Assisted Travel aims to make travel more inclusive and accessible for all.

There’s been a positive trend within the aviation sector of travel to make travel more inclusive and accessible for a wider range of people. This means people with mobility issues, people with disabilities or people who might be on the spectrum. Airports can be overwhelming for any number of people. For years, a large sector of travelers were ignored and many just avoided air travel altogether.

As such it’s great to see projects throughout the world aimed at making travel more inclusive. For example, the Vancouver airport (YVR) has initiatives aimed at people with hearing impairment. Then there’s the numerous airports supporting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard which indicates that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand.

Airports around the world are starting to cater more and more to people with any number of disabilities.

How does the Assisted Travel lounge work?

In London’s Luton Airport (LLA), there’s a new dedicated facility designed to improve the airport experience for passengers with additional accessibility needs. It’s called the Assisted Travel Lounge and it’s located airside and able to accommodate up to 50 travelers. The new lounge offers a range of tailored amenities, including a sensory space, adult changing facilities, wheelchair and device charging points, flight information screens, and seating designed for passengers with reduced mobility.

This dedicated space complements the airport’s commitment to accessibility, which was recognized with a “Very Good” rating by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in June 2025 for its service to passengers with reduced mobility and other assisted travel needs. Passengers needing this service should confirm their requirements at the check-in desk or the Assisted Travel Desk upon arrival at the airport.

How to access the Assisted Travel Lounge at LLA?

It’s important that when you book your flight you inform the airline that you require assisted travel services. This will note your needs in their system. Then follow these steps:

1. Check-in:
   On the day of your travel, confirm your assisted travel requirements at the check-in desk.
2. Arrive at the Assisted Travel Desk:
   If you’re not checking in, proceed to the Assisted Travel Desk located opposite the ChangeGroup Currency Exchange at the departures entrance.
3. Receive Pre-boarding Time:
   At the desk, you will be given your pre-boarding time and then directed to the Assisted Travel lounge.

Amenities included at the Assisted Travel Lounge

Here’s what you can expect to find at the Assisted Travel Lounge at LLA.

• Dedicated Space: A comfortable and relaxing area designed for passengers who require assisted travel services.
• Sensory Space: A room designed to be calming for those with sensory sensitivities.
• Adult Changing Facilities: Toilets equipped for adults.
• Specialized Seating: Seating designed to cater to passengers with mobility challenges.
• Flight Information Screens: To keep you updated on flight times.
• Charging Points: For wheelchairs and other electronic devices.
• Drinking Water Facilities: For your convenience.

Other airports special accommodations

Many airports offer features for people with disabilities, including Singapore Changi, Tokyo Haneda, and Vancouver International, with common features like ramps, accessible restrooms, Braille signage, and trained staff for assistance.

Here are some examples of airports and the features they offer:

• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN):
  Known for its exceptional accessibility, it offers wheelchair and porter services, self-service wheelchairs, clear sensory maps, accessible changing rooms, and “Care Ambassadors” to assist passengers with disabilities.
• Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND):
  Provides a barrier-free design with wide, step-free pathways, accessible restrooms, and multilingual Braille signage to help visually impaired travelers.
• Kansai International Airport (KIX):
  Offers free wheelchair and stroller hire, wide lifts, gentle ramps, Braille signage, and quiet spaces for those sensitive to noise and crowds.
• Abu Dhabi International Airport:
  Has partnered with airlines to trial autonomous, self-driving wheelchairs that allow passengers with reduced mobility to navigate the airport independently.
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  Features wide, step-free pathways, accessible elevators, and ramps to ensure smooth navigation along with sign-language availability for boarding.