Not every car labeled "accessible" is accessible in the way a specific passenger needs. A folding manual wheelchair that collapses into a trunk is a very different booking than a power chair that requires a ramp or a lift, and the vehicles that handle one often cannot handle the other. Getting specific when you book is the single most useful thing you can do to avoid a mismatch at the curb.
Start With the Equipment, Not the Word "Accessible"
When you call to book, describe the actual mobility equipment rather than relying on a general term: a folding manual wheelchair, a power wheelchair, a scooter, a walker, or a passenger who can transfer independently into a standard vehicle seat with the equipment folded and stowed separately. Each of these has a different best-fit vehicle, and a dispatcher who knows the equipment in advance can confirm the right car rather than guessing.
A folding manual wheelchair generally stows in the trunk or cargo area of a standard SUV once the passenger has transferred to the seat, which is the most common accommodation we arrange. A non-folding power wheelchair or scooter is a different situation entirely and may require a specific vehicle type or advance coordination — ask directly rather than assuming any SUV will work.
Ask About the Vehicle, the Chauffeur and the Timing
Ask whether the chauffeur is able to assist with a transfer or with loading equipment, and be specific about what kind of assistance is needed — a hand to steady someone, or physical lifting, are very different requests with different safety considerations. A good dispatcher will tell you plainly what the chauffeur can and cannot do rather than overpromising to close the booking.
Also ask about timing. A pickup involving a transfer and equipment loading reasonably takes longer than a standard curb pickup, and a chauffeur who knows this in advance builds it into the schedule rather than treating it as an unexpected delay once they arrive.
Airport-Specific Considerations at Dulles
Dulles has its own accessibility services for the terminal itself — wheelchair assistance between the gate and baggage claim, and accessible restrooms and elevators throughout the terminal — which are separate from your ground transportation booking. Confirm in-terminal wheelchair assistance directly with your airline in advance of the flight; it is not something a car service provider arranges for you inside the airport.
Where ground transportation comes in is the curb: tell your chauffeur which pickup zone you will be using and whether you will already be in a terminal-provided wheelchair at curbside, since that changes how the pickup proceeds compared with someone walking out independently.
Booking in Advance Makes the Difference
Same-day accessible bookings are sometimes possible, but booking a day or more ahead gives dispatch time to confirm the right vehicle and brief the assigned chauffeur, rather than scrambling to match equipment to a car at the last minute. If your trip is recurring — a regular medical appointment or a standing travel schedule — ask about setting up the same details on file so you do not have to repeat them every time.
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can your vehicles accommodate a folding wheelchair?
Yes, in most cases. A folding manual wheelchair typically stows in the trunk or cargo area of a standard SUV once the passenger has transferred to the seat. Tell dispatch the specific equipment when you book so the right vehicle is assigned.
Can you transport a power wheelchair or mobility scooter?
This depends on the specific equipment and may require advance coordination or a particular vehicle. Call (877) 609-1919 and describe the equipment so dispatch can confirm what is possible for your trip.
Will the chauffeur help with a transfer into the vehicle?
Chauffeurs can assist in some situations, but the level of assistance varies and should be discussed specifically when you book — be clear about what kind of help is needed so expectations match on pickup day.
Does Dulles provide wheelchair assistance inside the terminal?
Yes, but that is an airline and airport service, separate from ground transportation. Confirm in-terminal wheelchair assistance directly with your airline before your flight.
Is there an extra charge for an accessible pickup?
No. There is no extra charge for accommodating mobility equipment, though we do ask for advance notice so the right vehicle and enough time are scheduled for the pickup.