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Help & Advice

Preparing you for your journey

Travel Help & Support

At Ireland West Airport, we’re committed to providing smooth, stress-free travel by offering clear guidance, helpful resources, and tailored support for every passenger. 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, arrive with confidence, and enjoy a seamless, stress-free journey through the airport.

Assisted Travel

Special assistance services are in place at the airport to ensure passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) and other accessibility needs have a smooth and supported journey.

Lost Baggage

To report property lost at the airport or enquire about lost baggage on a flight to or from the airport please contact us and our staff will assist you as best possible.

Contact us

Here you will find contact details of the various departments at the airport to ensure you get dedicated and prompt assistance from the relevant airport staff.

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, meaning fewer meltdowns and less tired little ones!.

For families, there are practical perks: a dedicated kids’ play area gives children a space to burn off energy before flying. Accessible parking is just steps from the entrance, and the cafés and restaurants are located close to the departure gates, so grabbing a snack while keeping an eye on the crew is no hassle. All of this means less stress for parents, and more space to head off on that holiday excited rather than exhausted.

Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions by passengers 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 to contact the airline you are travelling with in advance to establish their requirements in this regard.

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

As cabin baggage sizes vary depending on the airline you are travelling with, we advise to visit the airline(s) website you are travelling with for accurate details on baggage dimensions that are permitted on board the aircraft

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 60-90 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 your destination country’s and airline’s specific entry and travel requirements, as most countries require passports to have at least 6 months of validity from your departure date, though some may only require validity for the duration of your stay. It’s highly recommended to renew your passport before traveling to avoid any issues, especially since many airlines will not let you board a flight with an out-of-date passport. For the most up-to-date information, consult the official websites of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs or the relevant embassy.

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

As the requirements for identification can vary between airlines, the advice is to contact your airline for the most accurate guidance in this regard. 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, do 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

PRM stands for Person with Reduced Mobility. A PRM passenger is any passenger who requires assistance to progress through their airport journey.

What is PRM assistance and how can I book it?

In accordance with the relevant legislation, Ireland West Airport provides assistance to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) free of charge. The type of assistance provided includes the provision of wheelchairs, help embarking and disembarking the aircraft and guidance through the airport for people who are independently mobile but might have visual impairments etc. You can arrange assistance through your airline, travel agent or tour operator. In order to be guaranteed assistance passengers should notify the air carrier or tour operator/travel agent of their requirements 48 hours before the intended travel time. It is recommended that passengers give as much information about their requirements as possible at that stage. The air carrier or tour operator will pass on these details to the airports of arrival and departure (and transit 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) 949368100

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, having been officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2022. It was the first airport in the world to receive this status, which is based on criteria like providing 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 was the first Irish airport to sign up to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network and is committed to making the airport experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible for those 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 their 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 located in the main terminal for 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 located in the drop off zone to contact our customer service team to request assistance.

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 greater than 100ml in volume. We recommend you bring any medication you may need for your trip in your hand luggage in a clear resealable bag which are available at the airport. They should be labelled with a prescription or doctor’s letter which may be required to certify it is an essential item. Additional screening may be required, 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?

As of the 1st of September 2024, passengers are not permitted to carry liquids, aerosols and gels in containers greater than 100ml in their cabin baggage. All liquids, aerosol and gels must be stored in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, transparent bag and taken our of your cabin baggage. Electronics items, such as laptops and phones do not need to be removed from 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 baggage

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 remove the need for any liquid restrictions at the airport. On the 31st of July 2024, the European Commission announced a temporary restriction on liquids at all airports in the EU. As of the 1st of September 2024, passengers are not permitted to carry liquids, aerosols and gels in containers greater than 100ml in their cabin baggage. All liquids, aerosol and gels must be stored in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, transparent bag and taken our of your cabin baggage. Electronics items, such as laptops and phones do not need to be removed from 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 baggage

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

Prepare in advance of your trip and ensure you store all liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of no more than 100ml each and ensure they are placed in a clear and transparent bag and taken out of your cabin baggage before going through security. Please note, there is no restriction on how many containers of 100ml 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, mixture of liquids and solids and the contents of aerosols. Some examples of these are toothpastes, hair gels, face creams, liquid cosmetics, lip-gloss, deodorants, perfumes and shaving foam.

Can I bring bottled water through security?

No, water that is in a container over 100ml is not permitted through security from the 1st of September 2024.

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

Yes, provided these items are in containers not more than 100mls.

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

There are special exceptions to the EU regulation on liquid restrictions. These include essential medicines and dietary requirements in liquid form, for example baby-food or food for people on special diets. Passengers are allowed to bring these items to the screening points in the quantities that they need during their trip but please note these items must must be placed in a clear transparent bag, separate to the 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 through security?

Under the new EU aviation security regulations containers of over 100mls cannot be taken through the passenger security screening area and will be taken from passengers at that point.

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

Yes, baby food or food for people on special diets is exempt from the new regulations. Passengers are allowed to bring these items through the screening points in the quantities needed during their trip. Please note these items must be stored in a clear and transparent bag seperate to your other 100ml liquids, aerosols and gels and removed from you 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, as must children’s medicine. Please check with your airline if you have special requirements before travelling, but be reassured that if you have a genuine medical condition (supported by a letter from your GP or hospital) then there should be no problem with taking such items on board the plane. Please present these items with the medical certificate to a security agent prior to screening. You may carry medicines that need to be kept cold in a cool bag and include one ice pack in the bag, as long as your doctor’s letter states that the medication needs to be kept cool. If you have any medical devices, please inform the security officer prior to screening, our body scanners are safe for passengers, including those with medical implants, pacemakers, insulin pumps, stomas or prosthesis. Our body scanners do not use x-rays, instead, they operate using micro-millimetre waves, which are safe and non-invasive. If you have any medical devices, they will show up on our scanners and will be subjected to further screening, this is the standard procedure with the new scanners. In some cases, we may conduct hand searches. Please let our security officer know if you need them to be aware of any pain (i.e. surgery) or medical equipment to ensure extra care is taken. If you feel uncomfortable being searched in public, please request a private search which will be conducted in a separate private area. If you have a wheelchair, or other medical equipment, this will be subjected to search via, x-ray, hand search, ETD or swabbed by security staff, this is standard procedure.