Accessible Travel Resources
The official programs, rights and help lines that matter most when you plan an accessible trip in the United States.
National parks and public lands
Start here if you are planning a park, trail or outdoor trip.
Access Pass (America the Beautiful)
National Park Service. Free for U.S. citizens and residents with a permanent disability. Pick it up at more than 1,000 federal recreation sites, or order it by mail and allow up to three weeks. Bring photo ID with the pass.
Visit Access Pass (America the Beautiful) · Order by mail (USGS Store)
Accessibility in national parks
National Park Service. How the Park Service approaches accessibility, with links to each park's own accessibility information.
Recreation.gov
Federal recreation reservations. Reserve campsites, tours and permits on federal lands. Check the accessibility details in each listing before you book.
On Accessible America: Accessible places by state · How we rate accessibility
Flying
Your rights on U.S. flights and at airport security.
Traveling with a disability
U.S. Department of Transportation. Air travel rights under the Air Carrier Access Act, including wheelchairs and mobility devices, service animals, seating and assistance.
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights
U.S. Department of Transportation. A plain-language summary of the rights airlines must honor.
Disabilities and medical conditions at security
Transportation Security Administration. How screening works with mobility devices, medications and medical equipment.
TSA Cares passenger support
Transportation Security Administration. Ask for a Passenger Support Specialist to help you through screening. Contact TSA Cares before your flight.
File an air travel complaint
U.S. Department of Transportation. Report a disability-related problem with an airline.
Trains, buses and transit
Getting around once you arrive.
Accessible travel services
Amtrak. Amtrak's accessibility services for rail travel and how to request assistance.
Americans with Disabilities Act and public transit
Federal Transit Administration. Your rights on public buses and trains, including ADA paratransit.
Your rights and where to get help
Know what places open to the public must provide, and who can help when they do not.
ADA topics
ADA.gov (U.S. Department of Justice). Official guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act, including service animals and businesses open to the public.
ADA National Network
ADA National Network. Ask an ADA specialist your question by phone or online.
U.S. Access Board
Federal agency. The agency that develops the federal accessibility standards for buildings, transportation and more.
National Disability Rights Network
NDRN. Find your state's protection and advocacy agency for help with disability discrimination.
Traveling abroad
Extra planning for trips outside the United States.
Travelers with accessibility needs
U.S. Department of State. Planning advice for international trips, including country information and embassy help.
Passenger accessibility
International Air Transport Association (IATA). How airlines worldwide approach accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH)
Nonprofit. A nonprofit that promotes accessible travel and shares travel tips.
Trip checklist
Before you go
- Check each place's accessibility details, then call to confirm anything you depend on
- Request airline assistance and seating when you book, and confirm before you fly
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical documentation
- Look up accessible transportation at your destination
- Pack chargers and spare batteries for assistive devices
At the airport
- Arrive early to allow time for screening accommodations
- Keep medications and device chargers in your carry-on
- Ask for an aisle chair or boarding help if you need it
- Confirm how your wheelchair or mobility device will be gate-checked
During your trip
- Keep emergency contacts and medical information easy to reach
- Note where the nearest accessible restrooms and medical care are
- Photograph your assistive devices in case of damage or loss
- Write down any accessibility problems, with dates and names, in case you need to report them
Help lines
TSA Cares
Help with airport security screening: (855) 787-2227. Weekdays 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET; weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
ADA National Network
Questions about your rights under the ADA: 1-800-949-4232. Voice and relay.
In an emergency in the United States, call 911.
Printable tools
- Air travel rights checklist — Your rights when flying with a disability, on one printable page.
- Medical documentation template — Organize prescriptions and medical details to carry while traveling.
- Accommodation request letters — Sample letters for requesting accommodations from airlines, hotels and venues.
- Accessibility phrases for travel abroad — Common accessibility phrases to show staff when traveling internationally.
Links go to official agencies and established organizations. Rules and services change, so confirm details with the provider before you travel. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice.
Keep exploring
- Find destinations — Browse 1,400+ places with accessibility details
- Travel guides — Sourced, practical guides to accessible travel
- Accessibility guide — How we evaluate parks and attractions
- Recommend a place — Help grow the directory
- Contact us — Questions or corrections