What if an airport wheelchair could take you to your gate without anyone driving it? That technology is already being used or tested at several U.S. airports. Driverless mobility vehicles are designed mainly for passengers with reduced mobility, helping them travel through large terminals with greater independence.

Unlike traditional airport wheelchairs or airport buggies that require a staff member to operate them, autonomous mobility vehicles use sensors, mapped routes, obstacle detection and automated navigation to travel through designated airport areas. Some models allow passengers to select their destination on a touchscreen, while the vehicle handles the ride.

However, these services are still emerging. Some airports have commercial deployments, while others are running pilot programs or offering the vehicles only on a limited, rotating basis.

Where Can You Find Driverless Wheelchairs in the U.S.?

Here are the U.S. airports currently using or testing autonomous wheelchair technology, based on available 2026 information. 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport uses WHILL autonomous mobility vehicles in American Airlines’ operations. WHILL and Envoy Air announced the commercial deployment in 2024, making LAX one of the first U.S. airports to offer the technology commercially. The vehicles transport eligible American Airlines customers through designated airport areas to their gates.

At LAX, American Airlines operates from Terminal 4 and handles check-in for passengers departing from Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) there.

• Location: American Airlines areas serving Terminal 4 and connections to Tom Bradley International Terminal
• Access: Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through American Airlines and ask whether autonomous assistance is available
• Cost: No separate WHILL charge is identified in the commercial deployment information
• Eligibility: Intended for eligible American Airlines customers receiving mobility assistance
• Important: Availability depends on the passenger’s needs and the service operating at the time of travel

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Miami International Airport became the first U.S. airport to receive WHILL autonomous chairs. American Airlines and Envoy Air introduced the commercial service in 2024 for passengers with limited mobility. The chairs operate in Concourses D and E and allow passengers to select their destination on a touchscreen before being transported to their gate.

• Location: American Airlines areas in Concourses D and E
• Access: Request wheelchair assistance through American Airlines and ask about the autonomous service
• Cost: No separate WHILL fee is identified in the available airport information
• Eligibility: Intended for eligible American Airlines passengers receiving mobility assistance
• How it works: The passenger selects the destination on the touchscreen, and the chair navigates to the designated location

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)

San José Mineta International Airport offers Blueberry Autonomous Chairs, also known as BBGo vehicles. SJC describes them as self-driving, accessible chairs designed to give passengers greater independence while moving through the terminals.

Unlike the permanent commercial-style deployments at LAX and MIA, SJC says its autonomous chairs are available on a limited, rotating basis, with service dates and times changing according to operational needs. SJC also used BBGo vehicles during a seven-day activation in February 2026 to supplement existing mobility services during a period of increased travel.

• Location: Airport terminals
• Access: Check with airport staff on the day of travel for current availability
• Cost: Free
• Availability: Limited and rotating
• Important: Service dates and times can change depending on airport operations

Because availability is not continuous, passengers should not assume an autonomous chair will be available for every trip.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) — Pilot Program

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has been testing WHILL autonomous electric wheelchairs with Alaska Airlines. The airline confirmed that it was testing the technology in the C and D concourses as part of its efforts to explore new accessibility solutions.

The pilot began in 2024, with passengers selecting their destinations through a touchscreen. The chairs use sensors to detect obstacles and operate along designated routes.

• Location: C and D concourses
• Access: Request mobility assistance through Alaska Airlines and ask whether the autonomous service is operating
• Status: Pilot/testing program rather than a permanent airport-wide service
• Cost: No separate passenger fee has been identified in the available information
• Important: Availability can vary because this is a testing program

Passengers should confirm availability with Alaska Airlines before relying on an autonomous wheelchair for their trip.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) — Pilot Program

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport introduced WHILL autonomous wheelchairs through a partnership between the Wayne County Airport Authority and Unifi. The program is designed for passengers who have difficulty walking long distances or navigating the airport independently.

The current airport announcement identifies the Edward H. McNamara Terminal as the location of the pilot program. The system is designed to transport passengers through the airport and then return the chair autonomously to its base after the ride, allowing another passenger to use it.

• Location: Edward H. McNamara Terminal
• Access: Request mobility assistance through your airline or airport assistance staff
• Status: Pilot program
• Cost: No separate charge is identified in the airport’s announcement
• Important: The autonomous chair is an additional mobility option and does not replace traditional assistance

The airport had also discussed expansion of autonomous mobility services, but the McNamara Terminal is the location specifically identified in the current pilot announcement.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport launched WHILL’s autonomous wheelchair service on March 31, 2026, making it the newest airport on this list. The program was introduced in partnership with Alaska Airlines and NANA Management Services (NMS).

The service gives eligible Alaska Airlines passengers an autonomous mobility option for navigating the terminal. WHILL describes the deployment as the first autonomous mobility assistance program at ANC.

• Location: Airport terminal
• Access: Request mobility assistance through Alaska Airlines or the appropriate airport assistance provider
• Status: Service launched in March 2026
• Cost: No separate WHILL service fee is identified in the launch announcement
• Eligibility: Passengers are assessed to determine whether the autonomous wheelchair is appropriate for their mobility needs

For travelers, the most important step is to request mobility assistance in advance and confirm whether an autonomous wheelchair is available at the airport on the day of travel.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who can use an autonomous airport wheelchair?
Passengers who can safely use the device and follow its instructions may be eligible. Those needing hands-on assistance may receive a traditional wheelchair with an attendant. Availability varies by airport. 

How Do You Request a Driverless Wheelchair?
Request wheelchair assistance through your airline before travel. If available, eligible passengers may be offered a driverless wheelchair. Confirm availability in advance. 

How do autonomous airport wheelchairs work?
Autonomous wheelchairs use sensors, mapped routes and navigation software to move safely through designated airport areas. Passengers can select destinations on a touchscreen, with speeds of up to about 2.2 mph.

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