Owais Crawford
Booking a wheelchair at the airport is a straightforward process. Most airlines and airports offer wheelchair assistance, and it is recommended to notify them at least 48 hours in advance of your flight. This can be done by calling the airline or airport directly, or by filling out a wheelchair information form on the airline's website. When you arrive at the airport, go to the airline's counter and confirm your request for wheelchair assistance. It is also advisable to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours earlier than usual to ensure you receive the assistance you need. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How far in advance to book | 24-72 hours |
| Who to contact | Airline, airport |
| What information to provide | Name, flight number, flight location and destination, departure and return date, nature of assistance required |
| Cost | Free, but gratuities appreciated |
What You'll Learn
Booking a wheelchair in advance
Contact Your Airline:
Get in touch with your airline at least 48 hours before your flight. You can do this by calling their customer service line or by visiting their website. Inform them of your need for wheelchair assistance and any specific requirements you may have. Some airlines may require you to fill out a wheelchair information form on their website, while others may direct you to their accessibility department.
Provide Necessary Information:
When booking, be prepared to provide specific details about your needs. Let the airline know if you require wheelchair assistance to the aircraft steps, entrance, or your seat. Inform them if you will be bringing your own wheelchair or mobility aid and provide details about the type of battery it uses, if applicable. This information is essential for the airline to make the necessary arrangements.
Request Assistance for Departure and Arrival:
When booking your wheelchair, remember to request assistance for both your departing and arriving flights. Let the airline know if you need help with transfers, boarding, or getting to your connection flight. You can also inform them of any requirements during the flight, such as using the restroom or moving within the aircraft.
Arrive at the Airport Early:
Even if you have booked wheelchair assistance in advance, it's a good idea to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. This will give you ample time to check-in, collect your boarding pass, and ensure that your wheelchair assistance is on schedule. Arriving early can help you avoid any last-minute delays and make your travel experience more relaxed.
Follow up on the Day of Travel:
On the day of your flight, go to the airline's counter at the airport entrance and remind them of your need for wheelchair assistance. This will help ensure that your request has not been overlooked and prompt them to arrange for assistance if needed. You can also ask any staff member for help if you are unsure where to go.
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Requesting a wheelchair at the airport
Before Your Flight:
Contact your airline: Get in touch with your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to request wheelchair assistance. You can do this during the booking process, ticketing, or reconfirmation. They may ask for specific details about your requirements, so be prepared to provide information on your needs.
Complete any necessary forms: Some airlines may require you to fill out a wheelchair information form, which can usually be found on their website. This form will help them understand your specific needs and streamline the assistance process.
At the Airport:
Arrive early: Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. This will give you ample time to request and receive assistance without feeling rushed.
Proceed to the ticketing counter: Once inside the airport, make your way to the ticketing or check-in counter. Inform the attendants that you require wheelchair assistance. They will help you reserve a wheelchair and arrange for any necessary boarding assistance, such as ramps or slide boards.
During Connections or Transfers:
Notify staff of your needs: If you have a connecting flight or need assistance transferring to your next mode of transportation, be sure to let the airline staff or flight attendants know. They can arrange for wheelchair assistance throughout your journey, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
At the Gate:
Arrive early and confirm assistance: Get to your departure gate at least 1 hour early and reconfirm your request for boarding assistance. Inform the attendants of any specific needs, such as requesting an aisle chair or requiring a ramp to board the plane.
Remember, each airport and airline may have slightly different procedures, but all are committed to providing assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. Don't hesitate to ask for help and provide as much detail as possible about your requirements to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
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Airport arrival and parking
Arriving at an airport by car when you require wheelchair assistance is made easier by the availability of reserved vehicular lanes and drop-off points. For example, at Delhi Airport, reserved vehicular lanes are located at the inner lane nearest to the terminal, Gate 8, and all gates. Similarly, at Indira Gandhi International Airport, passengers can use the inner lane nearest to the terminal building for UDID/Divyang ID holders and Gate 3 for UDID/Divyang holders.
When you reach the terminal, use the reserved drop-off points to park your vehicle. At Delhi Airport, these are located at the inner lane nearest to the terminal, Gate 8, and all gates.
If you are being dropped off at the airport and require wheelchair assistance, it is important to contact the airline in advance and inform them of the assistance you need. This can usually be done through the airline's website or by calling their customer service line. Some airlines may also offer assistance at their counters in the visitor's lobby or arrival hall. For example, at Bengaluru Airport, special assistance is available at Gate No. 5, where representatives from various airlines are present.
Additionally, some airports provide special assistance/PRM phones located near the drop-off points, which can be used to call the airline for assistance. These phones provide instructions on how to contact the concerned airline.
When parking your vehicle, it is important to be mindful of any signage indicating accessible or disabled parking. For example, at Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Airport, accessible and ADA parking is available, with loading areas marked with blue signs.
By following these guidelines and utilizing the services provided by the airport and airlines, passengers requiring wheelchair assistance can ensure a smooth and comfortable arrival and parking experience at the airport.
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Boarding and stowing a personal wheelchair
If you are planning to bring your own wheelchair on a flight, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure a smooth process. Firstly, contact the airline's support team in advance to understand their specific wheelchair policy. Different airlines may have varying requirements, so it is essential to confirm this information directly with them.
When speaking with the airline, have the model, make, and type of your wheelchair available. This information will enable them to provide you with detailed instructions on boarding and stowing your wheelchair. Additionally, enquire about any special accessibility options or assistive devices they offer.
Most airlines will require you to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, typically recommending 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight. This allows sufficient time to clear security, reach your boarding gate, and check in your wheelchair and other equipment.
Before boarding, you may need to check your wheelchair at the ticket counter or gate, free of charge. If your wheelchair is a collapsible, folding, or break-down manual wheelchair, it may be stored in the aircraft cabin if it meets the sizing requirements. However, if your manual wheelchair has a rigid frame and does not fit inside the onboard wheelchair closet, it will need to be stored in the airplane's cargo hold.
Power or battery-powered wheelchairs are typically not allowed in the passenger cabin due to their weight and width. They will be stowed in the cargo compartment, and you will be provided with an aisle manual chair for movement within the airport and the plane.
To facilitate the handling and stowing of your wheelchair, it is recommended to remove all detachable parts, such as seat cushions, footrests, and side guards, and store them in the aircraft cabin. Additionally, providing clear assembly and disassembly instructions attached to your wheelchair will assist airline personnel in its proper handling.
Remember to notify the airline staff of your specific needs, such as requesting an aisle chair or requiring assistance with transfers. They are required to assist you in boarding and stowing your wheelchair, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.
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Wheelchair availability at the arrival airport
Wheelchair services are available at most airports for arriving, departing, and connecting travellers. This includes travel from arrival gates to the baggage claim and ground transportation locations. If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, you may need to check whether it meets sizing requirements to bring it on the plane. If it is too large, you can stow it in the cargo area and use the airport's wheelchair to get around.
To ensure a wheelchair is available upon arrival, it is important to contact the airline directly in advance. Most airlines require at least 48 hours' notice, but some may require more, so it is best to check with the airline as early as possible. When booking, it is important to specify whether the traveller will require wheelchair assistance up to the aircraft steps, entrance, or the seat, as well as the nature of assistance needed during embarkation, disembarkation, and inflight.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid, additional information may be required, including the number of batteries, whether they are detachable, and the Watt-Hour (WH) rating of each battery. It is also important to check with the airline about any forms or medical certificates that may be needed.
When you arrive at the airport, you can also request a wheelchair at the ticketing counter. However, if you require assistance with security checks and boarding, it is best to arrive early and allow plenty of time for these processes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to book at least 48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may require more notice, so it is best to book as early as possible.
Contact your airline directly to make a reservation. You can usually do this by phone or online. Some airports also provide complimentary wheelchair services, which can be requested upon arrival.
This may vary depending on the airline and your specific situation. If you are an older traveller, have an injury or medical condition, or are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair, you may be required to provide additional information or fill out a medical information form.
Yes, but you will need to check the sizing requirements and guidelines of your airline. There may be weight and size restrictions, and you may need to stow your wheelchair in the cargo area.
You can still request a wheelchair at the airport. Go to the ticketing counter or a special assistance phone to make your request. However, keep in mind that you may have to wait for a wheelchair to become available.
