SBP is proud to be one of 200 airports across the world to participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Under the program, travelers with a non-visible disability can request a free Sunflower lanyard from Airport Administration (805-781-5205 or staff@sloairport.com) prior to travel or at the ticket counter of any participating airline. Program materials also can be mailed to travelers with a minimum two-week notice prior to travel. The Sunflower program is free to all passengers.

How does the program work?
Passengers with a hidden disability may voluntarily choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard to discreetly indicate they need extra assistance or time. Airport staff are trained to recognize the Sunflower and are available to provide assistance and support as needed.

To see a full listing of Sunflower program airport partners, please click here.

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 near door 2. Please note, unattended vehicles are not allowed in front of the terminal or in the ADA space and they will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense.

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 90 minutes prior to departure and be at their assigned gate at least 45 minutes prior to departure.

For passengers parking in lot 4, an elevator and accessible compliant ramp are available for use.

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 a 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 (800) 237-7976.

When flying Alaska Airlines, choose “special assistance required” when filling out your passenger details. If you wish to speak to a representative about special services, you may call (800) 503-0101.

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

Accessible parking spaces are available in lot 4, near the accessible ramp. Only vehicles that display a Disability Parking Placard or Disability License Plate issued by the State may use these spaces. If no accessible spaces are available, you may park in any available space. Vehicles parked in accessible spots without displaying the proper requirements will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense. The disabled daily parking fee is $13 with a valid ADA plate or placard and is required for all ADA parking including parking in ADA spaces.

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.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for the security of airline passengers at SLO Airport. Travelers with special needs and medical conditions may call TSA cares toll free at (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.

SLO AIRPORT regularly reviews sloairport.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 Section 508 standards. If you have any difficulty accessing the information provided or would like to request information be provided in an alternative format, please call us at (805) 781-5205 or email us at staff@sloairport.com.

New Horizons: Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability offers information about air travel from the United States Department of Transportation. 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.

American Airlines:
Accessible information
Accessible Services Phone Number: (800) 237-7976
Hearing or Speech Impaired assistance, call (800) 543-1586
Submit a Disability assistance request online

Alaska Airlines:
Accessible Information
Accessible Services Phone Number: (800) 503-0101 (dial 711 for relay services)

United Airlines:
Accessible Information
Accessible Services Phone Number: (800) 228-2744