Airports in November and December? Yeah, that’s a whole adventure by itself. The crowds, the lines, and the scramble at security — it’s a chaotic mess. If you’re traveling with a wheelchair, the experience takes on a whole new level. That’s why the season of giving sometimes feels more like the time of waiting, rushing, and trying to find someone who actually understands convenience.
That’s where accessible vehicles step in. Around Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and Tucson International Airport (TUS), wheelchair-friendly rides make the difference between a stressful travel day and one that actually feels like the holidays. That’s why reliable, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and trained drivers who know the local airports inside and out provide peace of mind.
Tips for Traveling with a Wheelchair During the Holidays
Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or flying out to see loved ones, traveling with a wheelchair around busy airports like PHX and TUS comes with unique challenges. The good news? A little planning goes a long way — especially when accessible rides are part of your travel checklist.
Picking the Right Accessible Ride in Phoenix and Tucson
Phoenix and Tucson aren’t small towns — you’ve got sprawling suburbs, unpredictable traffic, and terminals that seem to stretch for miles. So, before you even think about what snacks to pack or which sweater to wear, think about your ride.
Here, transportation friendly to those traveling with a wheelchair takes some guesswork. You need drivers at Sky Harbor’s terminals or Tucson International’s drop-off zones who know where to go, where to wait, and how to help passengers with luggage without delay.
When searching for accessible rides, here’s what matters:
- ADA-compliant vehicles – Look for vans equipped with lifts that make boarding smooth and safe.
- Trained drivers – Choose services with drivers experienced in assisting passengers with standard or electric wheelchairs.
- Local airport know-how – Drivers who know terminal layouts and pickup areas save time and hassle during drop-offs or arrivals.
- Clear communication – Booking lines or online tools that confirm ride details in advance reduces any surprises at pickup.
- Reliability – Check that the service operates year-round, including early-morning or late-night hours.
These small details are what turn an airport trip from stressful to smooth, especially when every minute counts during the holidays.
Don’t Wait Till the Last Minute
Holiday travel in Arizona peaks during Thanksgiving week and won’t slow down until after New Year’s. Accessible rides are in high demand, so waiting until the last minute? Not a good idea. Schedule your ride as soon as you have your flight details locked in. That early call ensures you get the right vehicle on time. It’s not just about catching your flight; it’s about avoiding the mad rush of last-minute bookings.
For anyone traveling with a wheelchair, here are a few holiday travel tips worth remembering:
- Vehicle availability drops fast — lift-equipped vans book up weeks before major holidays.
- Driver schedules fill quickly, especially for early morning or late-night flights.
- Traffic delays are unpredictable around PHX and TUS during peak travel days.
- Peace of mind matters — Knowing your ride’s confirmed lets you focus on travel, not logistics.
Following simple holiday travel safety tips and consideration like these keeps your schedule — and your stress — under control.
Communicate Needs and Situations Clearly
When scheduling your ride, mention specific details. Do you have a medical appointment scheduled? Are you planning to explore local attractions? A good provider accommodates all of that — but only if they know ahead of time. So, better communication means smoother pickups and drop-offs.
Plans change — flights get delayed, luggage takes forever, or you need help coordinating a return ride. Stay in touch with your transportation provider. They offer updates or real-time tracking, so you know exactly when your vehicle’s on the way. If your flight lands late at night, confirm it with your provider. While they also track your arrival schedule, both parties should be on the same page.
Luggage, Equipment, and That Extra Layer of Arizona Dust
Holiday travel in Arizona isn’t always picture-perfect. Cold desert mornings, dry air, and that fine layer of dust that seems to land on everything — it all adds a bit of challenge when you’re juggling luggage and mobility equipment. Here’s what helps:
- Ask for luggage assistance — Drivers trained in accessibility know how to handle bags without blocking lifts.
- Secure your wheelchair — Let the driver know if it folds, detaches, or needs extra care so they can strap it safely during transport.
- Keep essentials within reach — Medications, chargers, and small accessories should stay close in case of delays or layovers.
- Plan for the weather — Those chilly desert mornings can catch you off guard; pack a light blanket or jacket for comfort during pickup.
- Protect your gear from dust — A simple cover helps keep the seat cushion clean when going to the airport.
Traveling Made Easier with HealthLift Arizona
Holiday travel doesn’t have to come with added stress. With HealthLift Arizona, passengers in Phoenix and Tucson have access to dependable, ADA-compliant transportation that’s designed for comfort, safety, and accessibility.
HealthLift operates a fleet of top-of-the-line dual-use vans, all equipped with heavy-duty wheelchair lifts that handle standard, oversized, bariatric, and electric wheelchairs with ease. Each vehicle is also fitted with industry-leading stretchers — perfect for both standard and bariatric passengers — so every ride meets the unique needs of our community.
Behind the wheel, specially-trained drivers bring both skill and compassion to each trip. They’re CPR certified, PASS certified, defensive driving trained, and hospice sensitivity certified, as well as drug-tested and background-checked. Whether you’re heading to Sky Harbor or Tucson International — or any airport in between — we ensure you get there safely and comfortably.
We provide transportation for any occasion, from family visits and airport transfers to medical appointments and long-distance travel. With oxygen supply available in vehicles (administered by a caregiver) and ample room for equipment, HealthLift is built for accessibility, for those traveling with a wheelchair.
Ready to plan your trip?
Sign up for a free HealthLift account and book online today! If you’d like a free quote, reach out — we’ll respond as soon as possible to help you get moving.
Because everyone deserves a ride that’s safe, accessible, and stress-free!