Airlines and airports offer several options for people requiring wheelchair assistance. From making a reservation to using boarding devices, there are several resources available to meet any need. Please notify the airline in advance of your flight and arrive at check-in early to secure your reservation. Arranging wheelchair assistance at the airport will ensure a hassle-free and stress-free flight.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare before the Flight
Step 1. Check your airline's guidelines regarding the use of a wheelchair
Visit their website and check out the section on using those devices. Read the rules governing how to travel in your own wheelchair, stow a battery-powered chair or use wheelchair assistance to access the aircraft. You can also contact the airline's customer service.
- On some flights it is possible to travel with removable devices such as cushions and footrests.
- If your wheelchair is powered by a lithium ion battery, it will be removed, covered with protective packaging and stowed in the cabin.
Step 2. First check the regulations regarding the maximum dimensions accepted if you are traveling with your wheelchair
Make sure your device meets the size requirements to be able to take it to the aircraft. Check the airline's website or call customer service to verify this information before you travel.
- Each airline determines its own measurements, although those accepted are usually less than or equal to 84cm × 86cm.
- If your wheelchair is too big to take on the plane, you can check it in the hold and use the devices provided by the airport to get on board.
- You can check in a personal wheelchair at both check-in and at the gate, at no additional cost.
Step 3. Check if the airline requires you to fill out a wheelchair assistance request form
Not all airlines require it, although it helps speed up assistance. Visit the company's website, access the "accessibility" section and look for a form to fill out to request assistance. Some airlines allow you to fill in online, others require you to print the form, fill it out and take it with you to the airport.
- Each airline has specific regulations regarding their forms, so check online or call customer service. Some companies don't require them at all.
- Fill out the form if you intend to use wheelchair assistance at the airport, use a device to access the aircraft, or want to bring your own wheelchair on board.
- The form will ask for information such as name and surname, flight number, place of departure and destination, date of departure and return and an indication of the needs for assistance.
Step 4. Call at least 48 hours prior to departure to request wheelchair assistance
To arrange this type of assistance please contact the airport as soon as possible to make your reservation. Tell the special assistance service about your needs and they will arrange the right service for you.
- If you have completed the information form for requesting assistance with a wheelchair, you can communicate this during the phone call, which is not mandatory, but will be used to guarantee assistance.
- Calling in advance is not necessary, but it will allow you to get assistance promptly; it will also help you better prepare the airport customer service staff to help you.
- You can request a wheelchair if you use it normally or if you need assistance getting around the airport.
Step 5. Contact the airport security service at least 72 hours in advance for security concerns
This service can assist with security checks and other procedures and can inform you on how to proceed.
If you live in the United States, the body in charge is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which you can contact at (855)787-2227 at the following times: Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 11.00pm (US Eastern Time) and during the late week from 9.00 to 20 (US Eastern Time)
Part 2 of 2: Requesting Assistance at the Airport
Step 1. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance to request the necessary assistance
As soon as you arrive, look for an airport customer service agent and request wheelchair assistance. Each airport has these devices available for use by passengers, but arriving early will ensure that you receive the necessary assistance in a timely manner.
- Some airports provide passengers with electric vehicles for travel.
- If you don't arrive early, you may have to wait a while before you get the assistance you need.
- If you've already made your reservation online, you don't necessarily need to arrive well in advance. However, if you intend to travel with your own personal wheelchair, remember that there is usually only one wheelchair space on the plane, which is assigned to the first passenger who requests it.
Step 2. Request wheelchair assistance at check-in
After entering the airport, inform the check-in desk operators that you would like to receive such assistance. Operators can help you book a device, should you decide to check yours in the hold, and can arrange assistance during boarding, by means of ramps or slides.
- Simply let the staff know that you want to use a wheelchair to access the gate or that you are traveling with your battery-operated device and would like assistance getting on board.
- You can board your wheelchair at check-in, in case you are traveling with a non-foldable device, an electric scooter or other battery-powered device.
Step 3. Ask the airport staff for assistance with transfers when you arrive at your destination airport
If you need wheelchair assistance when you get off the plane or if you are connecting to another flight, please inform the airport staff or flight attendants when you arrive at the departure airport. The staff can arrange assistance for you, even for your connecting flight.
Step 4. Go to the gate at least one hour in advance to request assistance during boarding
Inform the flight controllers about your particular needs, such as using a wheelchair suitable for the aisle of the plane or a ramp to get on board with the wheelchair. You can use lifts, ramps, specific wheelchairs for the aircraft and slides to board the aircraft.
Please arrive at the gate well in advance to ensure wheelchair assistance, otherwise you may have to book another flight
Step 5. Ask the staff at the boarding area for help
Once you have gone through security and have reached your gate, the boarding staff will let you know how they can help you, for example by checking if there is room in the cabin for your personal wheelchair or if it will need to be checked in the hold.. Let the staff know if you need assistance with wheelchair travel or boarding, as well as if you are connecting to another flight.
- Flight controllers can also help you get to your seat on the aircraft, as well as access restrooms during the flight.
- If you decide to travel with your folding wheelchair, you can ask to bring it on board with you. There is space on the aircraft for only one wheelchair which is assigned to whoever requests it first.
- If you are not the first to apply or your chair does not meet the maximum size requirements, it will be checked into the hold at no additional cost.
