Accessibility

At BFL, we are constantly striving to make your travel experience easy, safe, and comfortable. Kern County is committed to providing a variety of services and accessibility options for travelers using the Meadows Field Airport. This information is provided to familiarize you with the airport’s services and facilities.

Wheelchair Assistance

Wheelchair assistance is provided by the airlines. To use this service, travelers must ask for wheelchair assistance when making their airline reservation.

When flying American Airlines, choose “special assistance required” when filling out your passenger details. This will allow you to request wheelchair service and/or individual assistance for travelers with any hearing, vision, cognitive, or developmental disability. If you are traveling with any electric medical equipment or service animals, you will need to state that within 48 hours of your flight. If you wish to speak to a representative about special services, you may call +1 (800) 433-7300.

When flying United Airlines, choose “special assistance required” when filling out your passenger details. You may also call United’s Accessibility Desk at +1 (800) 228-2744 if you have questions or need to arrange further assistance.

Passengers Arriving at BFL Airport

Our airline partners provide wheelchair assistance from the aircraft to the baggage claim area, rental car area, and curb. Travelers must request wheelchair assistance when making their airline reservation to ensure wheelchair service is part of their reservation record. If your request was made in advance, upon your arrival at BFL, the airline will have a wheelchair and agent waiting for you at the gate. Curbside loading and unloading is available in front of the terminal. There is a designated ADA loading and unloading space located in front of the terminal. Please note, unattended vehicles are not allowed in front of the terminal.

Passengers Departing from BFL Airport

Curbside loading and unloading is available in front of the terminal. However, please note that unattended vehicles are not allowed in front of the terminal. Travelers who need assistance with baggage check-in, ticketing, movement to the gate area, and boarding the aircraft should request assistance when making their airline reservation to ensure it becomes part of the traveler’s reservation record and plan. It is recommended that travelers with needs arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to departure and be at their assigned gate at least 45 minutes prior to departure.

Parking

Accessible parking spaces are available. Only vehicles that display a state-provided Disability Parking Placard or Disability License Plate may use these spaces. If no accessible spaces are available, you may park in any space. Vehicles parked in accessible spots without displaying the proper requirements will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense.

If you need your placard on your trip, the airport allows you to make a copy of your placard and place it on your dashboard.

Ground Transportation

There are several ground transportation options available at BFL. For passengers needing special assistance or wheelchair accessible transportation options, please visit our Ground Transportation page and contact the transportation companies directly to schedule an accessible transportation option.

Rental Cars

Rental car companies rent vehicles equipped for travelers with special needs. To ensure availability of these vehicles, please visit our Ground Transportation page to contact the rental car company directly and make reservations at least two weeks in advance.

Service Animals

Animals are welcome at the airport; however, they must be on a leash at all times. Please let your airline know if you plan to travel with a service animal when making your reservation.

Security Screening (TSA)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for the security of airline passengers at BFL. Travelers with special needs and medical conditions may call TSA Cares toll-free at +1 (855) 787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

Areas after passenger screening are limited to ticketed passengers only. However, airlines may grant permission for those accompanying travelers with access and functional needs who may need additional assistance by a health care assistant or guardian to or from an aircraft gate. If this assistance is desired, the request must be made in person at the airline ticket counter. For additional information on the security screening process for passengers with special circumstances, please visit the TSA passenger support webpage.

Information About Accessible Travel

The U.S. Department of Transportation website offers information about traveling with a disability. The guide helps travelers who need special assistance prepare for the entire air travel experience, from planning a trip to navigating airports and getting on and off planes.

Access California offers great information about accessible parks, trails, historical sites and other points of interest around the Central Coast and Bakersfield area.

Airline Accessibility Contact Information

American Airlines:

Website: Accessible information

Accessible Services Phone Number: +1 (800) 433-7300

Hearing or Speech Impaired Assistance: +1 (800) 543-1586

Submit a Disability Assistance Request online

United Airlines:

Website: Accessible Information

Accessible Services Phone Number: +1 (800) 228-2744

Website Accessibility Statement

Meadows Field Airport regularly reviews meadowsfield.com for accessibility compliance. We are making every effort to ensure this website is accessible to all users. We have developed this website based on best practices and recommendations of the federal Title II, WCAG 2.1 AA, standards. If you have any difficulty accessing the information provided or would like to request that the information be provided in an alternative format, please call us at +1 (661) 391-1870 or email us at [email protected].