Ruth Haines
If you have a disability or mobility issues, it can be challenging to navigate an airport. However, airlines are required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities. This includes wheelchair assistance, which you can request when booking your flight or by calling the airline. You are entitled to stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate, where it will be taken from you and returned once you reach your destination. Some airlines may require you to check in your wheelchair and be available to board the aircraft a certain amount of time before departure. It's important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability and request any assistance you may need from airline personnel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I use my own wheelchair at the airport? | Yes, but you must self-identify as a passenger with a disability needing assistance. |
| How early should I arrive at the airport? | It is advised that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight's scheduled departure time and be at the gate at least an hour before departure. |
| When should I request wheelchair assistance? | It is recommended to request wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours in advance. Last-minute requests may not be accommodated. |
| What if my wheelchair is delayed or damaged? | You have the right to file a claim, receive a loaner device, and choose your preferred vendor for repair or replacement of your device. |
| What if I need to use the bathroom? | Airline personnel assisting you are required to stop at the entrance to a bathroom if it is on the way to your destination and the stop can be made without unreasonable delay. |
| What if I have a service animal? | Upon request, airline personnel are required to escort you and your service animal to the service animal relief area. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Requesting wheelchair assistance in advance
It is recommended that you request wheelchair assistance in advance by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking your trip. You can also inform a team member at the airport about your wheelchair needs on the day of your travel. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport one hour prior to the normal check-in time.
When you arrive at the airport, it is important that you self-identify as a passenger with a disability and needing assistance. Although the airline may have noted in your reservation that you need assistance, they will not know that you are the person who requested it unless you self-identify.
If you bring your own mobility device, you can check in on the airline app or at an airport kiosk and then head to your gate. If you requested an airline wheelchair service, meet with an airline representative for guidance to the Special Services check-in or the closest wheelchair staging area.
If you have a connecting flight, your request for wheelchair assistance should be confirmed before your travel. This will ensure that your service is planned and address your mobility needs throughout the connecting airports.
HKG Airport: Can I Use the Resident Arrival Line?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$120.99 $159.99
Self-identifying as a passenger with a disability
It is recommended to request wheelchair assistance in advance by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking your trip online or via an app, or by calling the airline directly. Most airlines ask that you make these requests at least 48 hours in advance, and last-minute requests may not be accommodated. However, you can also inform a team member at the airport about your wheelchair needs on the day of travel.
When you arrive at the airport, you are entitled to stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate. At this point, your wheelchair will be taken from you and transported to the cargo hold of the aircraft. If you are transferring at your connecting airport, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the gate for use. At your destination airport, your wheelchair will be returned to you at the gate once you reach it.
If you bring your own mobility device, you may need to complete a Mobility Device Handling Form and pass it to the ticket agent when checking in your device at the counter, or give it to the gate agent when boarding if you bring the device to the gate. It is important to check with the device manufacturer before travelling to see if your device can be stored on its side and to seek help from an agent at the airport for battery-operated devices.
Fast Track Tickets: Manchester Airport Purchase Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Boarding and deboarding the aircraft
When it comes to boarding and deboarding the aircraft, here are some key points to keep in mind:
Boarding the Aircraft
- It is recommended to arrive at the airport early, especially if you have a battery-powered wheelchair, to allow time for checking baggage, security screening, and boarding.
- Self-identify as a passenger with a disability who requires assistance. This can be done when booking your flight or by calling the airline in advance.
- If you have a non-battery-operated wheelchair that meets size restrictions, you may be able to stow it on the aircraft. Confirm with a gate agent before boarding.
- If you need assistance boarding, airlines provide special wheelchairs to help passengers board. You can also request an aisle chair, which has chest and leg straps for security during the transfer.
- You are entitled to stay in your own wheelchair until you board the aircraft.
Deboarding the Aircraft
- If you require wheelchair assistance to deboard the aircraft, airlines generally provide this assistance after all other passengers have deplaned.
- Your wheelchair must be returned to you in a timely manner as close as possible to the door of the aircraft, unless you request to pick it up at baggage claim.
- Upon receiving your wheelchair, inspect it for any damage. If there is any damage, immediately file a claim with the airline's customer service.
- On domestic flights, US carriers must fully compensate passengers for loss or damage to wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
Find Pretzels at Fort Lauderdale Airport Terminal 3
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair
If you plan to bring your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair to the airport, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth travel experience. Firstly, it is important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. While you may have requested assistance during booking, the airline staff will not know that you are the person who requested it unless you self-identify. This can be done by notifying the airline personnel at the check-in desk or the gate.
When booking your flight, it is recommended to request wheelchair assistance in advance. Most airlines provide this option during the booking process on their websites or mobile apps. If you are unable to request it during booking, you can call the airline or inform a team member at the airport about your needs on the day of travel. It is advised to make these requests at least 48 hours in advance, as last-minute requests may not be accommodated.
When bringing your own electric or battery-powered wheelchair, you will need to check it in and be available to board the aircraft at least 45 minutes before departure. It is important to measure the height and width of your chair at its smallest size (not expanded) and provide these measurements to the airline. Some battery-operated devices may be stowed upright in the cargo hold, while others may need to be disassembled and checked before your flight. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the device manufacturer about the storage requirements of your device and seek assistance from an agent at the airport.
Additionally, if you have any concerns or encounter issues with your wheelchair during your travels, many airlines have trained Complaint Resolution Officials (CROs) available to assist you. They ensure the airline's compliance with disability regulations and can help resolve any problems or delays with your mobility device. Remember to always self-identify as a passenger with a disability and clearly communicate your needs to the airline staff, as they are required to provide prompt assistance.
Chewing Gum and Airport Security: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Resolving issues with wheelchair services
If you are bringing your own wheelchair to the airport, you can check in using the Fly Delta app or at an airport kiosk, and then proceed to your gate. If you requested a Delta wheelchair service, meet with a Delta representative who will guide you to the Special Services check-in or the closest wheelchair staging area.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport one hour prior to the normal check-in time. You will need to check in your device and be available to board the aircraft at least 45 minutes before departure. If your device is non-electric or non-battery-powered, you must be available to board at least 30 minutes before departure.
If you are planning to store your wheelchair on board, ask a gate agent about this option on your day of travel. If your wheelchair is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store it on board. However, some items may need to be checked at the gate. If you need to check your device at the gate, you will need to pass your Mobility Device Handling Form to the ticket agent.
If your wheelchair is delayed or damaged during your trip, you have the right to file a claim, receive a loaner device, and choose your preferred vendor for repair or replacement. A trained Complaint Resolution Official (CRO) is available at all Delta airports to help resolve any issues and ensure Delta's compliance with disability regulations. If you are no longer at the airport, you can contact Delta at +1 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services) to report a delay or damage and file a claim.
Where to Buy Swiss Army Knives in Zurich Airport
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use your own wheelchair at the airport. You must, however, self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. You can do this by alerting your airline in advance that you require a wheelchair, and then identifying yourself to the relevant personnel upon arrival.
If you want to use your own wheelchair on the plane, you will need to check this with the airline in advance. Some airlines may not allow certain types of wheelchairs, such as electric power scooters. You may also need to fill out a Mobility Device Handling Form.
If your wheelchair is damaged during your trip, you have the right to file a claim, receive a loaner device, and choose your preferred vendor for repair or replacement.
It is recommended that you request a wheelchair from the airline at least 48 hours in advance. Last-minute requests may not be accommodated.
