Are airlines offering wheelchair assistance?

Are airlines offering wheelchair assistance?

When you have booked a flight with the airline and are looking for the other arrangements necessary for a perfect journey, there are definitely a lot of things to consider. You should be well informed about check-in, boarding process, lost and found, parking, or special assistance that will be provided during the journey to make it more convenient and comfortable. When you are traveling with someone who is physically or visually impaired, then you can connect with the executives from the help center and request assistance. There is no doubt that there are not all the airlines that are offering wheelchairs, so it is always better to contact the airline beforehand and enquire about the same. We are going to discuss all the details related to the same to make the journey more convenient and comfortable. 

How do I get wheelchair assistance while booking a flight?

There are multiple ways through which you can request a wheelchair from the airline. One of the best and quickest methods is through the phone, but the online process is the one that has been used the most. Whenever you want to book wheelchair assistance at the airport, any one method from the given procedures can be used:

• Online: One of the most influential ways to request wheelchair assistance is the online one. The online process charges you the least amount for booking any service with them. There are no restrictions, and you can make a request anytime you want. We have mentioned the process you need to follow to get the wheelchair assistance: 
  • Visit the official website of the airline. 
  • Click on Manage Booking given on the homepage. 
  • Add the flight details, such as the reservation number with the last name, and search for the flight. 
  • Get to the Menu and pick Special Assistance from the Menu appearing on the screen. 
  • A form will be opened, and you will have to fill in all the details that are needed with the required documents. 
  • Click on the Submit option, and the airline will send a confirmation via email. 
• Phone: Special assistance can be booked by contacting customer support over the phone. You just have to dial the airline's phone number and talk to the representatives. Provide them with all the details of the journey and the needs of the traveler. They will book an assistance for you and provide the information for the same. 
• Helpdesk: If you have not made any prior bookings for special assistance, then they can be made at the airport. Get to the helpdesk of the airport, talk to the representatives, and request a wheelchair assistant. Provide them with the details of the passenger so the same facilities can be provided. 

How much do airlines charge for wheelchair assistance?

Most of the time, the airlines do not charge any amount for wheelchair assistance, and it is available free of cost. But you should inform the airline prior to the scheduled departure so they can make the arrangements. Requesting a wheelchair assistant at the last moment may cause problems, and the airport might not be able to provide one. If some airlines are charging for it, then it is not more than $5, which can be paid during the process. 

Do all airlines have wheelchair assistance?

There is no doubt that almost all airlines provide wheelchair assistance, and to ensure this before the journey starts, you can contact the customer support executives of the airline. However, there are some airlines that are disability travel friendly and have the best facilities and services to make the trip comfortable and convenient. We have mentioned such airlines below so you can prioritize them whenever you are traveling with someone who needs additional help: 

1. Air Canada
2. Delta Air Lines
3. Emirates Airlines
4. Qatar Airways
5. Virgin Atlantic
6. Lufthansa Airlines
7. Japan Airlines
8. American Airlines
9. United Airlines
10. JetBlue
11. Southwest Airline
12. Hawaiian Airlines, etc.

Is wheelchair assistance at airports free?

Yes, when you are with someone who is not physically or visually capable, then they will definitely require additional help and guidance during the journey. This help will be provided free of cost, and the executives will ensure a comfortable and pleasant journey. They will remain with you until the flight is boarded and guide you during the check-in procedures. If you require any help other than wheelchair assistance, then you can contact the representatives at the helpdesk for solutions.