If you are traveling on a plane with a disability, reserve your wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours before the flight. Wheelchair assistance can be booked depending on your requirements and the level of assistance you need.
If you want to reserve a wheelchair assistance upon arriving at the airport, it requires a lot of time. To save your time and energy, reserve it 2 days before your flight. Usually, airlines offer free wheelchair assistance. However, some airlines in the world charge for it. You can also pay a tip to the wheelchair attendant depending on the level of assistance they provide.
Getting airport wheelchair assistance will provide you with a stress-free traveling experience. So let’s start this article and learn how to book wheelchair assistance at the airport!
Eligibility criteria for Wheelchair assistance
Anyone with disabilities is eligible for wheelchair assistance at the airport. Below are some conditions that determine wheelchair assistance for a passenger.
- If a traveler can walk into an aircraft but requires wheelchair assistance from the terminal to the aircraft.
- Those travelers who cannot go up stairs. However, they can walk onboard but require wheelchair assistance from the terminal to the plane.
- If a traveler has a lower limb disability, they require special assistance in boarding and departing from a plane.
- Travelers who need wheelchair assistance throughout the airport journey due to their complete immobility.
How to get wheelchair assistance at the airport?
If you need wheelchair assistance, you should ask for it at least 48 hours before the flight. You can call the airport or contact your airline.
Let’s discuss the process of how you get wheelchair assistance at the airport.
Check out the airline’s wheelchair guidelines
Review your airline’s policies and guidelines for getting wheelchair assistance. You can get details on your airline’s website. Additionally, you can get help from the airline’s customer service line.
Check the wheelchair size requirements
If you are taking your wheelchair to the plane, make sure that it is according to the sizing requirements of the plane. It is necessary to consider your airline size restrictions before you fly. However, every airline has different size requirements.
In case your wheelchair is large, it can be stowed in the cargo area. Then you can get airport wheelchair assistance.
Wheelchair information form
Some airlines require you to fill out a wheelchair information form. You can visit the website and check out the form required for a wheelchair request. Every airline has different policies. Some airlines allow you to fill out the form online. On the other hand, some will request you to bring a print form with you at the airport.
Request for a wheelchair
You should request wheelchair assistance as early as possible before your flight. Make sure to call 2 days before the flight. Calling to get wheelchair assistance is not necessary, you just need to confirm the reservation of the wheelchair. If you have already filled a wheelchair information form, tell them on the call.
Call at least 3 days before for security questions
You should also contact the airport security department 3 days before your flight. It helps you with screening policies, procedures and much more.
Arrive 2 hours before the flight
You should arrive at least 2 hours before the flight to get wheelchair assistance. If you arrive early, you can get wheelchair assistance on time. If you have already reserved a wheelchair, then you don’t need to arrive early.
Get assistance at the ticket counter
After arriving at the airport, you should ask check-in attendants for wheelchair assistance. They help you in reserving a wheelchair for the plane.
Take help from airport staff
If you want wheelchair assistance at the airport, for a connecting flight or while exiting the plane, you should ask help from the flight attendants or airport staff. They will help in arranging a wheelchair for you.
Arrive at the gate 1 hour early
You should arrive at the gate at least 1 hour before the flight to get boarding assistance. Also, tell the attendants about your requirements. For example, you can request an aisle chair or a ramp, so your wheelchair can easily get into the plane. If you arrive early, you can get these services as soon as possible.
Get help from a reservation attendant
After passing through the security and arriving at your gate, the reservation attendant can help you in the boarding zone.
The best time to reserve a wheelchair assistance
The right time to reserve wheelchair assistance is when you are booking your flight. You can talk to the airline’s customer service representative about getting wheelchair assistance.
You will get wheelchair assistance at each point of your trip. One thing to consider is you should make sure to reserve wheelchair assistance before 48 hours of your flight. Because if you request it after arriving at the airport, this process will take time.
Factors affecting the airline’s wheelchair assistance
Multiple factors affect the booking process for wheelchair assistance. Let’s discuss them.
Airline Policies
Every airline has different rules and regulations for wheelchair assistance. Before arriving at the airport, passengers should consult the airline’s customer service. Book your wheelchair assistance 2 days before your flight.
Booking Time
For a smooth and hassle-free airport experience, you should book wheelchair assistance before arriving at the airport. If you reserve wheelchair assistance upon arriving at the airport, it will take a lot of time.
Documentation
Some airlines require a wheelchair information form. You should check the airline website to get the form. Make sure to fill out the form before arriving at the airport.
Airport Facilities
Larger airports have better wheelchair assistance facilities. They have advanced facilities that cater to the needs of disabled passengers. On the other hand, small airports have limited resources for passengers.
Flight details
Providing the right flight details matters a lot in reserving wheelchair assistance. You should provide your flight number, and arrival and departure timings. In this way, airport staff will ensure a smooth wheelchair assistance process for you.
All the above-mentioned factors affect the wheelchair assistance process. Considering these factors can make this process easy for passengers.
Tips to get Wheelchair assistance before your flight
- Make sure to book a wheelchair assistant before your flight. Tell the airline about your requirements and reserve a wheelchair as early as possible.
- Confirm your reservation before your flight.
- Arrive early at the airport and identify yourself as a disabled passenger who needs wheelchair assistance.
- You can use your wheelchair until you arrive at the gate. Airport staff will take your wheelchair at the gate.
- In case you have a battery-powered wheelchair for traveling, make sure to arrive 1 hour before the recommended check-in time.
- If a passenger is not able to walk, airport staff will transport that passenger to the plane in an aisle chair. When you arrive at your destination, you will get your wheelchair.
- You can ask help from the flight attendants in luggage handling, or other assistance during the flight.
How much does it cost for wheelchair assistance at the airport?
There is no standard cost to get wheelchair assistance at the airport. Generally, the airline charges $2 for the service. In the US, around $12.73 an hour is the average annual pay of an airport wheelchair assistant.
It is important to consider that airlines provide wheelchair assistance to passengers. However, you can tip them as this service is quite important and valuable.
If you don’t know how much tip should be given to a wheelchair assistant, you can consider their level of assistance and the time they spend with you.
Most of the airports have fixed costs for this service, to make it accessible for everyone. However, you can still give them tips according to the service provided and your budget.
FAQs
Can a disabled passenger board first?
There are no rules and policies for disabled passengers to board first on the plane. However, most airlines assist passengers with medical conditions and disabilities and allow them to board before others.
How much does wheelchair assistance cost you?
In most countries, wheelchair assistance is free of cost. They provide you with wheelchair assistance and an attendant.
In Asia, you have to pay around £150 for wheelchair assistance on flights.
How can a disabled person travel on a plane?
A disabled passenger can be boarded on a plane by an aisle chair. This aisle chair can help a passenger in taking them on their flight.
Final Thoughts
It is quite challenging for a disabled passenger to get through the large airport and board the plane. So most of the airlines provide wheelchair assistance to the person who can’t walk. Some airlines provide this service free of cost while some have fixed charges.
Before reserving wheelchair assistance, you should check out your airline’s policies. Always book an airport wheelchair assistance 2 days before your flight. If they need a wheelchair information form, fill it out and make a reservation.
Ensure a comfortable and smooth traveling journey with wheelchair assistance!