Sachin Walls
Yes, passengers can get travel assistance at the airport. Special assistance at the airport is available for passengers with disabilities, including those with mobility impairments, visual or hearing limitations, cognitive impairments, or temporary disabilities. This assistance can include help with checking in, boarding and deplaning, baggage collection, and security procedures. It is recommended to request special assistance in advance by contacting the airline during the booking process or directly before the flight. Some airlines may require at least 72 hours of notice for special assistance requests. Passengers should also self-identify as individuals with disabilities and communicate their specific needs to airline staff upon arrival at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| How to request | Contact the carrier during the booking process or directly before the flight. This can be done by phone or by filling out a special form. |
| Time of request | Individual carriers and airports determine the time they should be informed. Some ask for contact at least 72 hours before the flight, others 48 hours before. |
| Who is it for? | Customers with disabilities, medical requirements, service animals, or pregnancy. |
| What does it include? | Help at the airport, the possibility of choosing a more comfortable seat, and adjusting meals on board to the passenger's diet. |
| After the flight | An airport employee can help with baggage collection and security procedures. |
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What You'll Learn
Wheelchair assistance
Upon arrival at the airport, it is important to self-identify as a passenger with a disability requiring assistance. While your reservation may note your need for assistance, the airline will not know to provide it unless you identify yourself. Additionally, be mindful of gate and flight time changes, and notify airline personnel of any assistance updates. If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you may be required to arrive at the airport earlier than the standard check-in time.
During periods of high demand, some waiting time may be expected for airline wheelchair services. Airlines are required to provide assistance in a timely manner after a passenger self-identifies as an individual who needs assistance. This assistance is protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical or mental impairments. If you believe your rights under the ACAA are being violated, you can request to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) at no cost.
Some airlines may ask about your ability to walk short distances to better understand the level of assistance required. It is important to note that wheelchair assistance is not limited to those with mobility impairments. Passengers with vision or hearing limitations can also request this service to ensure they receive important flight updates and safety briefings.
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Special assistance forms
Passengers with disabilities, medical requirements, service animals, or pregnancy can request special assistance. This includes wheelchair assistance, help with check-in and reaching the gate, and assistance with carry-on luggage or moving within the aircraft. Some airlines may also offer special assistance to the elderly, including more comfortable seating and adjustments to meals to accommodate dietary needs.
When requesting special assistance, passengers may be required to provide information about their medical condition and any specific needs they may have. It is important to note that individual carriers and airports may have different requirements for when they need to be informed about special assistance requests, with some requiring contact at least 72 hours in advance, and others 48 hours in advance.
Passengers who require constant care or are unable to follow safety instructions may be required to travel with a safety assistant. It is recommended to request wheelchair assistance in advance, if possible, to ensure that the necessary accommodations can be made. Additionally, passengers with vision or hearing limitations should inform a team member so that they can receive important flight updates and safety briefings.
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Travel with service animals
Many airlines offer special assistance to passengers with disabilities, medical requirements, or service animals. This includes help at the airport, the possibility of choosing a more comfortable seat, and adjusting the meal on board to the passenger's diet.
Requesting Special Assistance
To request special assistance, contact the airline during the booking process or directly before the flight. This can be done by phone or by filling out a special form. The form will ask for information about the passenger's medical condition and any special requirements, such as the need for a wheelchair. It is recommended to request special assistance in advance, as some airlines require at least 48-72 hours' notice.
Travelling with Service Animals
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to assist a person with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and service animals in training are not considered service animals and may travel as pets.
When travelling with a service animal, it is recommended to submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, which verifies the animal's health, training, and behaviour. This form should be submitted to the Special Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before the flight or presented at the airport on the day of travel. Additionally, the animal must meet CDC vaccination and microchip requirements, and for flights over 8 hours, the Relief Attestation Form is also required.
Passengers travelling with service animals should also be aware of any international regulations for animal travel, as some countries may have specific restrictions. It is important to review the guidelines and requirements of the airline and the local government to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Help with carry-on luggage
Many airlines and airports offer special assistance to passengers who need help with their carry-on luggage. This includes help with lifting luggage into overhead lockers, retrieving luggage from lockers, and pushing trollies.
If you require assistance with your carry-on luggage, you should contact the airline during the booking process or directly before the flight. You can do this by phone or by filling in a special form. Some airlines also allow you to request assistance when booking or managing your trip online or via their app. You may be asked to provide information about your medical condition and any mobility equipment you use. It is also worth checking the range of special assistance services offered by the airline. Some airlines offer passengers more comfortable seats and adjusted meals to suit their dietary requirements.
It is important to note that different airlines and airports have varying timescales for requesting assistance. Some ask for contact at least 72 hours before the flight, while others require 48 hours' notice. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the airline or airport as soon as possible to ensure that your request can be accommodated.
If you are a passenger with a disability, it is essential that you self-identify as needing assistance when you arrive at the airport. 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. You should also notify airline personnel at the boarding gate of any assistance you may need, such as help with carry-on luggage or moving within the aircraft.
If you did not request assistance before your flight but realise during the flight that you will need assistance at your destination, notify the flight crew before landing so that they can make the necessary arrangements.
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Aid after the flight
Special assistance is also provided after your flight. An airport employee can help you disembark and aid with the baggage collection process and security procedures. Some airports and airlines have special rooms for people with disabilities.
If you need a wheelchair to get off the plane, you should be aware that airlines generally provide this assistance after all other passengers have disembarked. If you believe your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act have been violated, you can ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). Airlines are required to make one available to you, free of charge, in person at the airport or by telephone during their operating hours.
If you have a service animal, airline personnel are required to escort you to the service animal relief area upon request.
It is recommended that you request wheelchair assistance in advance by selecting 'Add special assistance' when booking or managing your trip. You can also inform a team member at the airport about your wheelchair needs on the day of travel.
To ensure you receive a safety briefing and important flight updates, inform a team member if you have vision or hearing limitations.
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Frequently asked questions
You can request travel assistance at the airport by contacting the carrier during the booking process, directly before the flight, or on the day of travel. This can be done by phone, online, or by filling out a special form.
It is recommended that you request travel assistance as early as possible, with some airlines asking for at least 48 hours' notice.
Travel assistance at the airport can include help with checking in, reaching your gate, and boarding and deplaning the aircraft. It may also include assistance with security procedures, baggage collection, and connecting flights. Additionally, some airlines offer assistance with choosing a more comfortable seat and adjusting meals to the passenger's diet.
Travel assistance at the airport is typically offered to individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or limited mobility. This includes passengers with cognitive or developmental disabilities, vision or hearing limitations, and those who require the use of a wheelchair or other mobility devices. Pregnant individuals may also be eligible for travel assistance.
No, special assistance at the airport is typically provided free of charge. However, if a passenger requires constant care or cannot follow safety instructions, they may need to travel with a safety assistant, for whom they may need to purchase a ticket.
