Airline Travel Tips for the Deaf & HoH

These travel tips will make getting through air travel easier for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Arrange for pre-boarding and have a friend or family member escort you to the gate.

Escorts can obtain a gate pass that allows them through security and to the gate.

Airlines will often seat you at the front of a plane if you request it to improve lip-reading or if you have a service dog.

Take a piece of paper with you explaining your situation and how you’d like to communicate. Show it especially to an agent when you arrive at the gate so they can make sure you are aware of any important announcements, such as a gate change.

Most airlines offer assistance for hard-of-hearing passengers over the phone.