If you’re flying through Don Mueang International Airport, it’s helpful to know what accessibility support is available before you arrive. As one of Bangkok’s busiest airports and a major hub for low-cost airlines, Don Mueang offers a range of facilities for disabled travellers and those with reduced mobility.
While it may not have all the accessibility features found at newer airports, most travellers should find the airport manageable with some advance planning.
If you plan to fly into Bangkok Suvanabhumi Airport, I have a guide dedicated to the special assistance at Suvanabhumi Airport and the disabled facilities at BKK airport.
Accessibility Overview For Don Mueang Airport
Don Mueang Airport has accessibility features throughout both terminals, with Terminal 1 serving international flights and Terminal 2 serving domestic flights.
Facilities include:
- Step-free access throughout most public areas
- Lifts connecting different floors
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair assistance services
- Reserved parking spaces for disabled passengers
- Priority assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
Most areas of the airport can be accessed without using stairs.
Wheelchair Assistance and Special Assistance
Passengers who require wheelchair assistance or help navigating the airport should contact their airline at least 48 hours before travel. When at the airport, you can approach the wheelchair counter to request the help that you need.
Assistance can typically include:
- Help from check-in to the departure gate
- Assistance through security screening
- Support through immigration procedures
- Priority boarding where available
- Assistance when arriving in Bangkok
If your flight is parked away from the terminal building, airport staff can arrange suitable boarding assistance, including the use of ambulifts where required.
Although assistance may sometimes be available if requested on the day of travel, pre-booking is strongly recommended. To learn more about the type of help you may get at the airport you can refer to my guide about special assistance at airports. It is important to secure the right type of support when you travel, and knowing about disability codes used by airlines can be a huge help in securing the right help.
Borrowing a Wheelchair at Don Mueang Airport
Passengers may borrow a wheelchair by presenting a national ID card or passport at the following locations:
- Terminal 1, Level 3, Door 6
- Terminal 2, Level 3, Door 11
Hidden Disabilities and Autism
Don Mueang Airport does not currently offer the same range of hidden disability programmes found at many UK and European airports. However, passengers with autism, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, dementia or other non-visible disabilities can still request support through their airline. Typically, the airline will apply a specific code to a passenger booking which alerts staff at the airport and via the airline to the type of help the passenger needs – often with autism and hidden disabilities this will be the DPNA code.
If travelling with an autistic child or adult, it can help to:
- Arrive early to reduce stress
- Use noise-cancelling headphones
- Prepare visual schedules or airport photos beforehand
- Request assistance from airline staff if queues or busy environments may be difficult
Airport staff are generally accustomed to supporting families and passengers with additional needs.
Those Using Sign Language
Sign Language Interpretation Kiosks (TTRS) are available at information counters to help those with hearing or visual impairments.
Requesting Help at Don Mueang Airport
There are a couple of other options for requesting the help you need when travelling through Don Mueang Airport.
SAWASDEE by AOT App
The SAWASDEE by AOT app allows passengers to check airport information themselves in advance of travel. It also offers another way to make service requests before they travel.
PRM Assist
You can also use the PRM Assist app to make special service reqests at for help at the airport. My guide to the PRM Assist app explains how to use the app to make your bookings.
Accessible Toilets at Don Mueang Airport
Accessible toilets are available throughout both terminals and are clearly signposted.
Facilities generally include:
- Wide doorways
- Grab rails
- Wheelchair turning space
- Accessible sinks and mirrors
These toilets can be found near departure gates, check-in areas and arrivals halls.
Lifts and Accessible Routes
Lifts are available throughout the airport and provide access between floors.
Accessible routes connect:
- Check-in areas
- Security checkpoints
- Departure gates
- Arrivals halls
- Restaurants and shops
Signage is provided in both Thai and English.
In general, it is good to have Google maps set up with the accessibility feature on to help route you via accessible routes when you travel. You can learn how to set this up from my guide about Google maps accessibility feature.
Accessible Parking at Don Mueang Airport
Disabled parking spaces are available in the airport’s parking facilities and are located close to terminal entrances where possible. Don Mueang Airport has a total of 25 reserved parking spots for those with a disability.
Reserved Parking Spaces
There are a total of 27 reserved parking spaces available at Don Mueang airport, they can be found in the following locations:
- Terminal 1 (Basement Level): 8 spaces (North side: 1, South side: 7)
- Terminal 2 (Level 3B): 17 spaces
- Service Hall Building: 2 spaces
Passengers being dropped off can use designated drop-off zones outside the terminals. As Bangkok traffic can be unpredictable, allowing extra travel time is recommended.
Designated Drop-Off at Don Mueang Airport
International Passenger Terminal (Terminal 1)
- Level 1, Door 2
- Level 3, Doors 2 and 5
Domestic Passenger Terminal (Terminal 2)
- Level 1, Door 12
- Level 3, Door 11
Security Screening at Don Mueang Airport Bangkok
Passengers with mobility equipment, medical devices or additional assistance needs can request support during the security process.
If you use:
- A wheelchair
- A walking aid
- A prosthetic limb
- Medical equipment
You should inform security staff before screening begins and discuss any help you may require during the screening process.
Additional screening procedures may be required, but staff are generally able to provide assistance where necessary.
Boarding the Aircraft
Boarding procedures vary depending on the airline and aircraft stand.
Some flights board directly via an air bridge, while others require passengers to travel by airport bus and to reach the height of the airport by using an ambulift.
Passengers who have requested special assistance can receive help boarding the aircraft, including the use of specialist lifting equipment if stairs cannot be used safely.
Assistance for Medical Equipment
Passengers travelling with mobility aids, wheelchairs, medical devices, feeding equipment or medication should notify their airline before travel.
Most airlines operating from Don Mueang Airport can accommodate:
- Manual wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters (subject to battery restrictions)
- CPAP machines
- Feeding pumps
- Essential medical supplies
Always check your airline’s specific policies before travelling. My guide to travelling with medical luggage explains more about travelling with medical aids and devices.
Tips for Disabled Travellers Using Don Mueang Airport
- Request assistance through your airline at least 48 hours before departure.
- Arrive earlier than recommended, particularly during busy travel periods.
- Carry any important medical documentation in your hand luggage.
- Keep medication and essential supplies with you rather than in checked baggage.
- Consider using airport assistance even if you normally manage independently, as walking distances can be longer than expected.
Don Mueang Airport offers the essential facilities needed by most disabled travellers, including wheelchair assistance, accessible toilets, lifts and step-free routes. While it may not have some of the specialist facilities found at newer airports, most passengers should find it accessible with some advance planning.
If you require additional support, contacting your airline before travel is the best way to ensure assistance is available when you need it and you can always refer back to the special services page on the AOT webpage for Don Mueang airport.
Continue Planning Your Trip to Bangkok
- Starting in the capital? Learn more about planning a trip to Bangkok with autistic children
- Travelling to Thailand with a disability? Learn more about the special assistance at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
- Fancy visiting Siam Bangkok? Learn more about visiting Siam Bangkok with kids
- Considering Khao San Road? Learn more about going to Khao San Road with kids
- Need ideas for things to do at Khao San Road? Here are some of the best things to do at Khao San
- Visiting Bangrak? Learn about some free things to do in Bangrak Bangkok
- Torn between Bangkok and Pattaya? Check out my guide to Bangkok vs Pattaya with kids
Continue Planning Your Trip to Thailand
- Heading to Pattaya? My guide breaks down what to expect in Pattaya with kids
- Fancy the North? Consider visiting Chiang Mai with kids
- Ready for island vibes? Consider visiting Koh Samui with autistic children
- Need special assistance but not with Suvarnabhumi? Here is a list of all of the special assistance departments for Thailand’s airports with direct links
- Coming to Thailand with medication? Learn how to bring medication into Thailand legally
- Need to stock up on essentail meds? Learn what over-the-counter medication you can grab in Thailand without a prescription
- Plan ahead for your trip to Thailand by learning about and completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before you land
- Travelling with mobility issues, kids in a pushchair or something else? Learn more about accessible transport options in Thailand
- Learn more about travelling by train in Thailand with a disability
- Confused about the stamps in 7Eleven? Here is a detailed guide to collecting 7Eleven stamps
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- 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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