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Services for the Disabled

Planning Your Flight:
Make your airline reservation well in advance. Identify yourself as a traveler needing assistance and/or special arrangements, and describe what you need. This is the only way to be sure this information gets into the airline system and is distributed to the personnel who will assist you. Some examples of the kind of information airlines need to know:

 1) Do you wish to transport your own wheelchair? If so, is it battery-powered or manual?
 2) Will you be accompanied by a guide dog trained to assist a personal with disabilities?
 3) Do you have any need for airline-supplied equipment, such as wheelchairs or portable oxygen?

If you have only carry-on bags and no luggage to check, most airlines allow you to print your boarding pass on your home computer. Then just go right to the security checkpoint when you get to the airport.

Ground Transportation Services:
The airport allows any wheelchair-equipped van services to pick up disabled passengers. In addition to the Veterans’ Administration van, providers include Transit Express, which offers drivers specifically trained to transport wheelchair-bound passengers. The number for Transit Express is 414-343-1700. Another provider is American United Cab Company, which is contracted by Milwaukee County's Transit Plus program to transport persons with disabilities. The number for American United is 414-220-5000. In addition, GO Airport Connection provides wheelchair-ready shuttle service to area hotels and residences. The number for GO Airport Connection is 414-769-2444. For more information about Milwaukee County’s Transit Plus program, call 414-343-1700 (Voice) or 414-343-1704 (TDD).

Arriving and/or Parking at the Airport:
Ample parking spaces for persons with disabilities are provided in the airport's parking structure. There is an Hourly (or short-term) parking area that is closer to the terminal but more expensive. There is also a Daily (or long-term) parking area which will require you to use an elevator to get to the terminal, but it is less expensive. You will pay the lowest rate if you park in Remove Lot A. Parking spaces for persons with disabilities are located around the center shelter in the Remote Lot (Section E). There is a ramp into the shelter where there is a call box in case you need assistance and a free shuttle that takes you from the Remote Lot to the terminal. All of the airport shuttles are equipped with a lift.

If someone is dropping you off and you have luggage to check, you may want to consider using curbside check-in, if your airline offers it. The person dropping you off pulls right up to the curb in front of the airline ticket counter. You can check in your bags and get your boarding pass right there. Some airlines charge a small fee to use curbside check-in.

Skycaps are stationed in both the Ticketing/Check-in and Baggage Claim areas to help you with your luggage. Skycaps will provide and transport you in a wheelchair to and from your airline gate upon request. It is common practice to tip Skycaps for their assistance.

You also may borrow a wheelchair from the Travelers Aid desk. You or your attendant will need to leave a photo ID at the desk, which will be given back to you when the wheelchair is returned.

If you need help in any area of the airport, there will be a white courtesy phone and a list of numbers to call.

Make it a practice to check in earlier than the regular check-in time. This makes it easier for the airline to meet your personal needs and helps with the pre-boarding process so you may be seated comfortably in the aircraft.

If a jetway is not provided for your flight, airline officials will assist you on and off the aircraft with advance notice. For special dietary needs, contact your airline at least 24 hours prior to your departure time to make arrangements.

Information for the Air Traveler:
For general information, visit the web sites listed below.

New Horizons: Information for the Air Travelers with a Disability. Prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities Traveling Abroad. Prepared by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs.

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Family Care Room

Good News for the Traveling Family
Moms, Dads and Caretakers traveling with baby or loved ones will be happy to know that General Mitchell International Airport offers a "Family Care Room." It's located on the south end of the Concession Mall, near the entrance to the skywalk leading into the parking structure. Fully enclosed within for privacy, passengers will find baby changing stations, disabled-accessible bathrooms, and a play area featuring climb-on toys. Beyond the security checkpoints, each concourse offers one or more Family or Unisex restrooms for travelers with special needs.  

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