Orlando International Airport (MCO) sees millions of travelers every year. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, it's the first place many Florida visitors set foot in the state when starting their trip. Getting to parks and business conferences means navigating the airport, transportation, and other visitors. If you're traveling with limited mobility, arranging a wheelchair rental service in advance makes your trip easier.
How to Rent a Wheelchair at Orlando International Airport
Airlines are responsible for providing wheelchair assistance inside the airport under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). If you require support to move through security, plane boarding, or baggage claim, your airline must provide this service at no additional cost once you self-identify at the airport. Assistance typically includes:
- Guiding you from curbside drop-off through check-in and security to your departure gate.
- Escorting you onto the aircraft and helping you to your seat.
- Assisting with gate transfers for flight connections.
- Meeting you upon arrival to take you to baggage claim or pickup.
This is a great option if you need help navigating MCO upon arrival. However, airline-provided wheelchairs are not available beyond the terminal. If you want more independence when moving around Orlando, you'll have to work with a mobility equipment rental partner.
How to Make the Flight Smoother
Airports can be confusing and stressful even when you don't need assistance. Adding in mobility devices can make your trip bumpier. However, there are steps you can take to make the process easier:
- Reserve in advance: Let the airline know you need assistance as soon as possible. Tell them at booking or call a few days ahead of time to confirm the booking. That way, they'll have staff ready for you.
- Arrive early: Give yourself a couple of extra hours before flights. This buffer time reduces stress and gives you more wiggle room in case of airline staff or security delays.
- Self-identify clearly: Even if your reservation mentions support, you should still self-identify at the check-in counter. Staff need to know you've arrived so they can help you.
- Know what's covered: Staff can typically escort you from the curbside, through security, and to your gate. They'll help you with connections and baggage claim, too. If you can't lift carry-on items, they will help.
- Ask about preboarding: Passengers needing extra time can board before general boarding. It's easier for passengers using wheelchairs to get onto the plane and be settled if they board earlier.
- Communicate during the flight: Let flight attendants know if you'll need help stowing luggage, retrieving items, or arranging for landing assistance.
- Report issues: If you ever feel your rights weren't honored, you can ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official. If you're experiencing an emergency, contact staff immediately for help.
Wheelchair Assistance vs. Rentals
Renting a wheelchair from the Orlando International Airport is arranged through the airline. But what about afterward? Airline-provided wheelchairs are a different service from wheelchair rentals for your entire vacation. Both help make your journey smoother, but they're for separate situations.
Airline-Provided Wheelchair Assistance
Airlines legally have to provide you with wheelchair assistance for free. When you make your reservation, you should let the airline know you'll need mobility assistance. This might happen when you book your ticket, or you might have to call them a day or two before your flight. Make sure to arrive at the airport check-in early so you're on time for your flight. Then, you'll either check in for your wheelchair reservation or let the check-in desk know you need mobility assistance. From there, airline staff will help you through the entire process. You do have to wait for staff while you're in the terminal, so ensure you have enough time between flights.
Wheelchair Rentals
Rental services are built for independence once you leave the airport. Instead of relying on inconsistent assistance services at the venue or theme park, you'll have a mobility device to use throughout your trip. This allows you to explore Orlando's theme parks and attractions on your own time. Plus, you can customize your mobility aid. With your own rental, you can pick exactly the aid type you need during your visit, whether that's a mobility scooter, electric wheelchair, manual wheelchair, or something else.
Just book your rental wheelchair early through a reliable provider like Scootaround. We have convenient locations and easy pickup services. Combine that with well-maintained equipment and you can have the best possible trip.
Renting a Wheelchair for Your Entire Orlando Visit
Once you're out of the airport, you should arrange a wheelchair rental through another provider. Airlines will not cover wheelchair service once you leave. You need a reliable partner if you want mobility assistance beyond the Orlando International Airport, and renting a wheelchair for your entire trip is the most convenient choice.
Simply book a wheelchair rental once you have your hotel, residence, or venue information. Rental companies will deliver the mobility equipment right to where you're staying, so you can explore at your own pace. Options include wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and rollators. Then, take the wheelchair around Orlando. Once your trip and rental period are done, just leave the wheelchair at the hotel bell desk or the previously agreed-upon spot. The company will pick it up for you.
Orlando Wheelchair FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about MCO:
Can I Rent a Wheelchair Directly at Orlando International Airport?
Yes. If you're booking a wheelchair for inside the airport, contact your airline directly. If you need mobility assistance once you leave the airport, reserve your Orlando wheelchairs and mobility equipment through Scootaround. Arrange the drop-off and pickup location so you can start your trip as soon as you arrive at your accommodations.
How Far in Advance Should You Reserve Your Rental?
Contact your airline about wheelchair assistance early. For wheelchair rentals, book as early as possible to get the best selection. Peak season travel can make booking busy.
What Types of Equipment Can I Rent for My Trip?
Scootaround Powered by WHILL offers manual wheelchairs, scooters, powerchairs, rollators, walkers, and more. You can choose the equipment based on the model and size.
Where Do I Return My Wheelchair?
Return your mobility equipment to the agreed-upon place outlined in your rental details. This will typically be the hotel bell desk or the Scootaround booth if you are renting at an event or venue.
Reserve Your Orlando Wheelchair Today
Make traveling to Orlando exciting, not stressful. With Scootaround, you can count on reliable, well-maintained mobility equipment that is ready when needed. With more than 25 years of experience and service at over 2,500 locations, Scootaround Powered by WHILL is your trusted partner in getting around. Rent from a wide selection of mobility equipment and schedule pickup where you need it.
Need regular mobility equipment rentals? Join the Scootaround loyalty program and start earning points and rental perks. We're here to make your rental process convenient and easy. Enjoy added independence with Scootaround and book your rental online!
