Special Assistance FAQs
Looking for help? Please read our frequently asked questions below.
General FAQs
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All special assistance requirements should be pre-booked through your tour operator and/or airline prior to arrival at the airport.
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You’ll find all you need to know in our downloadable guide.
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Find out more about what to expect at Security Search if you are travelling with medication or equipment.
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We're always looking to improve the passenger experience. In order to do this we work closely with local charities and organisations.
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We are committed to the highest standards of customer care. If you are unhappy about any aspect of the service you receive please let us know by completing the online form. If you have had a great service, let us know by sending your compliments to the team:
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You can view all general FAQs here.
Parking & transport FAQs
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Special Assistance must be arranged in advance with your airline. More information can be found on our special assistance pages.
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- Silver Zone disabled bays are located in the Drop Off Area from row 313 to 340
- Short Stay disabled bays are located in the centre of the car park.
- Multi-Storey disabled bays are located on the ground floor.
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Yes, passengers wishing to get dropped at the terminal door can request a courtesy bus from the following locations:
Multi-Storey Car Park
- From the Coach Park using the dedicated special assistance phone. The Coach Park is located in front of the Multi-Storey Car Park.
Short Stay & Pick Up Car Park- From the bus stop located in the centre of the Short Stay & Pick Up Car Park, by calling the on-demand phone number displayed in the bus shelter.
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Yes, we have designated areas for wheelchairs. When you are ready to board the shuttle bus please use the wheelchair ramp request button fitted to the outside of the bus or present yourself to the driver who will operate the ramp and highlight the designated wheelchair parking space on board.
All our shuttle buses are fitted with wheelchair ramps and are certified to carry one wheelchair. If a wheelchair bay is already occupied, you will be required to wait for the next bus.
We also accept mobility scooters. Passengers are required to disembark the scooter whilst the bus is in motion.
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There is a dedicated drop off point in our Drop & Go Car Park, please follow signs for disabled parking. There is a Help Point with a telephone to call for assistance, alternatively you can call for assistance using your mobile - 01275 473449.
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Passengers arriving by bus or coach will be dropped off in the Coach Park, which is in front of the Multi-Storey Car Park. It is then a few minutes’ walk to the terminal.
Passengers requiring special assistance must book this in advance through their airline. A dedicated special assistance phone is located in the coach park for you to call and arrange assistance. The team will then meet you there to assist and take you to the terminal. A vehicle can also be arranged to transfer you to the terminal should you require this.
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You can view all parking FAQs here.
Facilities and services
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If you are a Blue Badge holder you can park in a disabled parking space in one of our car parks.
Blue badge holders can receive up to 40 minutes parking for a reduced fee of £6.00 in the Drop & Go car park. Simply drive up to the exit barrier and scan the barcode on the reverse of the blue badge. A help button is available on all exit barriers, with assistance available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if customers have issues on exiting the car park.
Family and friends who are dropping off customers with a Blue Badge, will still be able to use the Drop & Go car park by scanning the Blue Badge on exit at the barrier and benefiting from the 40 minutes stay duration for £6.00. If the Blue Badge holder needs to take the Blue Badge away with them on their travels, then please press the help button on the exit barrier for further assistance.
There is a dedicated drop off point in our Drop & Go Car Park. A Help Point is available to call for assistance or you can ring 01275 473449.
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The Changing Places facility at Bristol Airport is located in the Arrivals concourse.
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Our sensory room is designed specifically for passengers with disabilities such as autism, dementia or cognitive impairment, who would benefit from a safe and interactive place when in unfamiliar surroundings. Located in the Special Assistance area in the departure lounge. It is wheelchair accessible and free for customers departing from the airport, with 45-minute sessions available through our booking system.
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The Ramble Tag is available for passengers who have requested visual impairment assistance on arrival at the Airport.
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Hidden disability assistance cards and lanyards are available on request at the Special Assistance Reception desk located in the terminal concourse.
We have worked with our service provider and relevant charities to develop a hidden disabilities assistance card, in addition to the lanyard scheme. The card, which is the size of a business card, acts as a discreet sign to airport staff to identify passengers who may need additional support or assistance as they travel through the airport. The card can be handed discreetly to airport staff along with the passenger’s boarding pass or passport.
The special assistance card advises staff that a passenger may need more time to process information, help in avoiding crowded places or extra assistance in reading departure boards or flight information, for example. The card also encourages airport staff to use clear language when giving instructions. Airport staff will also be aware that passengers carrying a card may need to remain with a family member or companion at all times.
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Gate information will be displayed on our flight information display screens when it’s time to board. Customers should monitor screens regularly and ensure they are at the gate prior to the gate closure time as stipulated by the airline.
Customers can request Special Assistance via their airline if necessary to assist with the boarding process. -
Passengers arriving by bus or coach will be dropped off in the Coach Park, which is in front of the Multi-Storey Car Park. It is then a few minutes’ walk to the terminal.
Passengers requiring special assistance must book this in advance through their airline. A dedicated special assistance phone is located in the coach park for you to call and arrange assistance. The team will then meet you there to assist and take you to the terminal. A vehicle can also be arranged to transfer you to the terminal should you require this.