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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has prepared this information to inform you of accessible services available at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA) and Stewart Airport (SWF). We hope this will help make your airport experience a pleasant one. Please use the feedback form to send us any comments or suggestions.
Please note that if you are not accompanied by or met at the airport by someone, it is best to arrange for any special assistance you may need in advance, either directly with your airline or through a travel agent.
To help you plan your visit in advance of your trip, use this website and interactive maps to identify and locate accessible services.
TSA Cares
TSA Cares is a dedicated helpline that provides passengers the ability to request assistance going through the TSA screening checkpoint and provides information on the screening procedures that specifically pertain to those with disabilities, medical conditions, and other circumstances. Passenger Support Specialists are Transportation Security Officers who have received advanced training on helping passengers with disability, medical, or other circumstances through the screening checkpoint. To request support, submit the following form at least 72 hours in advance of travel. www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares.
If you require assistance and your travel date is less than 72 hours, please call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 or e-mail at TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov with your travel dates, flight information, and the type of assistance needed. The hours of operation for the TSA Cares helpline are 8 AM to 11 PM Eastern, Monday through Friday, and 9 AM to 8 PM Eastern, weekends and holidays.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
EWR offers the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard to passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism, PTSD, or hearing loss. First pioneered at Gatwick International Airport in London, the Sunflower lanyard communicates those passengers wearing the lanyard may need extra help while traveling. It is recognized in a growing number of international airports. Click here for more program information.
Program participation is voluntary. Passengers may request free Sunflower lanyards at the following pre-security locations.
Terminal A Welcome Center at Level 1: between hours of 6 AM - 10 PM
Terminal A Sensory Room at Level 3: between hours of 6 AM - 10 PM
Terminal B Welcome Center at Level 1: between hours of 8 AM - 10 PM
Terminal C Welcome Center at Level 1: between hours of 8 AM - 10 PM
Passengers should continue to coordinate with their airlines and/or TSA Cares for pre-travel questions and accommodation arrangements. For additional information on this program, please call (973) 961-6000 and select option 5.
Wheelchair Services
Special Accommodations - Wheelchair services, oxygen requirements and other accommodations must be arranged through your airline before your flight. If you’re traveling with a motorized wheelchair, please ask the airline when you purchase the ticket about their policies regarding battery-operated wheelchairs.
While tips may be accepted, wheelchair attendants are not permitted to request tips in exchange for service. If you were pressured to tip your wheelchair operator, please report the incident at https://www.newarkairport.com/feedback.
Assistive Technology & Accessibility Services
Artificial Intelligence Remote Assistance (AIRA) - AIRA is a mobile app designed for blind or low vision customers to navigate independently with the assistance of a Live Remote ‘Agent’. All you need to do is download the app. The Agent will assist you and know what is in front of or near you with the use of the camera on your smartphone. Click on this link and download the app to use this free service at our airport.
Enhancing Accessibility with ASL Translation Technology - The Port Authority is committed to improving the customer experience for passengers with hearing disabilities by exploring innovative American Sign Language (ASL) technologies. In collaboration with Convo Communications, a Deaf-owned company, the Port Authority is piloting on-demand remote video ASL interpreting services through the Convo Now app. Passengers can access this service by scanning Convo’s QR codes located with our Airport Customer Experience Specialists (customer service agents wearing red shirts) in Welcome Center areas near Baggage Claims.
Departing Customers - Curbside unloading areas for baggage and passengers are available at each terminal and in most cases are weather protected and located close to each airline's entrance door. Please make arrangements with your airline at least 24 hours in advance to confirm assistance with baggage check-in, ticketing, and movement to the gate area. Skycaps are available to assist you with your luggage.
Indoor Wayfinding technology – The Port Authority is piloting an indoor wayfinding technology app called GoodMaps to enhance the customer journey as you travel within the airport. The pilot will be operating out of Terminal B (Pre-security) area and will be available for all customers who may need assistance or who want to navigate the terminals independently. The app is available for both Apple and Android phones. Please feel free to test it out and let us know what you think.
Hearing Loops – Sometimes referred to as an audio induction loop, hearing loops are an assistive technology that allow hearing aid users to have sound broadcasted directly to their hearing aids when the hearing aid is set to the “T” (Telecoil) setting. Hearing loops are available at Terminal B and Terminal C Welcome Centers at Arrivals Level 1.
Sensory Rooms – Two (2) sensory rooms are located in Terminal A. There is one pre-security at the south end of the Departures Level. The space is open from 6 AM to 10 PM. The second sensory room is located immediately post-security toward the south end of the terminal and is open 24/7. These rooms offer a calm and quiet environment to help travelers decompress from the stress of flying. Sunflower lanyards are also available here. For information on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard program, please refer to the top of this webpage.
Getting Around the Airport
AirTrain Newark is free for travel around the airport and makes frequent stops at airline terminals, parking lots, hotel shuttle areas and rental car facilities. AirTrain EWR is ADA compliant.
For more information and to stay up to date on AirTrain service updates, visit the AirTrain Newark site.
Public Transit
Accessible transportation options are available when using public transit. More information is available for travelers with disabilities by calling the following numbers:
Amtrak: 800-872-7245
NJ TRANSIT: 973-275-5555
PATH: 800-234-PATH (7284)
MTA in New York: 511 or (888) GO511NY (888-465-1169)
Parking
The parking lots near the entrances of each terminal have a number of spaces designated for travelers with disabilities. To park in these spaces and receive the lowest parking rate, official license plates or permits issued by a municipality or state of residence must be prominently displayed.
To utilize the discount, you must enter lot through the “Ticket” lane and pull a ticket and request the courtesy discount by pressing the Help button and chatting with an attendant at exit.
Car Rental and For Hire Vehicle
Vehicles equipped with hand controls are available from some on-airport car rental companies. For additional information or shuttle service, please contact the rental car companies directly.
As of November 15, 2023, all 10 rental car agencies operating at EWR airport – Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty – will relocate to the newly constructed Consolidated Rental Car Center on levels 1-3 of the Parking A garage. For more information on access to the Consolidated Rental Car Center, click here.
Transportation is available in a range of services and prices. To ensure prompt service, make a reservation for an accessible vehicle at least 24 hours in advance. Click here for information on shared ride and other providers. Travel tip: For your safety, always avoid accepting a ride from any driver who approaches you. Use only authorized providers for ground transportation.
Restrooms
Our restrooms and water fountains are accessible throughout our terminals.
Adult Changing Tables
Located in the family restroom in Terminal B Level 1 by Door 2
Located in the family restroom in Terminal C, Pre-Security, Level 2, Door 1
Pet/Service Animal Relief Area (SARA)
Pet/Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) for service animals are available at our terminals. Look for the pet relief symbol for designated areas and check the interactive maps for their location.
Is Someone Meeting You?
If a friend, family member or business associate will be driving to the airport to meet and assist you, please understand that they will not be permitted to wait in their car at the arrivals-level curb frontage. If you and all your baggage are not there when your ride pulls up to the curb, the driver must wait in the Cell Phone Lot for your call. Click here for more information on the lot. Please find the ADA Accessible Ramp locations here.
Need assistance?
Airport Customer Experience Specialists (look for them in red uniforms) are available throughout the terminal to assist passengers. If you need assistance and don’t see an Airport Customer Experience Specialist, please call (973) 961-6000 for assistance.
Contact
Questions or suggestions about accessibility at Newark Liberty International Airport? Call us at (973) 961-6000 or email us at airportcustomercare@panynj.gov.
Additional Resources:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
Port Authority’s Reasonable Modification Policy
| ADA/Section 504 Coordinator & Title VI/Non-Discrimination Coordinator |
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William DeFeis AVIADA@panynj.gov 150 Greenwich Street 4 World Trade Center, 18th Floor New York, NY 10007 |
