🦽 Passengers with Special Needs at JFK Airport

🚗 Parking

Terminals and parking garages are divided into five areas, each specified with a different color. For your convenience, the parking lots closest to the terminal entrances have a limited number of spaces for travelers with disabilities. In fact, some travelers have noted that during peak demand times, these spaces can fill up quickly. It is recommended to arrive with extra time to find an accessible spot.

To park here, official license plates issued by a municipality or state of residence must be prominently displayed. 

Parking fees for these vehicles are equal to the lowest available rate at the airport.

🦼 Wheelchairs and Terminal Assistance

Wheelchair services, oxygen requirements, and other accommodations must be coordinated through your airline prior to your flight. Some passengers have reported prolonged wait times, so it is suggested to confirm the service several times before the flight.

In the terminals, assistance personnel (identified by red uniforms) can guide passengers and provide additional support.

🚰 Accessible Drinking Fountains and Restrooms

Accessible water fountains and adapted restrooms are available in all terminals. While signage is present, some travelers mention that it may not be visible enough in crowded areas. If you need help locating one, inquire at the information desk located on the arrivals level in any of the terminals.

🐕 Service Animal Relief Areas

All passenger terminals at Port Authority airports provide these areas to comply with the Federal Air Carrier Access Act, which requires such areas for service animals traveling with air passengers. Signs with the international symbol for pet relief designate the areas. 

Some users have suggested they could be better signposted or have more space.

🔊 Assistance for Passengers with Hearing Impairments

There are conveniently located telephones in each terminal adapted to the needs of people with hearing impairments. However, some travelers have expressed that they are not always in optimal condition or may be difficult to find.

✈️ Internal Transportation and Aircraft Access

In some cases, airside transfer vehicles (mobile lounges) are used to transport passengers between arriving/departing aircraft and the gate area. For your convenience, the airside transfer vehicles are wheelchair accessible and have reserved spaces (designated by the international accessibility symbol). Note that availability may be affected during peak times.

🚘 Accessible Car Rentals

Some car rental companies at the airport have vehicles equipped with hand controls. For additional information, contact the car rental companies directly.

🆘 Need Help?

Customer service representatives (wearing red uniforms) are available in the arrivals areas and welcome centers of all terminals to assist passengers with check-in, ground transportation, locating wheelchair providers, and other needs.

✅ Final Recommendations

• 📅 Plan Ahead: Request wheelchair assistance and check the availability of accessible parking in advance.
• 🛎️ Confirm Services: Call the airline and airport to confirm the availability of assistance on the day of your flight.
• 📍 Locate Assistance Points: Pre-identify accessible restrooms, water fountains, and service animal relief areas in your terminal.
• 📱 Carry Emergency Contacts: Save the airport and airline information numbers to resolve unexpected issues quickly.