Accessibility
Pre-Travel Preparation
To ensure that all your special needs are met, check your airline's website or call their reservation number to discuss any of the particular services you may require for your trip (*see below). Contact TSA to find out about special assistance at the checkpoint (**see below). It is best if you contact your airline and TSA at least 72 hours in advance of your trip. Be sure to let them know what level of assistance will be needed, any dietary restrictions, oxygen requirement, if you will be traveling with a companion and any other concerns. No reservations are required for wheelchair assistance: you can pre-arrange this service through your airline or ask for assistance upon arrival at the airport. Or, pre-arrange wheelchair assistance 716-633-3726
*Special Needs Contact information below for each of the BUF airlines:
American Airlines | www.aa.com | (800) 433-7300
Delta Air Lines | www.delta.com | (800) 221-1212
Frontier Airlines | www.flyfrontier.com |(800) 401-9004
JetBlue Airways | www.jetblue.com | (800) 538-2583
Southwest Airlines | www.southwest.com | (800) 435-9792
Sun Country Airlines | www.suncountry.com | (651)905-2737
Sunwing Airlines | www.sunwing.ca | (800) 486-9777
United Airlines | www.united.com | (800) 525-0280
**Contact information for TSA:
TSA cares, or relay service (855) 787-2227, or e-mail TSA-contactcenter@dhs.gov
In Buffalo, Passenger Support Specialists available at (716) 635-1200. Many agents are trained in sign language.
Aira - Visual Service
Aira.io
BUF Airport has joined the Aira Network to improve access for blind and low vision travelers. Passengers are now able to access visual information on-demand from a remote Aira agent, free of charge, while at the Airport. Blind and low-vision passengers can download the Aira app on their smartphone and use it to connect to a highly trained, remotely located agent to access visual information on-demand. The agent, who makes use of live video stream, GPS, maps and other web-based data provides real-time information to empower blind and low-vision travelers to navigate and experience the airport on their own terms and time. Passengers can download the app for free and use it at BUF, while existing Aira subscribers will also have free access at the airport. More information on Aira is available through the company website above.
Autistic Travelers
Acclimation sessions for anyone diagnosed with Autism who will be traveling in the near future are available. This will help familiarize the individual with the surroundings of the airport and will serve as an introduction to the security and boarding process prior to your trip. A walk through can be arranged through customer service and TSA. Please call (716) 630-6072 for more information.
Braille
Braille signage is posted throughout the airport.
Deaf Travelers
There are multiple signs in the pre and post security areas. The signage will help direct you to your gate. The Flight Information Display System (FIDS) lists departures and arrivals. Screens are located throughout the terminal.
Should you need additional assistance, please speak with the ticket agent when you check in for your flight.
Electric Carts
Carts and drivers are available in the post-security area to assist getting passengers to the gates. You may request cart assistance when you check-in at your Airline's ticket counter. The Cart will meet you after you've gone through the security checkpoint.
Gate Access
Elevators are available for gates requiring ramp level boarding. (Airline Personnel Assistance is required)
Metro
Click here for Metro Bus and Paratransit information. Reservations are required for Paratransit.
Oxygen
Check with your airline. Pre-flight arrangements required by all airlines.
Parking
Daily/Hourly Garage: free handicapped parking is available for up to 59 minutes in the Daily/Hourly Garage. Individuals possessing a valid handicapped parking permit may park for less than one hour in the Airport's Daily/Hourly Garage at no charge. After the first hour patrons will be charged the current hourly rate.
Long-Term Parking: All lots have handicap spaces available for those with a valid handicap parking permit. All airport shuttles are equipped with a wheelchair lift and trained driver to assist patrons.
Passenger Escorts
Check with your airline. Most airlines will provide Passenger Escort Service for a fee. This service is primarily for elderly customers, children or passengers with mental or physical impairment that are traveling alone.
Paws for Love Program
Therapy dogs work at the airport to help soothe passengers in conjunction with Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Erie County - if interested in being involved, contact volunteer coordinator Kelly at kellyd@yourspace.com for more info.
Pet Relief Area
Pre-security is located outside of lower level arrivals/baggage claim. Exit to the right out of the terminal. Area has posted signs.
Post-security is located on departure level between Gates 11 and 14.
Picking Up at Curbside
Handicap spaces are identified at curbside on the Arrivals Level to help facilitate picking up passengers needing assistance. These spaces are only for loading. Vehicles are not to be parked in this area or left unattended.
The free Cell Phone Lot is located on Buell Ave. Drivers can wait there in their vehicles until their arriving passengers have their luggage and are ready to be picked up at curbside in the arrival area.
Rest Rooms
Companion care restrooms are provided. They are located on the Departures Level pre-security near the restrooms and the Arrivals Lower Level on the west end. Post-security, there is a companion care restroom near all restrooms. They are large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and families.
Security Check-In
A separate lane is provided to accommodate travelers needing extra assistance and families with small children (see Check Point above).
Service Animals
US Department of Transportation service animals rules can be found here.
Telephones
TTY/ TDD phones are available throughout the terminal building. In pre-security they are located on the Departure Level across from the United Airlines and at the west end of the Arrivals Lower Level. In post-security TTY/ TDD phones are located near gates 3, 9 and 21.
TSA Cares
855-787-2227
TSA Cares
TSA Cares provides information on security procedures aimed to help passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and individuals needing additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process.
Call TSA Cares (855) 787-2227 to request assistance, or visit the TSA Cares Website.
Video Relay Service (VRS)
This free unit is on the upper level, just past security near the Transit Police desk. Another is located on the lower level near Customer Services in East Terminal.
Video Relay Service (VRS) allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities who use American Sign Language to use video equipment to communicate with voice telephone users. A video link allows a communication assistant (CA) and the ASL user to view and sign with each other, and the CA is also connected to a user on the voice side of the call through telephone. The CA interprets and relays the conversation back and forth between the two parties.
Wheelchair
If wheelchair assistance is required while at the Buffalo Airport, passengers should make advance arrangements with their airline.
Cars standing (not actively loading or unloading at the curb fronts) in the “drop-off” or “pick-up” lane will be ticketed. Unattended vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. Use FREE cell phone lot on Holtz Road next to Economy Parking Lot to wait for your party’s flight to arrive.