© 2026 GDL Airport · Guadalajara
Accessibility & Special Needs Services
Guadalajara International Airport is committed to providing a comfortable, dignified travel experience for every passenger. Discover our full range of accessibility services, facilities, and support programs.
Planning Your Accessible Journey Through GDL
A comprehensive guide from booking to boarding for passengers with disabilities
Step 1: Request Assistance When Booking Your Flight
The most important step in ensuring a smooth accessible travel experience through Guadalajara Airport is to request special assistance at the time you book your flight. All airlines serving GDL are required by Mexican aviation law to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities at no additional charge. When booking online, look for the "Special Assistance" or "Accessibility Services" section during checkout. You'll be asked to specify the type of assistance you need, such as wheelchair service, visual or hearing impairment support, or assistance for passengers with cognitive disabilities.
If you book through a travel agent or by phone, clearly communicate your needs to the booking agent. Be specific about the level of mobility assistance required: Can you walk short distances but need a wheelchair for longer distances? Do you need assistance from check-in all the way to your seat on the aircraft? Do you travel with your own wheelchair or mobility device? The more detailed information you provide, the better the airline can prepare for your arrival.
Airlines recommend requesting assistance at least 48 hours before your flight, though many can accommodate same-day requests if you call ahead. For international flights or complex itineraries with connections, giving 72 hours notice is ideal. Keep a record of your assistance request confirmation number and the name of the person you spoke with, as you may need to reference this information at the airport.
Step 2: Know Who to Contact and When
Your primary point of contact for accessibility services is always your airline, not the airport directly. Each airline has its own accessibility services team that coordinates with GDL Airport's accessibility staff. For Aeroméxico, call their Special Assistance line at +52 (55) 5133-4000. Volaris passengers should contact customer service at +52 (55) 1102-8000. International carriers like United, American, and Delta have dedicated accessibility departments in the United States that can be reached through their main customer service numbers.
If you encounter any issues upon arrival at GDL Airport, look for the Information Desk (Módulo de Información) in the arrivals or departures hall. Staff members are trained to coordinate with airline representatives and can help resolve accessibility service problems. The airport also has a dedicated Accessibility Coordinator who can be reached through the main airport information line at +52 (33) 3688-5248. This number is available 24/7 for urgent accessibility concerns.
For passengers with hearing impairments, GDL Airport offers TTY/TDD services and video relay interpretation upon request. Visual paging systems are installed throughout both terminals to supplement audio announcements. If you need these services, mention this when requesting assistance from your airline so they can coordinate with airport staff in advance.
Step 3: What to Request from Your Airline
Airlines use standardized codes to categorize accessibility assistance requests. Understanding these codes helps ensure you receive the appropriate level of service. WCHR (Wheelchair - Ramp) is for passengers who can walk short distances and climb stairs but need a wheelchair for longer distances in the terminal. WCHS (Wheelchair - Steps) is for passengers who can walk short distances but cannot climb stairs and need a wheelchair plus boarding assistance. WCHC (Wheelchair - Cabin Seat) is for passengers who are completely immobile and need a wheelchair from check-in to their aircraft seat, plus an aisle chair for boarding.
Beyond mobility assistance, you can request other accommodations: pre-boarding (allowing extra time to board before general passengers), assistance with carry-on luggage stowage, safety briefings in alternative formats (Braille, large print, verbal), seating accommodations (aisle seat for easier transfers, bulkhead seat for extra legroom), and permission to travel with service animals. If you use a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility scooter, inform the airline about the battery type (lithium-ion batteries have specific restrictions) and dimensions for proper cargo handling.
For passengers traveling with their own wheelchairs or mobility devices, Mexican regulations require airlines to transport these items free of charge in addition to your regular baggage allowance. Your wheelchair will be tagged and stored in the aircraft hold, and it should be returned to you at the aircraft door upon arrival (for manual wheelchairs) or at baggage claim (for power wheelchairs). Always arrive early to allow time for proper documentation and handling of your mobility device.
Step 4: Your Rights Under Mexican Aviation Law
Mexican aviation regulations, specifically NOM-155-SCFI-2012, guarantee specific rights for passengers with disabilities traveling through airports like GDL. Airlines cannot refuse to transport you based solely on your disability, cannot charge extra fees for accessibility services or mobility device transport, must provide assistance from check-in through boarding and from deplaning through baggage claim, and must allow service animals to accompany you in the cabin at no charge. These rights apply to all airlines operating in Mexico, including foreign carriers.
GDL Airport is required by law to maintain accessible facilities including wheelchair-accessible restrooms on every level of both terminals, elevators and ramps as alternatives to stairs, tactile paving and guidance systems for visually impaired passengers, accessible parking spaces close to terminal entrances, and priority security screening lanes. If you find that any of these facilities are not functioning properly or are inaccessible, report the issue immediately to airport staff or your airline representative.
In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, passengers with disabilities are entitled to the same compensation and assistance as all passengers, plus continued accessibility support. If you need to be rebooked on another flight, the airline must ensure that your accessibility assistance request is transferred to the new flight. If an overnight stay is required, the airline must provide accessible hotel accommodations and transportation.
If you experience discrimination or inadequate accessibility services at GDL Airport, you have the right to file a complaint with PROFECO (Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor), Mexico's consumer protection agency, or with the airline's customer relations department. Document the incident with photos, names of staff involved, and witness statements if possible. Most issues can be resolved immediately by speaking with a supervisor, but knowing your rights ensures you receive the service you're legally entitled to.
Accessible Facilities
GDL Airport is fully equipped with accessible infrastructure across both Terminal A and Terminal B to support all passengers.
Accessible Parking
Designated spaces in all lots, closest to terminal entrances
Elevators
12 elevators across both terminals, all with Braille buttons
Automatic Doors
All terminal entrances and exits feature automatic sliding doors
Accessible Restrooms
Spacious accessible restrooms on every floor of both terminals
Accessible Dining
All restaurants have accessible seating and menus in large print
Accessible Retail
Wide aisles and lowered counters in all duty-free and retail shops
TTY Phones
Text telephones available at all information desks
Quiet Rooms
Sensory-friendly quiet spaces near Gates 12 (T-A) and 7 (T-B)
Accessibility Services
From mobility assistance to sensory support, GDL Airport provides comprehensive services to ensure every traveler moves through the airport with ease and dignity.
Wheelchair Assistance
Complimentary wheelchair service available throughout both terminals, from curbside drop-off to your gate and beyond.
Hearing Loop & Audio Assistance
Induction hearing loops installed at key service points across both terminals for passengers with hearing aids.
Visual Impairment Support
Dedicated assistance and tactile guidance systems for blind and visually impaired travelers throughout GDL Airport.
Cognitive & Sensory Support
Quiet rooms and sensory-friendly spaces for passengers with autism, anxiety, or cognitive disabilities.
Family & Elderly Assistance
Dedicated support for families traveling with young children and elderly passengers requiring extra care.
Medical & Health Services
On-site medical facilities and trained first-responders available around the clock at GDL Airport.
Tips for Accessible Travel
Planning ahead makes all the difference. Here are our top recommendations to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey through GDL Airport.
Request Assistance Early
Contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure to pre-arrange wheelchair, hearing, or visual assistance. Walk-in requests are honored but may have wait times.
Wear a Sunflower Lanyard
Pick up a free Sunflower Lanyard at any information desk. All GDL staff are trained to recognize it as a signal for hidden disabilities and will offer discreet support.
Arrive Extra Early
We recommend arriving at least 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow ample time for assistance services.
Visit the Accessibility Desk
Dedicated accessibility desks are located at the main entrance of both Terminal A and Terminal B. Staff can coordinate all services from a single point.
Sunflower Lanyard
Free at any information desk — signals hidden disabilities to all staff
Need Additional Help?
Our dedicated accessibility team is available around the clock to assist you before, during, and after your journey.
Call Us
+52 33 3688-5248
Accessibility Desk — Ext. 200
Email Us
accessibility@gdlairport.com
Response within 24 hours
Visit Us
Information Desks
Terminal A & B — Main Entrances
GDL Airport complies with Mexican Federal Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Ley General para la Inclusión de las Personas con Discapacidad) and international ICAO accessibility standards.
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