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Help & Advice

Preparing you for your journey

Travel Help & Support

At Ireland West Airport, we help every passenger enjoy smooth, stress-free travel. Providing clear guidance, practical advice, useful resources, and tailored support. Covering essentials such as travelling with kids, lost baggage procedures, and special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. We make it easier for you to prepare and enjoy a seamless, stress-free journey through the airport.

Assisted Travel

Special assistance services are in place at the airport for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) and other accessibility needs.

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Help and advice for passengers with reduced mobility

Lost Baggage

To report property lost at the airport or enquire about lost baggage on a flight, please contact us for assistance.

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Help and advice for lost baggage queries

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Contact details for the various airport departments to ensure you receive dedicated, prompt assistance from the relevant staff.

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Contact us options for help and advice

Travelling with kids

Travelling with children can be challenging—but flying from Ireland West Airport makes it a lot easier. The terminal is compact and efficient: many families report going from car park to boarding gate in a remarkably short time. This means fewer meltdowns and less tired little ones!.

For families, there are practical perks at the airport. A dedicated kids’ play area lets children burn off energy before flying. Accessible parking sits just steps from the entrance. Cafés and restaurants are close to the departure gates. You can grab a snack while keeping an eye on your crew. All of this reduces stress for parents. It leaves more energy to start the holiday excited, not exhausted.

Help and advice for travelling with kids

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the questions passengers ask most often when using the airport.

Preparing for your trip

Can my 16 year old fly on their own to the UK?

Children under 16 must travel with an adult aged 16 or older on many airlines. As airlines have differing requirements, we advise contacting the airline you are travelling with in advance to establish their requirements in this regard.

I’m worried my cabin bag is too big and I will be charged extra at the boarding gate?

As cabin baggage sizes vary by airline, we advise visiting the airline website for accurate details on permitted cabin baggage dimensions.

How far in advance of my flight departure time should I arrive at the airport?

In line with airline advice, passengers checking in bags should arrive at least 2 hours before their flight departure time. Passengers with carry-on luggage only should arrive between 60 and 90 minutes before their flight departure time.

My passport is expiring when I am on on holiday what should I do?

If your passport is expiring, check the entry and travel requirements for your destination country and airline. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your departure date. Some countries may instead only require validity for the duration of your stay. Renew your passport before you travel to avoid problems. Many airlines will not let you board with an out-of-date passport. For the latest information, check the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs website or the relevant embassy website.

My passport has expired, will the airline accept a drivers licence?

As identification requirements can vary between airlines, it is advisable to contact your airline for the most accurate guidance. Ryanair explicitly states that for its flights, it does not accept a driver’s licence or a birth certificate as valid travel documents; it requires either a valid passport or a national identity card. On the other hand, Aer Lingus does allow Irish or British citizens to travel between Ireland & UK with a photo-card driver’s licence (or other approved photo ID) if they are citizens of those countries.

Assisted Travel

What does the term PRM mean?

A person with reduced mobility (PRM) is understood to mean any person whose mobility is reduced due to a physical incapacity (sensory or locomotory), an intellectual deficiency, age, illness or any other cause of disability when using transport and whose situation needs special attention and the adaptation to the person’s needs of services made available to them.

What is PRM assistance and how can I book it?

In accordance with relevant legislation, Ireland West Airport provides free assistance to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). The type of assistance offered includes the provision of wheelchairs, assistance with embarking and disembarking the aircraft, and guidance through the airport for people who are independently mobile but may have visual impairments, etc. You can arrange assistance through your airline, travel agent or tour operator. To ensure assistance, passengers should notify the air carrier or the tour operator/travel agent of their requirements 48 hours before their intended travel. We recommend that passengers share as much information as possible about their requirements at that stage. The air carrier or tour operator will provide these details to the arrival, departure, and transit airports (if applicable). Passengers who wish to confirm that Ireland West Airport is aware of their requirements can contact the Customer Services team directly on (00353) 94 9368100.

Do I need to pre-book Special Assistance?

Please pre-book with your airline at least 48 hours before departure. We will always do our best to facilitate requests, but pre-booking and pre-notification ensure the correct equipment and proper support are provided.

Where do I go when I arrive at the airport?

Proceed to the designated meeting point in the car park or in the main terminal beside the Customer information desk, where a member of our team will meet you.

What to do at security screening if you have medical devices or implants?

Please tell the security team if you have any medical devices or implants; we can arrange alternative screening methods where appropriate.

Is there a Changing Places facility at Ireland West Airport?

Yes, Ireland West Airport has a Changing Places facility located in the main terminal beside the arrivals hall. This facility is larger than a standard accessible toilet and includes features like a height-adjustable changing bench and a hoisting system to assist people with disabilities and their carers.

Is Ireland West Airport an Age Friendly airport?

Yes. Ireland West Airport is an age-friendly airport and was officially recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in June 2022. It was the first airport in the world to receive this status, based on criteria including accessible facilities and an inclusive environment. We pride ourselves on our services for older people, and the airport has introduced specific measures to improve accessibility for older passengers, including new car parking spaces for people with reduced mobility located next to the terminal, dedicated seating next to the boarding gates, clear signage, safe pathways, and accessible toilets throughout the airport.

What services does the airport provide for passengers with hidden disabilities?

In 2023, the airport joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, offering a discreet way for passengers with hidden disabilities to signal that they may need extra time or support. Passengers with non-visible disabilities who choose to display the Sunflower will be provided with a free Sunflower Lanyard at the Customer Assistance Desk inside the Airport Terminal. Ireland West Airport became the first Irish airport to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network and actively works to make the airport experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible for people with hidden disabilities. All airport staff have received training to recognise the Sunflower and provide support and assistance to those wearing it.

I’m a passenger with reduced mobility and a blue badge holder – where can I park my car at the airport?

Ireland West Airport want to make travel through the airport as easy as possible for passengers with reduced mobility. To this end, we have dedicated reduced mobility parking spaces available next to the Terminal building. All drivers parking in PRM/Blue Badge Parking spaces must ensure their vehicles display the appropriate sticker/badge on the windscreen to identify them as drivers with reduced mobility. If, for any reason, a driver needs to bring this sticker/badge on their journey, please go to the security office in the main terminal to obtain a copy to display in the car while parked. Standard parking rates / online rates apply to PRM / Blue Badge Parking.

Where can I drop off a passenger requiring assistance at the airport?

There is a dedicated drop-off zone in our car park to the front left of the Terminal building. There is an intercom in the drop-off zone for contacting our customer service team to request assistance.

Are assistance dogs allowed at the airport?

Yes, licensed assistance dogs are welcome in the main terminal.

Preparing for security

Can i bring medication with me in my carry on luggage?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring essential medication and dietary requirements in liquid form of more than 100ml. We recommend you bring any medication you may need for your trip in your hand luggage in a clear resealable bag, which is available at the airport. They should be labelled with a prescription or doctor’s letter, which may be required to certify that it is an essential item. Additional screening may be necessary, so please present the items to the Security Officer in advance and ask for their guidance.

Can I bring liquids over 100ml in my carry on luggage?

From 1 September 2024, you cannot bring liquids, aerosols or gels in containers larger than 100ml in your cabin baggage.

Pack all liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100ml or less, place them in a clear, transparent bag, and take this bag out of your cabin baggage at security.

You can leave electronic items, such as laptops and phones, inside your cabin baggage. If you are travelling with ‘checked baggage’, you can bring liquids and gels greater than 100ml and place them in your checked luggage.

I thought there were no liquid restrictions at Ireland West Airport following the introduction of new security scanners?

Ireland West Airport installed new C3 security scanners in 2023. These new scanners eliminated the need to remove any liquids from your cabin baggage and removed the need for any liquid restrictions at the airport. On the 31st of July 2024, the European Commission announced a temporary limitation on liquids at all airports in the EU. From 1 September 2024, you cannot carry liquids, aerosols or gels in containers larger than 100ml in your cabin baggage.

Put all liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100ml or less, place them in a clear, transparent bag, and take this bag out of your cabin baggage at security.

You can leave electronic items, such as laptops and phones, in your cabin baggage. If you are travelling with ‘checked baggage’, you can bring liquids and gels greater than 100ml and place them in your checked luggage.

What’s the best advice to get me through security screening as smoothly as possible?

Prepare in advance of your trip and store all liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of no more than 100ml each. Please place them in a clear, transparent bag and remove them from your cabin baggage before going through security. Please note that there is no restriction on how many 100ml containers you can bring through security.

What items are classified as liquids?

Some things are evidently liquid, like drinks and perfume. Others are less obvious, like gels, pastes, lotions, mixtures of liquids and solids and the contents of aerosols. Examples include toothpaste, hair gel, face cream, liquid cosmetics, lip gloss, deodorant, perfume, and shaving foam.

Can I bring bottled water through security?

No. From 1 September 2024, you cannot bring water in containers larger than 100ml through security.

Can I take my contact lens solution in my carry on luggage?

Yes, provided these items are in containers that do not exceed 100 ml.

What about passengers that need medicines, dietary foods or baby food in liquid form?

There are notable exceptions to the EU regulation on liquid restrictions. These include essential medicines and dietary requirements in liquid form, such as baby food or food for individuals on special diets. Passengers are allowed to bring these items to the screening points in the quantities they need during their trip. However, please note that these items must be placed in a clear, transparent bag, separate from liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs).

Can I still buy liquids, cosmetics or other substances covered by the regulations in the airport shop after security screening point and take on board the aircraft?

You can still buy liquids and other substances covered by the regulations, in containers of any size, after the security screening point and on board European airline flights.

Can I bring baby food/milk in my carry on luggage through security?

Yes, baby food and food for individuals with special diets are exempt from the new regulations. Passengers are allowed to bring these items through the screening points in the quantities needed during their trip. Please keep in mind that these items must be stored in a clear, transparent bag, separate from your other 100ml liquids, aerosols, and gels, and removed from your cabin baggage.

What do I need to do if I have an Insulin pump, stoma, pacemaker or prosthetic?

Insulin, insulin pumps, EpiPens, hypodermic needles and medicines must be supported by a medical certification letter. This requirement also applies to children’s medicine. Please check with your airline before travelling if you have special requirements. If you have a genuine medical condition, bring a letter from your GP or hospital. There should be no problem taking these items on board. Present these items and your medical certificate to a security agent before screening.

You may carry refrigerated medicines in a cool bag with one ice pack. Your doctor’s letter must state that the medication needs to be kept cool.
If you have any medical devices, tell the security officer before screening. Our body scanners are safe for passengers with medical implants, pacemakers, insulin pumps, stomas or prostheses. They do not use X-rays; instead, they operate using safe, non-invasive microwaves.

Any medical devices you carry will appear on our scanners. These devices will then undergo further screening. This is standard procedure with the new scanners.
In some cases, we may also conduct hand searches. Please tell our security officer about any pain, recent surgery or medical equipment. This helps them take extra care during the search. If you feel uncomfortable being searched in public, you can request a private search. We will conduct any private search in a separate area.

Will I be stopped by customs when I arrive into Ireland West Airport?

Customs may conduct selective checks on arrivals to enforce prohibitions and restrictions and collect duties where applicable. If you are carrying goods that require a declaration, please speak to an officer in the red channel and have your receipts and documents ready.