A customer can get special assistance at the airport by making a request at the time of making the reservation or assistance can also be requested at the airport however it entirely depends on the availability.

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If the booking is made online then the customer can call on our 24*7 helpline number +1-216-302-2732 to make a request for the same. It also depends on the condition of the person as to in what circumstances they need assistance.

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No, the airline does not charge for wheelchairs, however the customer needs to place the request at the time of making the reservation or they can contact at the airline counter as well.

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The customer can place the request at the time of making the reservation or if the customer is bringing their own wheelchair then they have to inform the airline about the weight & size of the wheelchair at the time of booking.

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You’ve got a flight to board in a day or two, and unfortunately, you trip and twist your ankle and are unable to walk. Or, maybe you’re recuperating from a long-term illness or recently went under the knife, making it utterly difficult for you to walk. For times like these, you would badly need to have wheelchair assistance at the airport. Owing to the Air Carrier Access Act, 1986, all US-based air carriers must provide wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities so that they’re easily able to make their way through the airport. Let’s have a look at some of the best ways to get wheelchair assistance at the airport:

Before the journey begins:

• Try to make reservations as soon as possible and make sure that you book yourself on the largest aircraft possible. This way you would have more restroom and seating options at your disposal on an aircraft that provides seating for over 60 passengers and contains a couple of aisles.
• Contact your airline and inform them in advance about your need for wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours ahead of your departure. The earlier, the better. The customer care team will inform your departure, landing, and transfer (if any) airports to provide you with wheelchair assistance.
• Make sure that you arrive at the airport at least one hour ahead of the regular check-in time if you’re going to travel with a battery-operated wheelchair. You may also like to check the accessibility needs with all the airlines (if you have connecting flights) included in your itinerary.

At the airport:

• Reach your departure airport as early as possible to have plenty of time in hand to check baggage into the hold, go through the screening, and get on the plane. If you’re flying during the holiday season, it becomes all the way more necessary to have extra time.
• Upon reaching the airport, you’re required to identify yourself as a passenger with a disability who needs assistance. Though it would be mentioned in your reservation that special assistance is needed, the air carrier needs to know that you’re the one who requested it.
• Be attentive and pay heed to changes (if any) to the departure time or terminal gate so that you can inform your wheelchair attendant (or airport personnel) to move you to the respective gate in time.
• Inform your wheelchair attendant (or airport personnel) at the boarding gate about any kind of assistance you might need, such as during pre-boarding, while on board, or a helping hand with carry-on baggage. Making your needs crystal clear will help you get the best possible assistance.
• You can use your own wheelchair until you get to the departure gate. You’ll have to get off your wheelchair at the gate. If you’re unable to walk on your own, you will be transported to your seat in the aircraft via an aisle chair. You will get your wheelchair back at the gate upon reaching your destination.

During the flight:

• Inform the flight attendant in case you need a helping hand for stowing or retrieving your carry-on baggage or personal item, or need any other assistance on-board.
• If you forgot to request assistance for when you arrive at your destination airport or for the time between connecting flights, you can ask the airline crew for the same when your flight lands.
• You must be aware that if you require wheelchair assistance to alight from the aircraft, this assistance is generally provided after the rest of the passengers have gotten off the plane.

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Q. What shall a disabled person know while flying?

Nobody should be denied to travel around, to fly, to explore, to enjoy their autonomy just because they’re disabled. Sure it would be accompanied by a handful of challenges, but in no way should it stop anyone from hitting different places. Correct us if we’re wrong! Well, if you agree with us and are keen to go on your air journey, let us help you to make it as comfortable and convenient as it can get.

Knowing is the key – Not right before packing your bags and setting off for your destination, but even before setting your heart on a certain destination and booking flight tickets for it, you need to know – know about your air travel rights, know about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), know the policies for disabled passengers of major airlines and know about anything remotely related to your travel so that your flying experience is more pleasant and less upsetting.

Just any airline won’t work – It’s a no-brainer that the airline you choose to fly with has the potential to make or break your journey. It is where knowing the policies of major airlines for disabled passengers will come in handy. Also, take your own sweet time to research which airline has earned the reputation for providing the best customer service. Be mindful to consider frequent flyer status (if you have one), flight length, flight connections, and airport layout before going for a particular flight.

Selecting the right seat is as much important – Whether you’re allowed to emplane before anyone else or you’re permitted by the carrier to select your preferred seat even before arriving at the airport, there are a couple of things you should consider before making your choice. Choosing between the window seat and aisle can seriously put you in a dilemma if you have a prolonged flight. If you go for an aisle seat, you’d have unobstructed access to the lavatory, but you may have to move now and then to give room to other passengers as well for making trips to the lavatory. Also, don’t forget to look at the specific aircraft configuration to pick the ideal seat as per your needs.

Communication should not be overlooked – Thanks to the disability policies of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), it’s not required for passengers to inform about disability-related accommodations beforehand. Albeit it’s beneficial if you contact your airline ahead of time to have it prepared with necessary arrangements. Yet there are certain travel conditions, such as when a passenger needs a stretcher, incubator or a respirator hooked up to the aircraft power supply, that require advanced notice.

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Given that the US airlines are no more obliged to allow Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) on board (at least without any fee) after the DOT dictated so, it becomes all the more necessary for you to keep some tips in handy just in case if you plan on to bring your support companion on the flight along with you.

Rules are rules – Even if you don’t like the new rules being in place, you’ve got to know them for your own sake and to avoid inconvenience. Earlier, passengers were allowed to be accompanied by almost any animal on board in the name of emotional support but things have changed now. You can only fly with a service dog free of charge that has been professionally trained to assist you regarding your physical disability. Sadly, you’ll have to drop the idea of flying with any animal other than a service dog without any extra cost.

Get hold of correct paperwork – So, first things first – correct paperwork has precedence over anything else to have your service dog accompany you. The air carrier has to be sure that your dog is indeed capable of lending you a helping hand as and when you need it. Also, airlines have every right to ask for valid documentation to gauge the veracity of what’s stated.

Let it relieve, for you to be relieved – Before accommodating yourself and your furry support companion in the aircraft, make sure that it defecates properly if it needs to. Inquire the airport personnel about any available animal relief areas in the premises of the airport or its proximity.

Size matters – Your service dog must be small enough to be permitted by the air carrier so that it can travel in whatever room is available under the passenger seat in front of you. If you’re in luck, the airline may also allow you to fly with your service animal sitting on your lap after considering safety.

Etiquettes also matter – Your service companion must know how to behave no matter what. Any animal which can be a nuisance for fellow passengers isn’t welcome aboard. Make sure that your companion refrains from indulging in disruptive behavior, such as snarling, barking, sprinting around, jumping onto fellow passengers, and any similar actions.

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