Sachin Walls
If you require wheelchair assistance at an airport in India, it is recommended that you contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo offer dedicated wheelchair assistance and allow travellers to pre-book wheelchairs during booking or ticket issuance. If you are travelling with an electric wheelchair or mobility aid, you may be required to fill out a form and submit it to the concerned department before your departure. When you arrive at the airport, you can use designated drop-off lanes and approach the airline counter to arrange for a wheelchair.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to request assistance | Call the airline customer care helpline at least 48 hours before departure and provide your PNR and name. |
| Where to go at the airport | Go to the designated drop-off lanes and the airline counter at the entrance. |
| What to bring | Carry medical documents and any required forms, such as the MEDIF or Battery Powered Wheelchair Information Form. |
| Personal wheelchairs | You can use your own wheelchair up to the aircraft door, where it will be stored in the baggage hold. |
| Airline wheelchairs | Wheelchairs are available at the airport to assist with transportation from check-in to the boarding gate and from the aircraft to the arrivals hall. |
| Boarding and deplaning | Disabled passengers are boarded first and deplaned last. |
| Additional services | Buggy services are available for swift transportation within terminals. |
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What You'll Learn
How to request wheelchair assistance at the airport
If you need wheelchair assistance at an airport in India, it is recommended that you contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to make a request. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo require at least 48 hours' notice for wheelchair assistance.
You can request wheelchair assistance by contacting your airline's customer support or booking office. You may also be able to request assistance online when booking your ticket. When contacting your airline, you may be asked for your PNR to verify your booking. You should also specify the nature of the assistance you require, including during embarkation, disembarkation, and inflight. If you are travelling with your own wheelchair or mobility aid, you may need to fill out a form and submit it to the relevant department at least 48 hours before your departure.
Upon arrival at the airport, you can request wheelchair assistance by approaching the airline's counter at the entrance or asking a staff member. Some airports, such as Delhi Airport, have designated drop-off lanes for passengers requiring wheelchair assistance. At IndiGo, a meet-and-assist service is provided to help with boarding, deplaning, flight connections, and baggage reclaiming.
It is important to note that each airline and airport may have specific procedures for requesting wheelchair assistance. Therefore, it is recommended to contact your airline or refer to their website for detailed information on how to request wheelchair assistance at a specific airport in India.
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Using your own wheelchair at the airport
If you are planning to bring your own wheelchair to the airport, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to inform your airline of any required assistance before arriving at the airport. You can do this by calling the airline's customer care or by using an app like HOI, which allows you to directly contact airline wheelchair support. Some airlines may also allow you to request wheelchair assistance when making your flight booking or after booking via their website or call centre.
When bringing your own wheelchair, it should be capable of manoeuvring through various airport areas, including security and up to the aircraft. In some cases, your wheelchair may need to be collected at the aircraft entrance before boarding and loaded into the aircraft hold due to infrastructural constraints and weight restrictions. However, it is important to note that you will be provided with an airline wheelchair to use until you reach the arrival hall.
If you are travelling with an electric wheelchair or mobility aid, you may be required to fill out a Battery Powered Wheelchair Information Form and submit it to the appropriate department at least 48 hours before your departure. It is also recommended that you review the travel requirements and guidelines specific to your wheelchair's battery type. Additionally, some airlines may have specific requirements for dismantling and checking in electric wheelchairs, so be sure to review their policies.
For manual wheelchairs, some airlines may provide assistance with dismantling and reassembling the wheelchair under the supervision of the customer. However, they may not be liable for any damage that occurs during handling. It is always a good idea to carry suitable travel insurance for any specialised equipment you are travelling with.
By following these guidelines and informing your airline in advance of your needs, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free journey when using your own wheelchair at the airport.
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Getting wheelchair assistance on the plane
If you require wheelchair assistance on a flight to or within India, it is important to inform the airline in advance. This can be done by contacting the airline's customer service or through their website. It is advisable to make this request as early as possible, and at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure time, to ensure availability and to allow the airline to make the necessary arrangements.
When booking your flight tickets, you can request wheelchair assistance through the airline's website, by calling their customer service, or directly with your travel agent. Some airlines may require you to fill out a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) and submit it to the nearest airline office for approval by a medical officer, which can take a minimum of 72 hours.
Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the airline's check-in counter and inform the staff about your wheelchair assistance request if you haven't done so earlier. They will guide you through the process and ensure that a wheelchair is arranged for you. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight to allow ample time for assistance and security checks.
At the airport, the staff will assist you through security checks and to the departure gate. They will also help you board the aircraft, ensuring a smooth transition. If you are carrying your own wheelchair, it may be collected at the aircraft entrance before boarding and loaded into the aircraft hold due to infrastructural constraints and weight restrictions. In such cases, you will be provided with an airline wheelchair until you arrive at your destination.
During the flight, the cabin crew will be able to provide assistance as required. It is important to specify any additional needs or requirements in advance so that the airline can ensure the necessary support is provided.
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Wheelchair support apps
When it comes to getting wheelchair assistance at Indian airports, it is recommended to inform your airline of any required assistance before you depart for the airport. For instance, for passengers travelling through Delhi Airport, you can download the HOI app on your smartphone to directly contact airline wheelchair support. Additionally, passengers with UDID/Divyang cards can access Lane 1, while other passengers can use any lane opposite Gates 3 and 6. Similarly, for those travelling through Bangalore Airport, you can call your airline's customer care and request wheelchair assistance. They will ask for your PNR to verify and then provide confirmation.
Now, here are some useful wheelchair support apps that can aid your travel experience:
WheelMate
Available on both iOS and Android devices, WheelMate is a navigation app that helps wheelchair users locate accessible restrooms and parking spaces worldwide. With over 35,000 locations across 45 countries, users can add reviews and rate different locations.
IAccess Life
The iAccess Life mobile application retrieves information from Google Maps, allowing users to search for places based on accessibility features. This includes accessible parking, entrances, and bathrooms.
Lyft and Uber
While not exclusively wheelchair support apps, both Lyft and Uber offer the option to select bigger-sized vehicles or wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV) in select cities, making them good options for wheelchair users.
My Wheelchair Guide
Developed in part by the United Spinal Association, My Wheelchair Guide is an educational app that guides users through wheelchair selection, delivery, and maintenance. It includes resources such as checklists, videos, and illustrations on different wheelchair types. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Tallkitt
Tallkitt is a speech recognition app that can understand non-standard words and communications, helping to bridge communication gaps between wheelchair users, caregivers, family members, and loved ones.
Brettapproved
Brettapproved is an app that helps users find accessible places to dine, shop, and entertain themselves. It includes consumer ratings, reviews, and pictures that show where wheelchair access is provided.
These apps can greatly assist in improving the travel experience for wheelchair users, providing information on accessibility and connecting users with helpful resources.
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Designated airport lanes for wheelchair users
When it comes to designated airport lanes for wheelchair users in India, here is some information I have gathered:
Delhi Airport:
Delhi Airport is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility, including those who are visually impaired, hearing-impaired, autistic, or facing mental health challenges. The airport has designated drop-off lanes for passengers requiring wheelchair assistance. Passengers with a UDID/Divyang card can access Lane 1, while other passengers can use any lane opposite Gates 3 and 6. PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) can also use dedicated lanes at terminal entry and security checks, with specific gates at Terminals 2 and 3. Additionally, PRM-friendly washrooms are available across all terminals, and buggy services are provided to assist passengers in navigating to their boarding gates.
Bengaluru Airport:
At Bengaluru Airport, wheelchair assistance is available at Gate No. 5. Airline representatives are present to assist passengers with their requests. It is recommended to call the airline customer care in advance to ensure the availability of wheelchair assistance.
General Guidelines:
When travelling to any airport in India, it is advisable to inform your airline of any required wheelchair assistance before departing for the airport. Most airlines in India, such as Air India, offer dedicated wheelchair assistance. They may request specific information about your condition and the nature of assistance needed during embarkation, disembarkation, and inflight. It is recommended to pre-book wheelchairs during the booking or ticketing process to avoid delays and ensure availability. If you are travelling with your own electric wheelchair or mobility aid, you may need to fill out a Battery Powered Wheelchair Information Form and submit it to the concerned department before your departure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all Indian airports provide wheelchair assistance as a standard service. This is a mandatory service offered by the airport authorities to ensure accessibility for all passengers.
You can request wheelchair assistance at the time of booking your flight or by contacting the airline directly. Most airlines have a special assistance desk that can be reached via phone or email. It is advisable to inform them at least 48 hours before your departure to ensure a smooth process.
When making the request, you will need to provide your flight details, including the date, time, and flight number. Additionally, you should specify the type of assistance required, such as whether you need help boarding and de-boarding the plane, or if you require continuous assistance throughout the airport. Providing detailed information ensures the airport and airline can cater to your specific needs.
Yes. If you have requested wheelchair assistance and have a connecting flight, the airport staff will ensure a smooth transition. They will escort you to the transit area and provide assistance until you board your next flight. This service is available at all major Indian airports.
You can bring your own wheelchair, and it will be gate-checked if you prefer to use your personal mobility device. Airport staff will assist you in checking it in, and it will be readily available for you upon arrival at your destination. If you require a wheelchair during the flight, most airlines offer aisle chairs to facilitate movement to and from the lavatory.
