Looking for airport special assistance links for airports in London? This guide brings together the official assistance pages for all six London airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend.
If you are travelling with an autistic child, have reduced mobility or need support for a visible or non-visible disability, finding the correct airport information before you travel can make a real difference. Each airport manages its own assistance arrangements, so use the links below for the airport you are actually flying from or arriving at.
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If you are unsure which London airport is on your ticket, my guide to London’s six airports explains their locations and transport connections.
Quick Wins for Booking Special Assistance at London Airports
- Request airport assistance through your airline or travel agent when booking your flight, or at least 48 hours before departure.
- Explain the assistance you need at check-in, security, boarding and on arrival.
- Check your terminal and the location of the assistance meeting point before leaving home.
- Tell the airline if you are travelling with a wheelchair, mobility aid, assistance dog or medical equipment.
- For autism or another non-visible disability, ask about support with queues, communication and sensory needs.
- Remember that a Sunflower Lanyard does not book an escort or provide fast-track security.
Airport Special Assistance Links for Airports in London
When looking for airport special assistance links for airports in London, it is important to know which of the six London airports you are using. London is served by six main airports, each with its own three-letter airport code, which you will see when searching for flights and checking your booking.
| Airport | Airport code |
|---|---|
| London Heathrow Airport | LHR |
| London Gatwick Airport | LGW |
| London Stansted Airport | STN |
| London Luton Airport | LTN |
| London City Airport | LCY |
| London Southend Airport | SEN |
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow has four passenger terminals: Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Its official accessibility hub includes assistance information for departures, arrivals and flight connections, as well as guidance for non-visible disabilities and accessible transport.
- Heathrow Airport – official assistance and accessibility information
- Heathrow – how to request assistance before travelling
- Heathrow – assistance areas, help points and accessible facilities
- Heathrow – assistance for connecting passengers
Heathrow asks passengers to request assistance through their airline at least 48 hours before travel. Its terminal information also covers accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities and Sunflower lanyards.
For more detail, read my special assistance at Heathrow Airport guide and Heathrow Airport accessibility guide for disabled travellers.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick has North and South terminals. Its Assisted Travel service supports passengers with mobility, sensory and non-visible disabilities. The airport’s website explains how to book help, where to meet assistance staff and what facilities are available in each terminal.
- Gatwick Airport – official Assisted Travel information
- Gatwick – accessibility frequently asked questions
- Gatwick – North and South Terminal maps
Book through your airline or travel agent, ideally at least 48 hours before travel. Gatwick also provides assisted-travel reception areas and information about hidden disabilities, accessible changing facilities and security assistance.
Read my special assistance at Gatwick Airport guide for more information.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Stansted is north-east of London and serves many short-haul and European routes. Its Assisted Travel pages explain how to request support and where to report on arrival.
Stansted asks passengers to pre-book assistance through their airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before flying. The airport’s assistance provider can answer questions about support at Stansted, but airline booking changes must still be made with the airline.
My special assistance at London Stansted Airport guide explains what disabled and autistic travellers can expect.
London Luton Airport (LTN)
London Luton Airport calls its service Assisted Travel. The airport’s information covers mobility assistance, support for non-physical disabilities, travelling with medical equipment and getting to the terminal from public transport or car parks.
- London Luton Airport – official Assisted Travel hub
- London Luton – how to get the assistance you need
Request assistance through your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Luton notes that even a relatively compact airport can involve long walks or stairs. The airport also provides guidance about Sunflower lanyards and support for autistic travellers.
London City Airport (LCY)
London City Airport is in east London and has a Docklands Light Railway connection. Its official special assistance page explains support for travel between the terminal and onward transport, security, baggage reclaim and boarding.
Ask your airline, tour operator or travel agent to arrange assistance when booking or at least 48 hours before travelling. London City also links to detailed AccessAble guides and information about Sunflower lanyards.
London Southend Airport (SEN)
London Southend Airport is in Essex and is smaller than London’s other main commercial airports. Its assisted travel page explains how to pre-book support and provides information about getting to the terminal, facilities and help available at the airport.
- London Southend Airport – official special assistance information
- London Southend – airport and special assistance FAQs
Southend asks passengers to book special assistance through their airline, tour operator or travel agent at least 48 hours before flying. If you arrive without a booking, the airport advises contacting its team using the available intercom points.
You can also use the PRM Assist app to make assistance requests but I would recommend that you follow this up with a call or email to your airline to explain your needs in more detail.
How to Book Airport Special Assistance in London
For all six airports, the usual first step is to contact your airline or travel agent rather than turning up at the airport and asking for help on the day. The airline passes your assistance requirements to the relevant airport team.
Explain what you need in practical terms. You might be able to walk short distances but struggle with stairs, need a wheelchair for longer distances, require help navigating security or need staff to communicate slowly and clearly. A passenger who can walk independently may still require assistance because of autism, a learning disability, a sensory impairment or another non-visible disability.
My guide to airport assistance for hidden disabilities explains how support can differ depending on your needs. Confirm the assistance on both your outward and return journeys.
Travelling Through London Airports With Autism
For many autistic travellers, the most difficult part of flying is not the aircraft itself. It may be unfamiliar queues, security checks, loud announcements, bright lighting or uncertainty about where to go next.
Look for airport maps, familiarisation resources and information about quieter waiting areas on the airport’s official pages. Some airports offer Sunflower Lanyards to indicate that the wearer may need extra time or understanding. Wearing one does not replace an assistance booking or guarantee access to a priority lane.
If your child uses visual schedules, prepare a simple sequence showing arrival, check-in, security, waiting, boarding and the flight. Bring familiar comfort items where permitted, and tell staff about any specific communication needs before a stressful situation develops.
Changing Airports in London With a Disability
London’s six airports are spread across a large area and are not linked by one dedicated airport transfer system. A connection between Heathrow and Gatwick, for example, requires a journey between two separate airports.
If you have reduced mobility or are travelling with an autistic child, allow time for luggage collection, transport, breaks, check-in and security at the next airport. Check accessibility with each train, coach or taxi operator and do not assume that airport assistance automatically covers the journey between airports.
Use my six London airports and transfer guide to understand the options, and see my accessible transport in England guide for wider travel planning.
London Airport Special Assistance FAQs
Is Airport Assistance in London Free?
Assistance for eligible disabled passengers and people with reduced mobility is provided without an additional charge. Arrange it through your airline or travel agent before flying.
How Far in Advance Should I Book Airport Assistance in London?
All six airports advise requesting assistance at least 48 hours before departure. Booking when you reserve your flight gives the airport and airline more time to prepare.
Can Autistic Passengers Request Assistance Without Using a Wheelchair?
Yes. Airport assistance is not limited to wheelchair users. Explain what support would help, such as guidance through the airport, clearer communication or help managing particular stages of the journey.
Does a Sunflower Lanyard Give Fast-Track Security Access?
No. A Sunflower Lanyard signals that someone may need additional help or understanding. It does not automatically provide priority security, an escort or exemption from screening. Check each airport’s separate arrangements. A Sunflower Lanyard is not the same as booking airport assistance in London.
Who Do I Contact If I Am Flying From One London Airport and Arriving at Another?
Book assistance with your airline for the relevant departure and arrival airports. If your journey includes a self-arranged transfer between two London airports, arrange accessible ground transport separately.
More Airport Accessibility Resources
For additional planning, visit my disabled facilities and airport assistance guides. You can also read the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard guide to understand how the scheme works.
Airport services, meeting points and terminal layouts can change. Check the official airport page linked above and reconfirm your individual requirements with your airline before travelling.
Continue Planning Your England Family Trip
- Start with our guide to England with autistic children for practical information to help plan a trip that suits your family.
- Plan your onward journeys with our guide to accessible transport in England, covering support when travelling by train, bus and other transport.
- Read our guide to special assistance at Heathrow Airport to understand how to request support
- Explore our guide to Heathrow Airport’s disabled facilities to help prepare for navigating the airport
- Find out what to expect in our guide to special assistance at Gatwick Airport
- Read about special assistance at London Stansted Airport and planning for hidden disabilities
- Explore our guide to UK airports offering familiarisation visits
- Use our directory of UK airport special assistance information to find the relevant airport’s guidance
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip to The UK
- Read our 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 more
- Learn the difference between English and Scottish bank notes before your trip to the UK
- Read our guide to bringing medication into the UK, including controlled medicines
Continue Planning Your Accessible 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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