Air Travel Accessibility for Disabled Travels

Customers with disabilities or other special needs should let Air Canada know when making their reservations. The more advance notice you can give, the more the airline can do to ensure ease of travel. (Solid advice no matter what airline you’re flying) Some of their special needs services include:

• Indicating any special needs or conditions with a notation on your boarding card

• Assistance with registration at the check-in counter

• Help moving to the boarding area, as well as boarding, getting into your seat, and deplaning

• Help moving around the airport – airport wheelchair assistance is available

• Stowing and retrieving your bags and mobility aids

• Assistance unwrapping and cutting food, and opening beverages

If you’ll be traveling with an assistive device of any kind, let Air Canada know 48 hours in advance so they can ensure it meets the requirements for your specific aircraft. If you have any questions about getting your needs met, or to ensure that you will be comfortable on your flight, call the Air Canada reservations desk (888-247-2262) and ask for the medical desk with the details of your needs and reservation.

Air Canada stows most wheelchairs and mobility devices, either as checked baggage or if there’s room, on board. There are also wheelchairs onboard most Air Canada aircraft for helping customers to the lavatory, or when boarding and deplaning. Finally, check out Air Canada disability policies.

For the best travel experience when requesting air travel accessibility services: 

-Make reservations as early as possible and request services while booking online, or call the dedicated accessible services line at 1-800-503-0101.

-Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.

-Let Alaska Airlines know about any special requirements - at check-in, in the boarding area, and on the aircraft.

Alaska Airlines transports all types of personal wheelchairs and mobility devices, but it’s also important to note that travelers transporting electric/battery-powered wheelchairs, carts or scooters need to be checked in and available to board at least 45 minutes before the posted departure for all flights, and travelers transporting any other type of non-electric/battery-powered wheelchair, cart or scooter should be checked in and available to board at least 30 minutes before the posted departure for all flights.

Wheelchairs and wheelchair escorts are available at every airport, and some airports have electric carts available for customer use. Should you need to use them, or if you need help getting to your gate, boarding, deplaning, or connecting, let a customer service agent know so they can arrange for a wheelchair to be available at each location. For travelers who need assistance getting onto the aircraft, Alaska Airlines offers accessibility lifts or ADA accessibility ramps for anyone who is unable to ascend or descend stairs and onboard wheelchairs that can be used to help passengers in reaching and transferring to their seats when boarding and deplaning.

There is space on most flights to stow one folding, collapsible, or breakdown wheelchair, and that space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Finally, here are Alaska Airlines’ disability policies.

If you are traveling with Allegiant and you have accessible seating requirements, require mobility assistance, are flying with oxygen, have disabilities that require a wheelchair, or have other accessibility issues, be sure to mention them when booking a reservation online or over the phone. You can also contact the reservation center (702) 505-8888 and request the assistance you may need to be added to your reservation.

Battery-powered mobility devices (wheelchairs, scooters, etc.) will be checked at no additional charge at the ticket counter or gate and transported if the cargo compartment is large enough. Other assistive devices, such as walkers, canes, crutches, etc., that can be stowed safely are fine to bring on board and won’t count toward your carry-on baggage limit. If an assistive device can’t be stored safely in the cabin, it will get tagged and transported in the cargo compartment. Finally, here are Allegiant’s policies for disabled passengers.

American is dedicated to providing a positive travel experience for all customers. If you have questions or want to make special travel arrangements, you can make them online or call 800-433-7300, for hearing or speech impaired assistance, call 800-543-1586. 

American Airlines wheelchair assistance is available to get to your departure gate, and during your connection (if you have one). Please let the agent know you require assistance when booking your flight. It’s also a good idea to remind the airport agent that you’ll need a wheelchair or other mobility assistance at your destination or connecting city.

Some airports have electric carts to assist customers in moving throughout the airport. They should be arranged for before travel. NEVER assume you will magically run into a free cart that will transport you to your gate. These are often in demand and handled by the airport, not by American Airlines disability assistance agents.  

Upon request, pre-boarding assistance can be provided if you need it. Flight attendants can help customers get from their seats to the aircraft lavatory and back during flight by using the onboard wheelchair. Every jet aircraft has a collapsible chair available for onboard use, and there are many seats available with moveable aisle armrests within the main cabin. American Airlines (and American Eagle jet aircraft) has a designated space in the cabin of each aircraft to accommodate one collapsible wheelchair. American Airlines wheelchair service rules state that non-collapsible wheelchairs or scooters are accepted as checked luggage and can be checked in at either the ticket counter or the departure gate. Finally, if you have questions or concerns about AA accessibility matters, here are American Airlines’ disability policies.

ANA maintains the ANA Disability Desk, which assists disabled travelers who require special attention due to medical reasons or physical limitations. The ANA Disability Desk is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. If you need assistance when flying call 0120-029-377 (desk), 0570-029-377 (mobile phone), 03-6741-8900 (international calls). Some passengers may be required to complete a Medical Information Form.

The following passengers must contact the ANA Disability Desk in advance: passengers requiring an Oxygen Cylinder and/or Portable Concentrator on board; passengers requiring other medical devices onboard; and passengers who need a stretcher, incubator or special medical treatment onboard; and group tour customers traveling in groups of 10 or more who require special assistance.

ANA staff and cabin crew members can assist in identifying in-flight meal items and opening packages, but they cannot assist with feeding or the personal hygiene needs of passengers. Passengers who need this type of assistance or who are in a stretcher or infant incubator or whose doctor recommends an escort must travel with an assistant. Staff and cabin crew can assist customers who face accessibility barriers when ascending or descending stairs and moving inside the cabin.

Stretcher rental and portable oxygen concentrator rental are available through the airline via advance reservation and are subject to availability. At some airports, the following service equipment is available: ANA Skyassist Counter, writing pad/communication board, wheelchairs including large and reclining wheelchairs, electric cart, boarding ramp, assisted stretcher, passenger boarding lift, wheelchair stair lift, and scalamobil. Onboard, the following service equipment may be available (availability is based on aircraft and flight): seats with movable armrests, cabin wheelchair, wheelchair accessible bathroom, safety instructions in Braille, cabin stretcher, ANA rental oxygen cylinder, assist seats, support belts, resuscitation kit, medical kit, doctor’s emergency kit, automated extern defibrillator, and writing pads are available. Finally, here are ANA’s policies for passengers with disabilities.

Cathay Pacific provides a variety of services for passengers with disabilities. Their accessibility desk can be reached at: 

1 (800) 233-2742.  Cabin crew can provide assistance in moving to and from seats; help in preparation for eating; and assistance in the use of an inflight wheelchair to and from the lavatory door. The staff cannot help with personal care needs like eating and drinking, administering medications, or assistance inside the lavatory.

Passengers with disabilities are offered priority seating during the pre-boarding announcement. Service devices available onboard all aircraft include accessible lavatories with a single panel door and additional grab bar and in-flight wheelchairs. Oxygen portable concentrators for therapeutic or medical purposes may also be available free of charge. A stretcher can also be provided for a fee upon request.

Hearing and visually impaired travelers are offered: meet and assist service to and from the aircraft; individual safety briefings; subtitles on in-flight safety videos; and priority boarding. The cabin crew can read the menu and explain where all the food is placed on the tray to visually impaired travelers.

Cathay Pacific offers a Frequent Traveller’s Medical Card to passengers who travel regularly and require special assistance or medical clearance for a stable medical condition or disability. The card is issued to passengers with stable medical conditions. Contact your local reservation office for more information about the Frequent Traveller’s Medical Card and request special assistance. Finally, here are Cathay Pacific’s policies for passengers with disabilities.

The Delta accessibility desk can be reached worldwide at 404-209-3434 or through their reservations desk at 1-800-221-1212. Delta personnel are available to assist passengers in boarding, deplaning, and connecting with their flights. Depending on the type and age of the aircraft, accessible features of Delta’s fleet include movable aisle armrests, wheelchair stowage locations, onboard wheelchairs, and, on larger airplanes, wheelchair-accessible lavatories. Depending on the aircraft, they also provide movable aisle armrest seats so passengers who use aisle chairs to board the aircraft can more easily transfer into their seats. 

Passengers traveling with a therapy animal will be given access to bulkhead seating whenever possible. Also, whenever possible, Delta provides a designated location onboard most aircraft for stowing one personal wheelchair on a first-come, first-served basis. Delta wheelchair assistance states the chair or scooter has to fit in an FAA-approved storage area and must be of the weight and size that will fit in the onboard location. You can also check your wheelchair at the ticket counter or the gate and use Delta’s wheelchair equipment for travel within the airport. All of Delta’s aircraft have an onboard wheelchair disabled passengers may use to move to and from the lavatory. If you have questions about accessibility matters or air travel for disabled passengers, here are Delta’s disability policies.

Etihad Airways offers extensive guidelines and advice for travelers with medical needs and those who travel with disability. You can reach their disability travel desk at 971 2 599 0000 Passengers requiring special assistance should request it at least 72 hours prior to the flight departure.

Airline staff and cabin crew do their best to safely carry passengers’ mobility aids. Their smallest aircraft door is 81 cm. Canes, crutches, and walkers are allowed in-cabin, and cabin crew can provide passengers who are disabled help with and retrieving these assistive devices.

All aircraft have wheelchairs onboard to assist guests moving to and from the lavatory (many aircraft also have disabled access lavatories.)

Passengers should review Etihad Airways’ Fitness to Fly Guidelines prior to booking their trips. Some guests may be required to complete Medical Information for Fitness to Travel or Special Assistance forms. The following guests need Medical Clearance, according to Etihad Airways’ website:

• suffers from any condition which is believed to be actively contagious and communicable

• is likely to be a hazard or a cause of discomfort to other guests, because of his/her physical or behavioral condition

• is considered to be a potential hazard to the safety or punctuality of the flight, including the possibility of diversion

• is incapable of caring for him or herself and requires special assistance

• has a medical condition that may be adversely affected by the flight environment

• has recently had a major medical incident

• suffers from an unstable physical or psychological condition

• requires a stretcher

• requires in-flight oxygen or is using his/her own portable o2 concentrator (POC oxygen) or ventilator

• requires the use of battery-powered* medical equipment in-flight or needs to undertake any medical procedure during the flight (e.g. requires injections to be administered).

Finally, here are Etihad’s policies for passengers who travel with disability.

Frontier’s accessibility desk can be reached at 801-401-9004  If you need help moving through the airport when traveling with Frontier you can request a wheelchair or electronic cart ride through the concourse (where available) to get from one departure gate to another, or to help you get to baggage claim. Simply contact an accessibility specialist at the number above to arrange flight and airport assistance.

If you’re traveling with a wheelchair or mobility device it can be checked and doesn’t count toward your baggage allowance. There is one space onboard Airbus aircraft to stow a wheelchair, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can request it when you make your reservation.

It’s also a good idea to notify a customer service representative at the ticket counter at the time of check-in and upon arrival at the gate area if you’re going to be stowing your wheelchair on board. The wheelchair can’t exceed a height of 40 inches, a length of 50 inches, a width of 13 inches, or weigh more than 70 pounds.

Frontier’s customer service representatives will also make sure that passengers with a disability have the opportunity to board before the general boarding begins, and if you’re stowing your wheelchair, will make sure it gets stowed properly. When you reach your destination, a customer service representative or flight attendant will bring your wheelchair to the front of the aircraft after all passengers have deplaned to assist you with disembarking. Finally, here’s a form for additional accessibility requests.

The Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities can be reached at 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY)

Let the airline know in advance about any assistance you’ll need at the airport, connecting, while onboard, or if you’ll need extra time to board your flight to avoid accessibility problems. Hawaiian Airlines can pre-assign a seat at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure if you require assistance with a boarding chair to get to and from your seat if you’re traveling with a personal care attendant, if you’re traveling with a service animal, or if you have a fused or immobile leg.

There is no weight limit for any assistive devices that you travel with and they will be accepted as either cabin baggage or checked baggage. If there is no space to stow your assistive device onboard, it will be tagged for special handling and placed in the cargo hold as long as you don’t need the assistive device during the flight.

Wheelchairs are available at all airport locations to transport you between the ticket counter and gate, and you can ask a skycap or porter if you need one, or if you need help with your own wheelchair or other special assistance. If necessary, Hawaiian Airlines has a special boarding chair to assist you in getting to your seat. If you need extra time exiting the aircraft, assistance while flying, wheelchair assistance at your destination or transfer point, or assistance in deplaning the aircraft or through the terminal, the airline requests that you notify a flight attendant so they have time to make the necessary arrangements. Finally, here are Hawaiian Airlines’ disability policies.

JAL classifies passengers with disabilities, illness, or injuries as Priority Guests, who are given precedence. It opened its Priority Guest Center in 1994. Since then JAL has created products and services using a universal design to help all customers and create a barrier-free environment. Air travelers with disabilities (U.S. only) can call 1-800-778-4838 (TTY1-800-455-9880). JAL Priority Guest Reservations can be made by calling 0120-747-707 or 03-5460-3783 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily). Passengers outside Japan can contact the nearest JAL reservations or sales office.

Guests requiring additional assistance should check in at the counter and not at self-service kiosks. There are special check-in counters for Priority Guests at Haneda and Narita (International) airports in Japan.

JAL provides a variety of services at the airport and in-flight. Special devices at the airport to assist with boarding include a communication board, airport wheelchairs, mechanical lift, passenger step car with a wheelchair accessibility lift, wheelchair board, aircraft boarding chair, and threshold wheelchair ramp.

Cabin crew can provide a personal safety briefing; safety instructions in Braille; assistance in preparing to eat a meal, such as cutting up food, opening packages, and identifying food; and help in writing an embarkation form. Other items and equipment available include a rental child seat, communication board, onboard wheelchairs, moveable aisle armrest seats, accessible lavatory, belt extensions, body support belt, and small portable oxygen generators (fee). Aircraft are also stocked with airsickness and pain medication, doctor’s kit, resuscitation equipment, and automated external defibrillator

Finally, here are Japan Airlines’ policies for disabled travelers.

Please convey any accessibility concerns when you book a Jetblue flight. Contact the airline (1-800-JETBLUE) to add any special service you might need to an existing reservation. The more JetBlue knows about the type of assistance you need and the earlier you make your request, the more they can do to help make your flight and time at the airport as comfortable as possible. For example, if you’re not able to ascend or descend stairs, you should file a Jetblue wheelchair request and/ or request special assistance with boarding and deplaning when you make your reservation so airport crew members can have the necessary equipment ready for you.

Jetblue wheelchair service is available at all airport locations, and JetBlue has specially-designed wheelchairs for any immobile customers to use in reaching their seats when boarding and deplaning.

Please note that JetBlue doesn’t offer curbside service at most of their airport locations so if you need help leaving the airport, make a request with a JetBlue crew member inside the terminal so they can provide the curbside assistance needed. For information regarding renting portable oxygen concentrators, accessibility rights, disability chairs, traveling with therapy animals, and other related info, check out JetBlue’s disability policies.

Passengers requesting special assistance should do so at least 48 hours prior to departure. To request special assistance, passengers can e-mail KLMCARES@klm.nl or call 0800 5562-2737 (in the Netherlands) or 1-844-797-7723 (outside the Netherlands), 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.

Passengers who are disabled flying KLM and needing special assistance should check in at least half an hour before the recommended check-in time (those traveling with electronically powered wheelchairs should check in one hour earlier). For those departing from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, check in at desk 16. Some travelers with special needs (or their travel agents) may need to complete Medical Information Form A and have their physicians complete Medical Information Form B.

KLM will transport wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers free of charge. When traveling wheelchairs and scooters must be check-in as checked luggage. KLM provides the following devices aboard its aircraft, according to the KLM Assistance and Health Page:

• Foldable onboard wheelchair: available on all KLM’s Boeing 777, Boeing 747, Boeing 737, and A330 aircraft. As of July 2015, the Embraer 190 and Fokker 70 will be equipped with one as well.

• Toilet facilities: wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on all KLM’s Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A330 aircraft. The Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Embraer 190, and Fokker 70 aircraft have a foldaway curtain to enlarge the lavatory space. Staff will help find your way to and from the toilet, but they cannot assist you in the toilet area.

• Toilet handles: the toilets onboard of all KLM aircraft are equipped with toilet handles.

• Moveable armrests: All aircraft have a number of aisle and middle seats that have moveable armrests, so passengers can transfer more easily into their seats. The number and locations of movable aisle armrest seats may vary by aircraft type.

The following travelers should contact KLM Cares to request the following special assistance, according to the KLM Assistance and Health Page:

• Arrange assistance at the airport during boarding, disembarking, and/or transferring.

• Bring your own (electric) wheelchair (scooter), walker or crutches, or use a cabin wheelchair.

• Bring special medical equipment.

• Bring your service animal into the cabin.

• Use an extended leg rest for a leg that needs to stay in a horizontal position (in a cast). On KLM flights within Europe, 2 extra seats need to be booked in Economy Class. On intercontinental KLM flights, you need to travel in Business Class.

The following videos give more information about the special assistance offered to passengers departing and arriving or transferring at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The KLM Cares brochure Carefree Travel provides additional air travel information for passengers with reduced mobility. Finally, here are KLM’s policies for passengers with disabilities.

Customers traveling with Porter who have a disability, and who need special assistance should contact the call center at 1-888-619-8622 for further information about what Porter can do to assist.

Wheelchairs are available for passengers who need them to get around the airport, and each Porter aircraft is equipped with an on-board wheelchair. A checked wheelchair doesn’t count toward your stowed baggage allowance. Finally, here are Porter’s disability policies.

Year after year Quantas has been named the number one in the best airlines for disabled passengers. Qantas provides a range of services for guests needing special assistance. Some customers may need to seek medical clearance to fly on Qantas, including passengers whose:

• Disability is new (i.e. has occurred within six weeks of travel) or is unstable (ie. has changed within six weeks of travel),

• The condition may deteriorate during the flight

• The condition may deteriorate due to a decrease in oxygen levels in the aircraft cabin environment or a decrease in cabin pressure.

• A medical condition that meets the criteria listed in detail in the Travel Clearance Form.

• The doctor or the passenger is unsure about the passenger's fitness to travel.

• Needs include supplemental therapeutic oxygen.

• Needs include the requirement of medical equipment in-flight (for example, a stretcher, humidicrib, ventilators, defibrillators, and mobile oxygen concentrators)

The Travel Clearance Form should be completed at least 72 hours prior to departure.

For passengers transferring during travel within Australia, Qantas has prepared a Passenger Assistance Brochure that outlines the transfer process. Contact Qantas to request special services by calling 13 13 13 in Australia and local Qantas offices outside Australia or booking via a travel agent. To rent a portable oxygen concentrator for travel, a stretcher, or to discuss special needs requests, contact Qantas Special Handling at +61 2 8222 2651 (available 24/7).

For passengers who have difficulty typing, moving a mouse, or reading, they can download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility. Qantas has created a helpful Customer Checklist for People Traveling with Mobility Aids. Finally, the Disabilities Facilitation Plan for Qantas Airways Limited provides in-depth information about special assistance.

Some narrow-bodied aircraft in Qantas’ fleet (B737, B717, F100, and Dash 8 aircraft) have limitations:

• Wheelchair-accessible toilets are not available on those aircraft.

• Storage of passenger wheelchairs in the cabin is not possible.

• On-board aisle wheelchairs are not available (with the exception of the 737-800).

• Stowage of some customer mobility aids may not be possible.

• There is generally a limit of one electric wheelchair per flight.

Mobility aids

• Canes and crutches can be carried in the aircraft cabin.

• Foldable walkers can be carried in the aircraft cabin.

• On Airbus 380 U.S. flights, one collapsible wheelchair can be stowed in a dedicated storage spot in the cabin.

• Non-collapsible walkers, electric wheelchairs and scooters, manual wheelchairs, and additional manual wheelchairs on Airbus 380 U.S. flights must be checked.

• Two pieces of mobility equipment are carried free of charge as checked baggage. This does not count toward the checked baggage allotment for each passenger. For U.S. flights, there is no limit to the number of pieces of mobility equipment.

Special services offered include:

• Meet and Assist: assist guests from check-in to the departure gate by airport wheelchair or people mover and from arrival gate to baggage claim; meet guests at the departure gate to collect their mobility aids (where possible), and meet you at the arrival gate to deliver your mobility aid (where possible),

• Priority boarding: Qantas staff provide assistance to passengers with mobility limitations, where required, including transferring passengers to and from their mobility aids and the aircraft seat.

• Stretcher and travel oxygen concentrator for rent (extra charges apply).

In-flight assistance includes:

• Torso harnesses/restraints are available on many aircraft. Suitable for adults and children, the torso harnesses/restraints are made from seat belt webbing and lambswool and are installed using the existing aircraft seat belt.

• As part of Qantas special meal requests, pre-cut meals may be requested at the time of booking and must be requested no later than 24 hours prior to departure for visually impaired passengers.

• Text messaging capability is available in-flight on some aircraft types to assist deaf or hearing impaired customers with some in-flight announcements. When this is unavailable, a flight attendant will provide individual updates during the flight when announcements are made

• The standard inflight headsets are compatible with the t-switch found on most hearing aids.

• Captioning on some of the inflight entertainment programs and movies. There are three subtitled or captioned English language, English movies on all Qantas services that have Audio Visual On Demand (AVOD) in-flight entertainment systems. This is in addition to a number of foreign language films with English subtitles available on aircraft that are equipped with AVOD.

• Accessible toilets: All Qantas wide-bodied aircraft (A380, B744, and A330) have at least one fully wheelchair-accessible toilet. Qantas’ narrow-bodied aircraft (such as B737, B717, F100, and Dash 8 aircraft) do not have accessible toilets because of the size restrictions on the aircraft. Where passengers are not traveling with an assistant or carer, Cabin Crew can assist to and from the door of the aircraft toilet, but for health reasons, cannot assist within the toilet.

• On-board wheelchairs are available on Qantas’ wide-bodied aircraft (such as A380, B744 aircraft) and allow passengers to be escorted to and from the aircraft toilets. On-board wheelchairs are available on Qantas aircraft (with the exception of the B717, F100, and Dash 8 aircraft). The 737-800 has an onboard wheelchair, but no wheelchair-accessible toilet.

Finally, here are Qantas’ policies for passengers with disabilities.

Singapore Airlines provides a variety of services to passengers needing special assistance. They can be reached within the US at 1 (800) 742-3333 Please contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance of travel to ensure a smooth trip.

Each Singapore Airlines aircraft is equipped with:

• An onboard wheelchair that can be used to shuttle between the seat and the lavatory.

• Wheelchair-friendly lavatories.

• Seats with movable armrests to facilitate the transfer between the onboard wheelchair and the seat.

Singapore Airlines offers the following services to passengers needing special assistance:

• Pre-boarding

• Assistance with the onboard wheelchair

• Assistance moving from the onboard wheelchair to the lavatory

• Assistance to and from gates and flight connections

• For the visually impaired, the cabin crew will conduct a special safety briefing before take-off to highlight the procedures to be followed in the event of an evacuation and to orientate the passenger to the surroundings.

• For the visually impaired, the airline can provide assistance in preparation for meals consumption, such as the opening of packages and identifying food.

• The onboard safety video has sign language for the hearing-impaired.

• Stretcher services in Economy Class on selected aircraft; service charges apply. Passengers traveling on a stretcher must be accompanied by a qualified person and have a medical certificate from a physician to certify fitness to travel.

• Supplementary travel oxygen kit. Guests must request this service at least five working days in advance. Passengers needing a machine for oxygen must have a medical certificate from a physician to certify fitness to travel. An extra seat is required to strap the portable oxygen concentrator continuous flow bottle next to the passenger. However, more than one seat may be required depending on the oxygen flow rate/mode and the flight time, which in turn determines the number of bottles to be uplifted. Charges apply for each extra seat used to carry the supplementary portable O2 concentrator and oxygen tank(s).

Singapore Airlines is unable to offer:

• Assistance with feeding of meals

• Assistance within the restroom

• Medical services

Some passengers may be required to obtain medical clearance from a Singapore Airlines appointed doctor and complete the Singapore Airlines’ Medical Information Form when fitness to travel is in doubt:

• Recent illness

• Hospitalization

• Injury

• Surgery

• Instability

• Cases that require special attention or use of special medical equipment onboard (for example, use of a stretcher, need to rent oxygen tank(s), or similar type of medical equipment).

• Finally, here are Singapore Airlines’ policies for passengers with special needs.

Customers may also advise Southwest of any disability-related travel needs at the time of booking by telephone or, if a reservation has already been made, by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) prior to travel. Though it is not required that customers with disabilities disclose their disability-related needs at the time of booking, it is helpful and allows the airline to prepare the proper assistance for all passengers.

Southwest Airlines’ medication policy strongly suggests that all medication be packed in carry-on luggage. Flying with prescriptions drugs in checked luggage is never recommended. If your luggage is lost or stolen it can be difficult or impossible to replace your medications in a timely fashion.

Southwest Airlines’ aircraft are equipped with a first-aid it which contains over-the-counter medications. Flight attendants will offer medication to a Customer if the need arises. Flight attendants cannot physically administer the medication themselves. They also will not administer a Customer’s personal supply of medication. If this type of care is required in flight, the Customer should travel with a ticketed attendant. Carry on for Southwest permits needles/syringes used to inject medications as long as the Customer has in his/her possession the medication that requires a needle/syringe. If you use a needle/syringe while onboard, please alert a Flight Attendant so they may provide you with a disposal container.

Please note: Southwest aircraft ate not equipped with refrigerators.

Any customer who requires a constant supply of compressed or liquid medical oxygen cannot travel on Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines oxygen policy states they are not equipped to transport or provide medical oxygen or other hazardous materials and /or contained gas in carryon, as cargo, or as checked baggage. However, customers needing supplemental oxygen may be accommodated by using an FAA-approved personal oxygen concentrator. This must be a battery operated oxygen concentrator. The customer must have enough batteries to cover no less than 150% of the maximum expected flight duration. Southwest Airlines accessibility page offers a list of approved oxygen concentrator portable models.

Southwest CPAP policy allows for all types of CPAP machines to be carried on at no extra charge when packed separately from other personal items.

If you’re flying with Southwest and you need a wheelchair at the airport or need other special assistance, it’s best to inform the airline in advance through Southwest Airlines Accessibility Help Desk, or as soon as you arrive at the airport so your requests can be fulfilled as quickly as possible.

Priority pre-boarding is available for those who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability, or who need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device. Should you need to pre-board you can request a pre-boarding document from the customer service agent at the departure gate. This document lets the boarding agent know that you need to pre-board.

A small wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle is available at every gate and can be used if you need help getting into your seat. Each gate is also equipped with a Passenger Transfer Kit (PTK), which contains a slide board and a transfer sling. The sling is used to lift a customer requiring this type of assistance safely from his/her wheelchair into the small wheelchair and then into the aircraft seat. To make this transfer easier, at least the first two rows on most Southwest aircraft are equipped with movable aisle armrests.

Southwest checks most wheelchairs and mobility devices as long as they can be stowed safely, and there is space for one collapsible wheelchair, available on a first-come, first-served basis, aboard the aircraft. Finally, for more information, see Southwest disability policies.

Customers may also advise Southwest of any disability-related travel needs at the time of booking by telephone or, if a reservation has already been made, by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) prior to travel. Though it is not required that customers with disabilities disclose their disability-related needs at the time of booking, it is helpful and allows the airline to prepare the proper assistance for all passengers.

Southwest Airlines’ medication policy strongly suggests that all medication be packed in carry-on luggage. Flying with prescriptions drugs in checked luggage is never recommended. If your luggage is lost or stolen it can be difficult or impossible to replace your medications in a timely fashion.

Southwest Airlines’ aircraft are equipped with a first-aid it which contains over-the-counter medications. Flight attendants will offer medication to a Customer if the need arises. Flight attendants cannot physically administer the medication themselves. They also will not administer a Customer’s personal supply of medication. If this type of care is required in flight, the Customer should travel with a ticketed attendant. Carry on for Southwest permits needles/syringes used to inject medications as long as the Customer has in his/her possession the medication that requires a needle/syringe. If you use a needle/syringe while onboard, please alert a Flight Attendant so they may provide you with a disposal container.

Please note: Southwest aircraft ate not equipped with refrigerators.

Any customer who requires a constant supply of compressed or liquid medical oxygen cannot travel on Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines oxygen policy states they are not equipped to transport or provide medical oxygen or other hazardous materials and /or contained gas in carryon, as cargo, or as checked baggage. However, customers needing supplemental oxygen may be accommodated by using an FAA-approved personal oxygen concentrator. This must be a battery operated oxygen concentrator. The customer must have enough batteries to cover no less than 150% of the maximum expected flight duration. Southwest Airlines accessibility page offers a list of approved oxygen concentrator portable models.

Southwest CPAP policy allows for all types of CPAP machines to be carried on at no extra charge when packed separately from other personal items.

If you’re flying with Southwest and you need a wheelchair at the airport or need other special assistance, it’s best to inform the airline in advance through Southwest Airlines Accessibility Help Desk, or as soon as you arrive at the airport so your requests can be fulfilled as quickly as possible.

Priority pre-boarding is available for those who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability, or who need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device. Should you need to pre-board you can request a pre-boarding document from the customer service agent at the departure gate. This document lets the boarding agent know that you need to pre-board.

A small wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle is available at every gate and can be used if you need help getting into your seat. Each gate is also equipped with a Passenger Transfer Kit (PTK), which contains a slide board and a transfer sling. The sling is used to lift a customer requiring this type of assistance safely from his/her wheelchair into the small wheelchair and then into the aircraft seat. To make this transfer easier, at least the first two rows on most Southwest aircraft are equipped with movable aisle armrests.

Southwest checks most wheelchairs and mobility devices as long as they can be stowed safely, and there is space for one collapsible wheelchair, available on a first-come, first-served basis, aboard the aircraft. Finally, for more information, see Southwest disability policies.

When flying with United, call the airline’s accessibility desk (800-228-2744) 48 hours in advance of travel if you’ll be traveling with an assistive device so they can ensure your device can be used in flight. United Airlines disability services can better assist you if you detail any accommodations you’ll require when making your reservation. This includes the need for assistance getting to your gate, boarding, getting to your seat, deplaning, or connecting.

United wheelchair assistance is available at each airport United uses, but if you don’t see one when you arrive you can ask a skycap or agent for help. United Airlines wheelchair assistance also provides for Aisle wheelchairs for transferring non-ambulatory customers to and from their seats on the aircraft are also available, as are onboard wheelchairs in every aircraft with more than 60 seats. Some domestic and international airports may not have jet bridges available for boarding, but in these cases, United disability assistance provides a passenger assist lift (PAL), mechanical lift, ramp, or a stair chair may be used for boarding and deplaning.

In addition, certain seats on the aircraft are made available to passengers with a disability, but the request needs to be made at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled flight. Personal note, United is the airline I fly with the most. I’ve always been able to receive aisle seating with close proximity to the bathroom by calling the United Airlines Accessibility Desk. The United accessibility desk has also given me complimentary upgrades to economy plus on many 8+ hour flights so I can have a bit more room to stretch and ease my severe joint pain and muscle spasms. United seating and mobility assistance have always been quite good to me, which is in part why they remain my favorite US carrier. 

You can check your wheelchair or other assistive devices at the ticket counter or at the gate, and there is room for one collapsible wheelchair on board. If you want to use this space, request it when you identify yourself for pre-boarding. Finally, here are United’s disability policies.

Guests flying on Virgin Atlantic should alert the airline at least 48 hours ahead of their flights if they need special assistance. Call the Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance team for requests and to make arrangements at Virgin Airlines phone number: 0344 481 4455; Mon – Fri 09:00 – 18:00; or Virgin Airlines contact number within the US: 1 888-747-7474; if traveling from the U.S. outside the U.K., call 44 (0) 344-209-7777 or contact one of the airline’s worldwide numbers.

Virgin Atlantic provides a variety of services and accommodations for those who need special assistance; however, there are a few restrictions. No Virgin Atlantic aircraft carries a stretcher, so stretcher service is not available. Some Virgin Atlantic flights have an upper deck on the Boeing 747-400 aircraft; however, those who have difficulty walking up and down stairs quickly cannot be seated in the upper deck.

Some passengers with certain medical conditions may be required to complete a medical form and get clearance from their physicians to fly.

Virgin Atlantic can help make arrangements for guests who need help getting around European airports. Due to EU regulations, the assistance comes from the airports and not the airlines; however, Virgin Atlantic staff can help secure arrangements.

From check-in to landing, Virgin Airlines accessibility desk provides a variety of assistance options, including:

• Support seating that can offer spinal and posture support. The airline can provide adults the Burnett Body Support, a sheepskin-covered beanbag with full back support, a headrest, and two side arms. A member of the cabin crew uses a foot pump to remove the air from inside the bag, allowing it to mold itself around the passenger, and a travel chair for children, which has a five-point harness to provides upper-body support. The chair is generally suitable for children aged 3 – 11, depending on their size.

• Accessible toilets. The level of accessibility of onboard toilets depends on the plane: Airbus planes operating long haul routes are equipped with one fully wheelchair-accessible toilet; Boeing 747-400 aircraft have partially accessible toilets. The cabin crew can help passengers to and from the toilet door, using an onboard wheelchair that is on every aircraft except our Little Red service. However, Virgin Airlines disability policies state the crew cannot assist inside the toilet itself, for hygiene reasons.

• Moveable armrest seats. Most of Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft have moveable armrests at every seat in the Economy cabin that is not at bulkhead or exit. On some of the 747-400 fleet, the moveable armrests are only at rows 26C-27C/29C-37C/30H-37H and 31DG-37DG.

• Airport escort and pre-boarding.

• On international flights, cabin crew with sign language skills (BSL). This service can take up to six weeks to organize.

• On international flights, on-board entertainment with captioned movies. The aircraft has neck loops which work in conjunction with the ‘T’ switch on a hearing aid, so hearing-impaired guests can enjoy the audio entertainment onboard.

• Safety information card with large print and Braille.

• Oxygen can be supplied on all routes. In the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, passengers can have oxygen throughout the flight and for take-off and landing on long haul routes. In Upper Class, guests can only have oxygen during the flight – not for take-off and landing, as the oxygen cylinder cannot be safely stowed.

• Airport wheelchairs can be arranged for use in the airport through Virgin wheelchair assistance.

• Emergency medical equipment. All Virgin Atlantic aircraft are equipped with emergency medical kits, Automated External Defibrillators, routine first aid equipment; and Tempus, a diagnostic device that allows trained senior crew members to measure the vital signs like blood pressure and pulse rate of an unwell passenger, which can then be relayed to ground-based specialists.

Passengers can bring canes, crutches, and walkers free of charge. Collapsible manual wheelchairs may also be carried within the cabin on any aircraft that has dedicated storage space. Guests who are visually impaired may bring assistance dogs for flights destined for the following cities:

• JFK (New York)

• Newark (New Jersey)

• Washington DC

• Boston

• Miami

• Orlando

• Los Angeles

• Chicago

• San Francisco

• Las Vegas

• Antigua

• Barbados

• Dubai

• Hong Kong

• Sydney

• Tobago

• Tokyo

Finally, here are Virgin Atlantic’s policies for passengers with disabilities.

Guests traveling with WestJet should contact Westjet disability assistance to let them know if they require the use of a wheelchair. You can do this either online while booking or by calling WestJet (1-888-WESTJET). Note that WestJet Encore flights are ground loaded so it’s important to contact the airline if you need extra help getting to or from the aircraft and while onboard.

For the most part, wheelchairs are carried in the cargo compartment of the aircraft, but there are a few aircraft, operating on select flights, which are equipped with a shelf that can stow one medically required, standard-folding wheelchair. If the space is available, you can request it at the Westjet check in counter on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking a medically required wheelchair or mobility device doesn’t count toward the checked Westjet baggage allowance. Finally, here are WestJet’s disability policies.