In the Terminal

The helpdesk for passengers requiring special assistance is located at the front of the terminal building, inbetween check-in zones D and E. The desk is staffed 24 hours a day.

Facilities for the hard of hearing
Induction loops are fitted in certain areas of the terminal and satellites and are identified by the sympathetic ear sign. All telephones throughout the airport are fitted with induction couplers. Public text phones are provided in certain areas. A number of airport staff are proficient in BSL stage one and the majority have been trained in deaf awareness. Some staff are able to finger spell.

Facilities for the blind and partially sighted
Guide and hearing dogs are the only dogs allowed in the terminal buildings. The airport directional signs are black on yellow providing optimum contrast to assist all users. Reserved seating areas aim to provide low level flight information screens, but if you have difficulty seeing the monitors, please advise your airline at check-in. 

Getting to your gate
There is a transit train system which connects passengers from the departure lounge to the satellites where the boarding gates are located. The same service operates for returning passengers:

• All trains are fully wheelchair accessible.
• Each train has two help points situated either end of the car.
• Normal train service is every three minutes and is free.
  
  

Reserved seating areas
Reserved seating areas, clearly identified by the use of special needs pictograms, are available for special needs passengers and are located throughout the airport in the general seating areas. These areas aim to provide the following features:

• An induction loop.
• Arms on both sides of seats.
• Space for wheelchair users.
• Low level flight information monitors.

Security checks
The safety and security of our passengers is our number one priority. All passengers must pass through security control before they enter the departure lounge. Wheelchair users will inevitably activate the archway metal detector, and security personnel are obliged to hand search passengers who activate the alarms: therefore chair and passenger will be searched. You can ask to be searched in private, away from the main security control area if you prefer.

Toilet facilities
Unisex accessible toilets are provided on the main concourse and within the departures lounge. Parents travelling with children are welcome to use the unisex accessible toilets.

RADAR keys
We are committed to ensure our accessible toilets are kept in a satisfactory condition at all times and some units, including those in Stansted's main departure lounge are fitted with RADAR keys (www.radar.org.uk).  Signs on each unit explain how to obtain a key.

For further enquiries about special needs assistance at Stansted Airport please call + 44 (0)870 000 0303. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please call the Stansted minicom service on +44 (0)1279 663 725.