority boarding / pre-boarding support
If you feel you need assistance or simply prefer a calmer start, you can request to pre-board. This gives you extra time to get settled, store your bags, and get comfortable before the rest of the passengers board. Just let the airline staff at the gate know when you arrive, and they’ll be ready to help.
Communication with staff
Our airport staff and airline crew are trained to assist travellers with accessibility needs, , simply let them know when you check in or arrive at the gate lounge. They’ll work with you to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Boarding procedures
- Wheelchair users – Airline staff can assist with an aisle wheelchair and make sure your personal wheelchair is stored safely. If you need help transferring into the aisle chair, let your airline know when booking so they can arrange the right equipment (like an Eagle Lifter).
- Assistance animals – If you’re travelling with an assistance animal, airline staff will guide you and your companion to your seat.
- Medical devices – Let staff know if you have any medical equipment or devices that need to be stored safely on board. They’ll make sure they’re handled with care.
Tips for a smoother boarding experience
1
Confirm your assistance arrangements with the airline before travel day.
2
Arrive at the gate early so staff can coordinate your boarding.
3
Keep important items, medication, documents, and devices in your carry-on.
Extra support services
Hidden Disabilities program
Discover all the ways we can support and help with hidden disabilities.
Easy English Guide
A book about some of the things we do to help people with disabilities. We can help you.
Facility dog, Elmo
Our friendly Labrador and the trained handlers provide comfort and calm to make your journey easier.
Sensory maps
Plan ahead with visual guides showing busy and quiet areas throughout the terminal.
Try Before You Fly
Experience a practice run at the airport so you feel confident on travel day.
Airline Contacts
Quick access to customer service details for all airlines at Adelaide Airport.
You may also like
