Deaf or hard of hearing
We believe traveling the world should be accessible to everyone. But, we also know that depending on the kind of hearing loss you have, you may have different needs. So, we’ve created a travel guide, and gathered some advice for flying if you’re Deaf or hard of hearing.
Planning your trip
You can book your flight on united.com, in the United app or over the phone. If you prefer to book by phone and need to use a telecommunications device for the Deaf (TDD), give us a call at 1-800-323-0170.
Let us know before you go
We recommend letting us know that you or someone you’re traveling with is Deaf or hard of hearing before you get to the airport. There are 3 ways you can give us this info:
During booking when you give us all travelers’ names and information
After booking in My trips where you edit traveler information
During check-in when you’re confirming traveler information
We don’t share your personal medical information with anyone. All we do is make sure we’re prepared to give you a custom safety briefing and personalized communication during your flight if you want it.
Choosing seats
If you use a hearing aid or cochlear implant, you may want to choose a seat on the plane with an outlet. Most Economy Plus and premium cabin seats will have one.
Traveler pro tips
If you’re traveling with a device that helps you process sound, here’s a packing checklist:
- Storage case
- Charger and adapter (if you’re traveling abroad)
- Extra batteries
- Cleaning kit
- Backup device (if you have one)
Traveler pro tips
If you’re traveling with a device that helps you process sound, here’s a packing checklist:
- Storage case
- Charger and adapter (if you’re traveling abroad)
- Extra batteries
- Cleaning kit
- Backup device (if you have one)
At the airport
When it comes to a disability, everyone’s needs are unique. We recommend letting us know what yours are whenever you interact with an airport employee. That includes ticket counter agents, gate agents, and other United agents you may need to speak to.
Checking a bag
If you’re checking a bag, you’ll first need to stop by an airport kiosk to print your bag tag. Then, go to the ticket counter to drop off your bag. At the counter they have to confirm who you are, so make sure you have your ID out. They’ll also weigh your bag before taking it from you.
Accessibility assistance
You can get specialized help at the airport by visiting our accessibility assistance desks. Where these desks are located varies by airport, so we suggest using the airport map feature in the United app to find the nearest one.
The primary service we offer if you’re Deaf or hard of hearing is an escort through the airport. You can request someone to walk with you to your gate if you like. Please keep in mind this person will have a wheelchair with them, but you don’t have to use it.
Going through security
Everyone has to go through a security screening before going to their gate. You’ll need to have your ID and boarding pass ready. If you’ve never been through airport security before, here’s what you can expect:
If you have TSA PreCheck®
You’ll need to place your bags on the conveyer to be scanned. You’ll also need to remove your jacket and anything from your pockets and place them in a bin to be scanned too. Everything else can stay on.
If you don’t have TSA PreCheck®
In addition to your bags, you’ll need to remove your laptop and any liquids from your bags and place them in a bin to be scanned. You’ll also need to remove anything from your pockets, jacket, belt and shoes and place them in a bin.
You can leave your hearing aid or cochlear device on during your security screening.
While your items are being scanned, you’ll either walk through a metal detector or go through a full body scanner.
Navigating the terminal
Airport terminals are very busy. Most people navigate the terminal on foot but there are some carts that drive through, so be aware there may be one coming up behind you.
At the gate, most announcements are made over a speaker. But, we also have screens at the gate that show things like boarding announcements, updates about delays or cancellations, and more. So be sure to keep an eye on those.
All customers with disabilities are invited to board during pre-boarding. Or, you can board with the boarding group listed on your boarding pass. Learn more about the boarding process.
On the plane
If you’ve let us know you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, we’ll ask you 3 questions once you’re on the plane:
- If you’d like a customized safety briefing
- How you’d like us to communicate with you
- If there’s any additional help you’ll need during your flight
Announcements
After each announcement during your flight, we’ll make sure to communicate with you using your preferred method to make sure you receive all the information you need.
Inflight entertainment
Several of the inflight entertainment options on our app and on seat back screens come with closed captioning and subtitles. There’s actually a category that shows all content we have available with this feature. Learn more about our accessible entertainment options.
Traveler pro tips
If you’ve never flown before, here are some key visual cues for your flight:
- If the seatbelt sign is on, you have to stay seated and can’t get up.
- You’ll know it’s ok to take your laptop out or stand to get something out of your carry-on bag after takeoff when the seatbelt sign turns off.
- There’s a light that indicates whether or not the bathroom is available.
- Food and drink service usually starts about 15-30 minutes after the seatbelt sign turns off after takeoff.
Traveler pro tips
If you’ve never flown before, here are some key visual cues for your flight:
- If the seatbelt sign is on, you have to stay seated and can’t get up.
- You’ll know it’s ok to take your laptop out or stand to get something out of your carry-on bag after takeoff when the seatbelt sign turns off.
- There’s a light that indicates whether or not the bathroom is available.
- Food and drink service usually starts about 15-30 minutes after the seatbelt sign turns off after takeoff.