Getting through the airport can be one of the most stressful parts of travelling, especially for autistic children, disabled travellers, those with hidden disabilities, or anyone who finds crowds, noise, queues or unfamiliar environments overwhelming.
The good news is that Gatwick Airport offers special assistance services designed to make travel smoother and more manageable from the moment you arrive.
Whether you need mobility support, help navigating the terminal, assistance for a hidden disability, or support boarding the aircraft, here is what you need to know about using special assistance at Gatwick Airport.
Quick Wins For Gatwick Airport Special Assistance
• Book special assistance with your airline at least 48 hours before travel
• Arrive early so there is plenty of time to arrange your assistance
• Consider using a Sunflower Lanyard if you or your child have a hidden disability
• Use the airport’s assistance help points if you need support when you arrive
• If travelling with autism, sensory differences or anxiety, explain your individual needs when booking assistance
• Keep medication, comfort items and important documents in your hand luggage
Who Can Use Special Assistance at Gatwick Airport?
Special assistance is available for passengers with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs. This can include:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Sensory processing differences
- Learning disabilities
- Hidden disabilities
- Mobility difficulties
- Wheelchair users
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Older travellers who require additional support
- Passengers with temporary mobility difficulties or injuries
You do not need to have a visible disability to request assistance.
If queues, crowds, transitions, communication or navigating an unfamiliar airport environment are difficult for you, it is worth discussing your needs with your airline when booking assistance. To learn more about what special assistance it, what help you can get and how you can book it you can head to my guide about getting help at the airport.
What Special Assistance is Available at Gatwick Airport?
The assistance you receive will depend on your individual requirements.
Support may include:
- Assistance getting around the terminal
- Wheelchair or mobility assistance
- Help reaching check-in and security
- Assistance getting to your departure gate
- Support with boarding the aircraft
- Help disembarking after your flight
- Assistance through immigration and baggage reclaim
- Support reaching an agreed point after arriving at Gatwick
It is important to explain exactly what assistance you require when making your booking rather than assuming that all passengers receive the same service. When you do this, your airline will apply a disability code to the passenger booking that makes airport and airline staff aware of the type of help you will need to get through Gatwick Airport. To learn more about airport disability codes head straight to my guide which lists out all airline disability codes and offers a free download of the list for your reference.
How to Book Special Assistance at Gatwick Airport
Special assistance should normally be requested through your airline or travel provider rather than directly through Gatwick Airport. You should ideally request assistance at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.
When making your request, provide as much information as possible about the support you need. For example, if you are travelling with an autistic child, you might explain that they struggle with queues, sensory overload, communication or transitions and may require additional support navigating the airport. Being specific about your needs can help the assistance team understand how best to support you.
Airline Special Assistance Codes
Your airline may use an SSR, or Special Service Request, code to record the type of assistance you require.
Passengers with mobility requirements may be assigned wheelchair assistance codes such as WCHR, WCHS or WCHC, depending on the level of mobility assistance required.
Passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities who require assistance may have the DPNA code added to their booking. New to the DPNA code? Learn more in my guide about what the DPNA code means.
If you are unsure which code applies to you, explain your needs to the airline rather than requesting a specific code. The airline should then record the appropriate assistance requirements on your booking. You can refer to my guide to airline disability codes to try to figure out which one works best for your family situation.
Special Assistance for Autistic Passengers at Gatwick Airport
Airports can be particularly challenging for autistic travellers because they involve multiple transitions, unfamiliar processes, crowds, announcements, bright lighting and unpredictable waiting times. If you or your child are autistic, it is worth explaining your individual requirements when requesting assistance.
Support needs can vary significantly between autistic passengers. One person may require help navigating the airport, while another may primarily need additional time, clear communication or support managing queues.
Try to be as specific as possible about what makes airport travel difficult and what practical adjustments are helpful.
The Gatwick Airport website has an information page for assisted travel that talks a bit about the support for passengers with autism and hidden disabilities.
Hidden Disabilities at Gatwick Airport
Not every disability or additional need is immediately visible. Passengers with autism, ADHD, dementia, learning disabilities, chronic illnesses and many other conditions may benefit from additional understanding or support while travelling through Gatwick.
Gatwick Airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, which allows passengers to discreetly indicate that they may require additional time, patience or assistance.
To start planning your trip with a hidden disability I have some guides which should help you: travelling with autism, travelling with ADHD, travelling with chronic pain or fibromyalgia and travelling with allergies.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
Wearing a Sunflower Lanyard can help airport staff recognise that you have a non-visible disability and may require additional support. The lanyard itself does not automatically provide special assistance or guarantee priority access through queues. If you require specific assistance through the airport, you should still arrange this separately through your airline.
For some travellers, however, the Sunflower Lanyard can make it easier for staff to recognise that additional patience or understanding may be required.
To learn more about the Sunflower Lanyard scheme and find out where you can use one head to my guide about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard.
Arriving at Gatwick Airport for Special Assistance
If you have pre-booked assistance, follow the instructions provided by your airline and Gatwick Airport when you arrive. Depending on how you travel to the airport, you may be able to request assistance from one of the designated help points or make your way to the relevant special assistance reception area.
If you are unsure where to go, ask an airport staff member for directions to the special assistance area. Allow plenty of time before your flight, particularly during busy travel periods.
Getting Through Security With Special Assistance
Airport security can be one of the more challenging parts of travelling for disabled and autistic passengers. There may be queues, physical searches, instructions from security staff and requirements to remove certain items from bags.
If you or your child have specific needs relating to security screening, explain these to staff. For example, an autistic passenger may find unexpected physical contact particularly difficult, while someone with a medical device may require an alternative screening process.
Having medication and supporting documentation organised and easily accessible can also help make the process smoother. If you are travelling with medication my guide explains what to include on a doctors letter for travelling with medication so you can get it right the first time.
Special Assistance When Boarding Your Flight
Depending on your needs and the arrangements made with your airline, assistance may be provided when travelling from the terminal to the aircraft. Passengers with mobility difficulties may require additional equipment to board, particularly if the aircraft is parked away from the terminal and stairs are being used.
Some disabled passengers may also benefit from boarding before the majority of other passengers. However, boarding arrangements can vary depending on the airline, aircraft and operational circumstances.
If pre-boarding is important for you or your child, discuss this with the airline and assistance staff rather than assuming it will happen automatically.
Special Assistance When Arriving at Gatwick Airport
If Gatwick is your destination, assistance can also be provided after your aircraft lands. Depending on your requirements, this may include help disembarking from the aircraft, travelling through immigration, reaching baggage reclaim and continuing to an agreed point within the airport. If you use your own wheelchair or mobility equipment, confirm with your airline when and where it will be returned to you.
Travelling to Gatwick Airport by Train
Gatwick Airport has its own railway station, making train travel one of the easiest ways to reach the airport using public transport. If you require assistance with your train journey, you can use the Passenger Assist service offered by UK train operators.
Depending on your needs, rail assistance may include help navigating the station, using a boarding ramp or getting on and off the train. If you are using both rail assistance and airport special assistance, it is worth planning how the two services will connect when you arrive at Gatwick.
Travelling With Your Own Wheelchair or Mobility Equipment
If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, mobility scooter or other mobility equipment, tell your airline in advance. Airlines may require information about the equipment, particularly for powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
You may need to provide details including:
- The make and model
- Dimensions
- Weight
- Battery type
- Instructions for safely isolating or disconnecting the battery
Airline policies can vary, so check the requirements well before travelling.
Tips for Using Special Assistance at Gatwick Airport
A little preparation can make travelling through Gatwick easier, particularly when travelling with autistic children or passengers with sensory needs.
Consider bringing:
- Ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones
- Familiar snacks
- Comfort items
- Fidget toys
- A tablet or phone with favourite programmes downloaded
- Portable chargers
- Essential medication in your hand luggage
- Copies of important medical or travel documents
- A visual schedule explaining the stages of the airport journey
It can also help to explain the airport process before travelling, particularly if your child finds transitions or unexpected changes difficult.
What if Your Special Assistance Does Not Arrive?
Even when assistance has been booked correctly, delays can occasionally happen. If you arrive at Gatwick and your assistance is not available, speak to staff at the special assistance reception area or use one of the designated assistance help points.
Keep your airline booking confirmation or any evidence of your assistance request easily accessible. You can also use the PRM Assist app to make a backup booking for assistance.
If you experience significant problems with the assistance provided, make a note of what happened, including approximate times and locations. This information can be useful if you later decide to make a complaint.
Special Assistance at Gatwick Airport FAQ
How do I Book Special Assistance at Gatwick Airport?
You should normally book special assistance through your airline or travel provider. Ideally, make your request at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight.
When booking, explain exactly what assistance you require so that the appropriate support can be arranged.
Is Special Assistance at Gatwick Airport Free?
Yes. Airport special assistance for eligible disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility is provided without an additional charge.
You should request the assistance you need through your airline or travel provider before travelling.
Can Autistic Passengers Use Special Assistance at Gatwick Airport?
Yes. Autistic passengers can request special assistance when travelling through Gatwick Airport. The type of assistance required will depend on the individual. Some autistic passengers may need help navigating the airport, while others may need support with queues, communication or transitions.
Does Gatwick Airport Have the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard?
Gatwick Airport recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. The Sunflower Lanyard discreetly indicates that the wearer has a non-visible disability and may require additional time, patience or understanding.
Wearing a Sunflower Lanyard does not replace booking special assistance and does not automatically provide fast-track or priority access.
Do I Need Medical Evidence to Use Special Assistance at Gatwick Airport?
Passengers do not generally need to provide medical evidence simply to request airport special assistance. However, your airline may require additional information or documentation in certain circumstances, particularly if you are travelling with medical equipment, oxygen, certain medical conditions or powered mobility equipment.
What Happens if I Forget to Book Special Assistance?
You should still ask for help when you arrive at Gatwick Airport. The airport will make reasonable efforts to provide assistance, but passengers who have booked at least 48 hours in advance may receive priority. You could therefore experience a longer wait if your assistance has not been pre-booked.
Using special assistance at Gatwick Airport can make the airport experience significantly more manageable for disabled passengers and families travelling with additional needs.
The most important step is to arrange your assistance in advance and clearly explain what support you require.
For autistic travellers in particular, needs can vary considerably. Do not be afraid to explain the specific challenges you or your child experience rather than relying solely on a disability label.
With assistance booked and a little preparation before your journey, travelling through Gatwick Airport can hopefully be a smoother and less stressful start to your trip.
Continue Planning Your England Trip With Kids
- Start with the right base for your child’s needs
- Use transport that feels predictable and manageable
- Choose activities based on sensory comfort, not popularity
- Prepare visually to reduce surprises
For more, head to our England archive to find every post covering England.
Plan Your Trip To London via A Different Airport
- Special assistance at London Heathrow Airport
- Disabled facilities at London Heathrow Airport
- Special assistance at London Stansted Airport
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip to The UK
- Planning a Scottish adventure? Read my guides to Scotland with autistic children, including practical tips for visiting the Scottish Borders with neurodivergent kids.
- Heading south? Consider visiting Berwick-upon-Tweed or Holy Island with kids
- Exploring Northern Ireland with kids? Find ideas for family days out, travel logistics and accessible travel planning.
- Confused by British money? Learn the difference between English and Scottish bank notes before your trip to the UK.
- Bringing prescription medication to Britain? Read my guide to bringing medication into the UK, including controlled medicines and travel documentation.
Continue Planning Your Europe Travel Itinerary With Children
- Start with planning your overall Europe family trip, including flights, transport, pacing and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Looking for an easier first-time Europe destination? Consider visiting Denmark with kids for organised cities, reliable transport and family-friendly attractions
- Prefer beaches and slower-paced travel? Find out more about Greece with children for island stays, outdoor dining and flexible family days out
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Paris with autistic children, including transport, attractions and sensory considerations
- Want scenic train journeys and nature? Learn more about Switzerland with autistic children for mountain views, calm towns and predictable travel routines
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Find links to all of my airport guides for disabled travellers
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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