Jazmin Li
Many airlines and airports offer wheelchair assistance for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility. This assistance may be provided upon request at the time of booking, online check-in, or at the airport. Some airlines may require passengers to fill out a wheelchair information form or contact their accessibility department at least 48 hours before the flight to ensure timely assistance. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours earlier than usual to allow for baggage check, security screening, and boarding. Passengers with personal wheelchairs should review their airline's guidelines on bringing assistive devices, as some may need to be stowed in the cargo area due to size restrictions. Airlines are generally required to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities, including those who need wheelchair assistance, to navigate through different areas of the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to request a wheelchair | When booking your flight, at least 48 hours before your flight, or on the day of travel |
| Where to request a wheelchair | On the airline's website, on the airline's app, at the ticketing counter, or by calling the Accessibility department |
| Who to request a wheelchair from | A team member, check-in attendant, ticket agent, gate agent, or flight attendant |
| What to say when requesting a wheelchair | "Hello, I would love to use a wheelchair to get to [destination]" or "I am flying with my battery-operated wheelchair today. Is there another I can use to get on the plane?" |
| What to do if you have a battery-powered wheelchair | Arrive at the airport 1 hour before the normal check-in time |
| What to do if your wheelchair is too large to bring on board | Check it in at the ticket counter or gate, free of charge |
| What to do if you have a non-battery-operated wheelchair | Check with a gate agent to see if you can store it on board |
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What You'll Learn
Requesting a wheelchair in advance
- Review your airline's wheelchair guidelines: Visit the airline's website and review the "accessibility" section to understand their policies on flying with a personal wheelchair, using airport wheelchairs, and any specific requirements they may have. Some airlines may also provide information on requesting assistance when booking your flight.
- Contact the airline: Call the airline at least 48 hours before your flight to request wheelchair services and provide them with any necessary information about your needs. This will allow them to make the necessary arrangements and ensure timely assistance.
- Complete any required forms: Some airlines may require you to fill out a wheelchair information form or a Mobility Device Handling Form. These forms can usually be found on the airline's website and can be submitted online or brought with you to the airport.
- Arrive at the airport early: Plan to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours earlier than you normally would. This will allow enough time to check any baggage, go through security screening, and board the plane without feeling rushed.
- Self-identify as a passenger with a disability: When you arrive at the airport, inform the check-in attendants or airport staff that you need wheelchair assistance. Even if you have requested assistance in advance, it is important to self-identify so that the airline knows you are the person who requested the service.
- Provide credible verbal assurance if needed: In some cases, airline personnel may ask you how the requested wheelchair service assists with your disability. They cannot inquire about the nature of your disability, but they may seek assurance that you need the service.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your request for a wheelchair is accommodated and that you receive the assistance you need at the airport.
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Checking your own wheelchair in
If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, it is important to be aware of the procedures and requirements at the airport. Here is some information on checking your own wheelchair in:
Before Your Arrival
Firstly, it is recommended to review your airline's wheelchair guidelines on their website. This includes checking their policies on flying with a personal wheelchair, as well as any sizing requirements and restrictions. Some airlines may also request a wheelchair information form, which can be filled out online or printed and brought to the airport. It is beneficial to complete this form in advance to speed up the assistance process.
Arrival at the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, make sure to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who requires assistance. This is important even if you noted your need for assistance during the reservation process. Inform the check-in attendants that you would like wheelchair assistance and they will help you reserve a wheelchair if you need to stow your personal one. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours earlier than you normally would to allow time for checking your wheelchair and going through security. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, some airlines may require you to arrive one hour prior to the normal check-in time.
Checking Your Wheelchair
You can check your wheelchair at the ticket counter or at the gate, free of charge. If your wheelchair is non-collapsible, you will need to check it at the counter. If your wheelchair is manually collapsible and meets the size restrictions, you may be able to store it on board. However, it is important to confirm this with a gate agent before boarding. If your wheelchair uses a lithium-ion battery, it will be removed, packaged, and stowed in the cabin.
Boarding and In-Flight
When checking in your wheelchair, you can request boarding assistance, such as ramps or slide boards. If you require assistance during the flight, some airlines offer in-flight wheelchair services with devices that fit in the aircraft aisles and most lavatories. It is recommended to inform the airline in advance of any specific needs or requests to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Using a wheelchair to board the plane
If you require a wheelchair to board your plane, there are a few steps you should take to ensure a smooth journey. Firstly, it is advisable to arrive at the airport at least one to two hours earlier than you normally would. This will allow you plenty of time to check any baggage, go through security screening, and make your way to the gate.
Before your trip, it is worth reviewing your airline's wheelchair guidelines on their website, as these can vary. Some airlines may require you to complete a wheelchair information form in advance, which can speed up the time it takes to receive assistance. You can also call the airline's customer service line to understand their policies on flying with a personal wheelchair, stowing it, or using wheelchair equipment to board the plane. If you are bringing your own wheelchair, check the sizing requirements to ensure it complies with the airline's restrictions.
On the day of your flight, make your way to the ticketing counter and inform the check-in attendants that you require wheelchair assistance. They can help you reserve a wheelchair and arrange boarding assistance, such as ramps or slide boards. If you are travelling with a non-collapsible wheelchair or a battery-powered wheelchair, you can check it in at the ticket counter.
If you would like assistance when exiting the plane and making your way to a connecting flight, be sure to let the airport staff or flight attendants know. This way, they can ensure that you receive the necessary support throughout your journey.
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Getting assistance at the airport
If you require a wheelchair or other mobility assistance at the airport, it's important to plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey. Here are some steps to follow:
Before Your Trip
First, review your airline's wheelchair guidelines on their website or by calling their customer service line. Check their policies on using your own wheelchair, stowing a battery-powered chair, or requesting a wheelchair from the airport. Some airlines may require you to complete a wheelchair information form in advance, which can speed up the assistance process. If possible, request wheelchair assistance when booking your trip online or through the airline's app.
Arriving at the Airport
Arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would, ideally 1-2 hours ahead, to allow time for check-in, security, and boarding. If you have your own wheelchair, you may need to arrive even earlier, sometimes up to an extra hour. Once you're at the airport, inform the check-in attendants or ticket counter staff that you need wheelchair assistance. They can help you reserve a wheelchair and arrange boarding assistance.
During Your Time at the Airport
If you require assistance throughout the airport, such as getting through security or reaching your gate, make sure to self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. This can be done when you first arrive at the airport or at any point during your time there. The airline staff will then provide the requested assistance in a timely manner.
Boarding and In-Flight
If you need assistance boarding the plane or during the flight, inform the gate agent or flight attendants. They can help with early boarding, transferring to an aircraft-designed wheelchair, and ensuring your personal wheelchair or mobility device is properly stowed. If you have vision or hearing limitations, inform the airline staff so they can provide necessary updates and briefings.
Connecting Flights
If you have a connecting flight and require wheelchair assistance, let the airline staff or flight attendants know before you exit the plane. This will ensure that assistance is available at your connecting gate or airport.
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Wheelchair guidelines and restrictions
If you require a wheelchair at the airport, it is recommended that you request wheelchair assistance in advance by visiting the airline's website and reviewing the "accessibility" section. Here, you can find information on using your own wheelchair, stowing a battery-powered chair, or using the airline's wheelchair equipment. You may also be required to fill out a wheelchair information form, which can be done online or printed and brought to the airport.
When booking your flight, select the option to "add special assistance" to ensure that the airline is aware of your needs. If you are unable to do this in advance, you can still inform a team member at the airport about your wheelchair requirements on the day of travel. It is advised that you arrive at the airport 1-2 hours earlier than you normally would to allow time for checking any baggage, going through security, and boarding the plane.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to the normal check-in time. You can check your wheelchair at the ticket counter or at the gate, free of charge. If your wheelchair is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store it on board. However, it is important to check the sizing requirements before your flight as there are restrictions on the approved storage space.
Some airlines may provide assistance from the curbside area of the terminal entrance to the gate location, including security checkpoints. This assistance may be in the form of guide assistance for individuals with visual impairments or wheelchair assistance for those with mobility impairments. To receive such assistance, passengers must self-identify as individuals with a disability who require this service. Additionally, passengers with vision or hearing limitations should inform a team member to ensure they receive important flight updates.
It is important to note that airlines are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with physical or mental impairments. However, they may inquire about the access needs of a passenger and ask how the requested service assists with their disability. If a passenger does not have a disability and is misusing the service, the airline may refuse to provide wheelchair assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can request a wheelchair at the airport ticketing counter or by calling the airport at least 48 hours before your flight. Some airlines also allow you to request a wheelchair when booking or managing your trip online.
If you have a battery-powered wheelchair, you must arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to the normal check-in time. You can check your wheelchair at the ticket counter or at the gate, free of charge.
If your wheelchair is non-battery-powered and manually collapsible, you may be able to store it on board. However, you should check with the airline beforehand as there are size restrictions for wheelchairs on planes.
