Owais Crawford
Many airports and airlines offer dedicated wheelchair assistance to ensure a seamless journey for passengers with reduced mobility or special needs. This includes elderly travellers, pregnant women, passengers travelling with infants, and people with physical disabilities or medical conditions. To book a wheelchair, passengers can usually request assistance from their airline while booking their ticket or by editing their booking online or via customer care. Some airports also offer wheelchair assistance that can be booked directly through the airport. It is recommended that passengers pre-book wheelchairs to avoid last-minute delays and unavailability, and some airlines may require medical clearance for passengers with critical medical conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to book | At the time of reservation, ticketing, or reconfirmation of the booking |
| How to book | Online or by calling the airline |
| Who can use the service | People with reduced mobility, including the elderly, pregnant women, passengers travelling with infants, people with physical disabilities/impairments or any condition that affects their mobility |
| Cost | Usually free, but some airports offer paid services for passengers who are not comfortable walking long distances |
| Where to go | There are designated pick-up and drop-off points for people with reduced mobility |
| What to do if you have your own wheelchair | Inform the airline in advance |
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What You'll Learn
How to book a wheelchair at the airport
Booking a wheelchair at the airport in advance can help you fly smoothly and stress-free. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to book a wheelchair at the airport:
Check the airline's website
Visit the airline's website and review the "accessibility" section to understand their policies on wheelchair assistance, including any specific procedures or forms that need to be filled out. Some airlines may allow you to complete the form online, while others may require you to print and fill out the form before bringing it to the airport.
Notify your airline
Notify your airline about your wheelchair requirement at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. You can do this by calling the airline's customer care or by editing your booking online to include special assistance. Provide them with the necessary details, such as your name, flight number, flight location, destination, departure and return dates, and any specific assistance needs.
Arrive at the airport early
On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport early. It is recommended to arrive at least 1-2 hours earlier than you normally would to give yourself ample time to navigate through the airport processes and ensure a smooth boarding experience.
Contact the airline at the airport
Once you arrive at the airport, contact your airline to confirm your wheelchair assistance request. Look for specific counters or phone services dedicated to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). At Delhi Airport, for example, PRM phones are available in front of Gates 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Terminal 2.
Using your own wheelchair
If you plan to bring your own wheelchair (manual or electric), review the travel requirements and guidelines specific to your wheelchair's battery type. Ensure that your wheelchair can manoeuvre through various airport areas, the security hold, and up to the aircraft. In some cases, you may need to check your wheelchair at the aircraft entrance due to infrastructural constraints and weight restrictions, and the airline will provide you with an alternative wheelchair.
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Travelling with a personal electric wheelchair
Travelling with a wheelchair can be challenging, but with enough preparation, you can go anywhere. Here are some tips for travelling with a personal electric wheelchair.
Firstly, it is recommended to pre-book any necessary assistance at the time of booking or ticket issuance to avoid last-minute delays and unavailability. Airlines such as Air Vistara allow you to notify them of the nature of assistance required during embarkation, disembarkation, and in-flight. They also require you to fill out a Battery-Powered Wheelchair Information Form at least 48 hours before departure. Additionally, if you are a medically unfit traveller, you may need to fill out and submit a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) to be sanctioned by a medical officer, which can take a minimum of 72 hours.
When you arrive at the airport, you can approach the airline counter to arrange for a wheelchair. They will anticipate your arrival and will assist you through the entire process, from check-in until boarding. It is advised to arrive at the airport early, as it may take some time for assistance to arrive at the departure gates. After landing, airline personnel will be waiting for you, and you will be asked to deboard after everyone else. They will assist you in deplaning and getting to the exit gate.
It is important to note that electric wheelchairs are not permitted in the passenger cabin of an airplane due to weight and width restrictions. Your wheelchair will be stowed in the cargo compartment of the plane, and you will be provided with an aisle manual chair for mobility onto the plane, to your seat, and for use during the flight. To assist with this process, it may be helpful to provide a copy of the power chair's owner's manual in case disassembly is required.
When travelling with an electric wheelchair, consider the following additional tips:
- Choose ridesharing options that offer spacious vehicles, such as UberXL, to accommodate your wheelchair and luggage.
- Research the public transportation system at your destination, as some modern cities have well-developed systems with designated seating for wheelchair users.
- For short sea travels, most passenger and commercial water vessels, such as cruise ships, are ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant. However, you may need assistance when boarding and descending a passenger ferry.
- Consider bringing muscle pain ointment or cream, as long travels can take a toll on your body, even when sitting for extended periods.
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Airport services for those with reduced mobility
Many airports and airlines offer services to assist passengers with reduced mobility. These services are designed to make the airport experience comfortable and seamless for those with special needs. Here are some of the services available:
Wheelchair Assistance
Most airlines offer wheelchair assistance for individuals with mobility impairments. This service can be requested in advance by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking or managing your trip online or via an app. It is recommended to request wheelchair assistance ahead of time to avoid last-minute delays and unavailability. Additionally, passengers can inform airline personnel about their wheelchair needs on the day of travel. Some airlines may require passengers to fill out a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) and submit it to the nearest airline office for approval.
Guide Assistance
Airlines also provide guide assistance for individuals who are blind or have low vision. This includes helping passengers navigate through the airport, providing safety briefings and important flight updates, and assisting with boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights. Passengers with vision or hearing limitations should inform gate agents or flight attendants to ensure they receive necessary information.
Airport Facilities
Some airports, like Delhi Airport, offer additional facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. These include PRM-friendly washrooms equipped with call buttons for assistance and a buggy service, which is a free battery-operated cart to help passengers navigate the premises.
On-Board Services
Passengers with reduced mobility may require specific services on board the aircraft. Airlines should accommodate these needs, such as ensuring aircraft-wheelchair accessibility or providing seat belt extensions. Passengers using battery-powered mobility aids or wheelchairs must adhere to regulations regarding battery specifications and carriage guidelines. Additionally, passengers with critical medical conditions or those requiring oxygen during the flight may need to obtain clearance from the airline and fill out relevant forms.
Planning and Communication
When booking travel, it is essential to communicate any special needs or requests to the airline or travel agent. They may ask questions about your specific needs to ensure they can provide the necessary services. It is also recommended to arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for assistance and to notify the relevant staff about your arrival.
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Charges for wheelchair assistance
Wheelchair assistance can be requested at most airports. While some airports offer this service for free, others provide it on a chargeable basis.
At Delhi Airport, for instance, wheelchair assistance is available at a cost. Flyers who require this service can request it at the Airport Cruz counter at T3 Departures. Apart from the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, travellers who are not comfortable walking long distances can also request paid wheelchair assistance.
Free Wheelchair Assistance
On the other hand, some airlines and airports provide wheelchair assistance for free. According to the 1986 Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines are required to provide free wheelchair service to any traveller who asks for it, without requiring a description or documentation for that need. Most airlines contract with companies to help travellers by offering wheelchairs to get around the airport, including through security checkpoints.
Making a Request
To request wheelchair assistance, travellers are advised to make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance. This can usually be done when booking a flight or ticket issuance. Last-minute requests may not be accommodated by the airline. It is also important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability and requiring assistance to airline staff at the airport.
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Seating arrangements for those with a disability
Many airlines offer dedicated wheelchair assistance to ensure a seamless journey for passengers with disabilities. It is recommended that passengers pre-book wheelchairs at the time of booking or ticket issuance to avoid last-minute delays and unavailability. Some airlines may also require passengers to fill out a medical information form, which can take up to 72 hours to be sanctioned.
Passengers with disabilities can request assistance from the terminal entrance or vehicle drop-off point to the gate, including through security and onto the aircraft to their seat. Airlines are also required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities from their seat on an arriving flight, through the airport to the gate location of their connecting flight, and to their seat on the new aircraft.
Airlines are not required to upgrade passengers with disabilities to a higher class of service. However, they are required to provide certain seating accommodations, such as:
- Movable aisle armrests for passengers who use an aisle chair to access the aircraft and cannot transfer over a fixed armrest
- Bulkhead seats or other seats for passengers travelling with service animals
- Greater leg room for passengers with fused or immobilized legs
- Adjoining seats for passengers travelling with a personal care attendant
Passengers with disabilities can also request early boarding and assistance with carry-on luggage or moving within the aircraft. It is important for passengers with disabilities to self-identify when they arrive at the airport so that airline personnel are aware of their need for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can book a wheelchair at the airport by contacting your airline. Many airlines allow you to book a wheelchair at the time of reservation, ticketing, or reconfirmation of the booking. Some airports also provide wheelchairs on a chargeable basis.
If you have already booked your ticket but did not opt for special assistance, you can visit the airline website, retrieve your booking, and edit it to include special assistance. Alternatively, you can call your airline's customer care and request a wheelchair.
You are welcome to travel with your own wheelchair or mobility equipment. However, you must inform your airline about it in advance. If your wheelchair is battery-powered, you may need to fill out a Battery Powered Wheelchair Information Form.
