Airport Travel Tips for Blind Travelers: How to Navigate Airports with Confidence
As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, my job is to prepare my students for travel in both familiar and unfamiliar spaces. While some routes can be memorized with repetition, airports change frequently, making memorization impractical. However, with the right strategies, you can be a confident and independent traveler. Here are my top tips for navigating airports as a blind traveler.
1. Book Your Ticket with Wheelchair Assistance
If the airport is unfamiliar, consider booking your ticket with wheelchair or cart transport assistance. This service helps you get from the check-in counter to your gate with ease. If this option isn’t available at booking, call the airline to request it. Some travelers choose to give a cash tip to the airport personnel for their assistance.
2. Pack Light and Stay Organized
Carry-on bags can be costly and cumbersome. If possible, check your bag or gate-check it to simplify your travel experience. I personally prefer traveling with just a backpack, as most destinations have stores where I can buy any forgotten items. Keep your bags organized to quickly locate what you need.
3. Take Advantage of Priority Boarding
As a traveler with a disability, you are entitled to priority boarding. This allows you to get settled in your seat and stow your bags without the stress of large crowds. Some of my clients hesitate to use this service, especially if they have low vision but still function independently. However, boarding early can make the experience much smoother and less overwhelming.
4. Carry a White Cane for Identification
Even if you don’t typically use a white cane for mobility, having one at the airport can be incredibly helpful. It signals to others that you have a vision impairment, making it easier for airport personnel and fellow travelers to offer assistance when needed. It can also help clear a path in busy areas.
5. Familiarize Yourself with Travel Apps and Print Boarding Passes
Before traveling, practice using your airline’s app to access your boarding pass. Some airlines charge a fee (as high as $40) for printing boarding passes at the counter. Avoid unexpected costs by ensuring you can retrieve your pass digitally or print it at home in advance.
Essential Travel Tools for Blind Travelers
These products can help make airport travel smoother:
White cane for identification in airports – Purchase here
Carry-on bag with smooth rollers for one-handed use – Purchase here
Tile Tag to locate your suitcase on the carousel – Purchase here
Custom luggage strap for increased visibility – Purchase here
Diaper bag backpack with multiple compartments, including an insulated pocket – Purchase here
Any purchases made through these links help fund Access Your Mobility.
Share Your Experience
Have you traveled through an airport as a blind traveler? What strategies have worked best for you? Share your tips with us below!
