Travelling with Disability - Before Travel (Gold Coast Airport Focus)

We understand that travel requirements are unique and can vary significantly for individuals with disabilities. To ensure a smoother and less stressful experience when travelling to or from Gold Coast Airport, proactive planning and making necessary arrangements before your journey is key. Taking the time to organise specific assistance and understand the available resources can make a world of difference to your overall travel comfort and ease. For those requiring transportation upon arrival, Gold Coast Airport offers various car rental services. It’s advisable to book in advance and inform the car rental company of any specific vehicle requirements you may have.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide outlining the essential steps travellers with disabilities should take before arriving at or departing from Gold Coast Airport. By focusing on pre-trip arrangements and awareness of transportation services, we aim to empower you with the information needed to navigate the airport and your onward journey with greater confidence and ensure your specific needs are met, leading to a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience from arrival to your final destination on the Gold Coast.

• Contact Your Airline Early: It’s crucial to inform your airline about your specific assistance needs at the time of booking or as soon as possible afterwards. This allows them to make the necessary arrangements to support you.
• Examples of information to provide: When contacting your airline, be clear about your requirements, such as mobility assistance (wheelchair, walking aids), sensory impairments, medical equipment, assistance animals, or any dietary requirements related to a disability.
• Airline Procedures and Limitations: Be aware that airlines have specific procedures and may have limitations for certain types of assistance. It’s essential to discuss your needs in detail to ensure they can be met.
• Review Airline Accessibility Policies: Always check the airline’s website for their detailed policies regarding passengers with disabilities. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of their services and procedures.
• Consider Special Assistance Services at the Airport: While Gold Coast Airport primarily relies on airlines to provide assistance, it’s helpful to understand the general concept of dedicated airport assistance services. These services can assist with navigating the airport, security, and boarding.
• Gold Coast Airport Accessibility Information: For specific information about airport-provided support beyond airline assistance, please visit the Accessibility page on the Gold Coast Airport website. This page provides details on the airport’s commitment to accessibility, including facilities and services for passengers with disabilities.
• Book Accessible Accommodation and Transfers: If your journey involves onward travel and accommodation, ensure these are also accessible to your needs. Confirm accessibility features with hotels and transfer services in advance.

• Website Resources: Visit the official Gold Coast Airport website and navigate to their dedicated “Accessibility” page: https://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/at-the-airport/accessibility to find information on:

  • Parking: Details on accessible parking locations within all public car parks and procedures for their use. Look for clearly marked spaces reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit. Note the availability of a 30-minute parking allowance in designated accessibility pick-up and drop-off zones kerbside, with the requirement to display your permit. One-hour free mobility-friendly parking is also available in the short-term carpark (painted green, marked ‘Mobility Friendly 1 hour only’), without the need for a permit, but intercom assistance is required upon exit.
  • Terminal Access: Information on ramps, lifts located throughout the three-level terminal building, and accessible entrances to ensure smooth movement within the airport. Kerbside rampways are available from car parks and the street to the terminal sidewalks. 
  • Toilets: Locations of accessible toilet amenities, which are available throughout all terminals and include braille signage for vision-impaired passengers. Note the presence of a “Changing Places” bathroom in both domestic and international terminals, offering more space and equipment for people with profound disabilities and their carers.
  • Parents’ Rooms: These facilities, located at both ends of the terminal, often include accessible toilets and baby change stations.  
  • Assistance Animal Relief Areas: The website provides information confirming that certified guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other assistance animals are welcome in all areas of Gold Coast Airport. While specific designated relief areas may not be explicitly detailed, it’s advisable to contact the airport or your airline for the most up-to-date information.
  • Visual and Hearing Assistance: Information on available services such as a hearing loop installed in the terminal to assist hearing-impaired passengers. The International Terminal directory boards also incorporate tactile and Braille features. The airport also has a Hidden Disability program, including tools like a terminal sensory map and communication boards.  

• Contacting the Airport (If Necessary): For specific accessibility questions not answered online, you can contact Gold Coast Airport directly:

  • Phone: +61 7 5589 1100 (Airport Management Office, 8:15 am – 5:00 pm)  
  • Email: info@gcal.com.au (Terminal Operations, 4:00 am – 11:00 pm)
  • After Hours (Integrated Operations): dutymanager@gcal.com.au or +61 7 5589 1201. 

• Allow Extra Time: When travelling with a disability, it’s always best to arrive at Gold Coast Airport with ample time. This extra buffer will allow you to navigate check-in, security procedures, and any required assistance without feeling rushed or stressed. Rushing can exacerbate anxiety and make the journey less comfortable.

• Familiarise Yourself with the Airport Layout: Before you even leave for the airport, take some time to review the Gold Coast Airport terminal map online. This will help you understand the location of key facilities such as accessible toilets, lifts, assistance counters (though airline-specific), and your departure gate. Knowing the layout in advance can significantly reduce uncertainty and make navigating the airport much smoother. You can find the terminal map on the Gold Coast Airport’s website.

• Consider Mobility Aids: If you use a personal mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or walking frame, it’s essential to confirm your airline’s specific policy regarding its transport well in advance. Enquire about whether you can use your mobility aid within the airport terminals up to the gate or if it will need to be checked in earlier. Understanding these procedures will allow you to plan accordingly and ensure a seamless transition through the airport.

Having meticulously planned your accessible journey to Gold Coast Airport, ensuring your needs are met from pre-booking to navigating the terminal, the next step in unlocking the region’s full potential is having the freedom to explore at your own pace. Just as careful preparation enhances your airport experience, having a reliable vehicle allows you to discover the hidden gems and accessible attractions that the Gold Coast and its surrounding areas have to offer. From accessible beaches and scenic drives to inclusive dining and entertainment options, your adventure begins the moment you leave the airport. Consider Alpha Car Hire for a wide range of vehicles and convenient airport pickup, empowering you to create your own accessible itinerary and truly experience the beauty and diversity of the Gold Coast.