Airline Wheelchair Assistance

[johnnyr]

I will need wheelchair assistance for two people in our party when we arrive at Orlando International Airport. They will need help from the gate to the DME bus. From there, they will be fine. How far in advance do I contact the airline to make arrangements?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would sugggest calling the airline's reservation number with the reservations information available and ask for the "Special Services Desk". They will put it in the notes. Also, if they will be using wheelchairs at the departure airport it is almost automatic that they will get wheelchairs to meet them at the plane on arrival.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with Cheshire Figment and think that the earlier you call the better. You can still get the assistance last minute, but you may as well call soon, then check a shorter time (like maybe a week) before they go.

 

[johnnyr]

Thanks. They will not be needing assistance for departure as PHL has a complimentary shuttle from just past the security checkpoint to the gate. I will call the airline in the morning. Thanks again!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I will need wheelchair assistance for two people in our party when we arrive at Orlando International Airport. They will need help from the gate to the DME bus. From there, they will be fine. How far in advance do I contact the airline to make arrangements?

Basically, after booking pick up the phone and make the call. To give you an idea, I tend to book my flight about 10/11 months out (international, unlike US-flights, all prices are out by then) and about 1 minute after getting my confirmation I call the airline to inform them about my needs which includes wheelchair assistance.

Kindly remind the check in agent of this need, and the flight attendant about 30 minutes before landing.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I also recommend reminding everyone at the airport. I have had problems with being "forgotten" when getting off a plane, or being given an airline w/c and told that someone will be be along to push it and they never showed up. The last time I flew they tried to convince me on two different flights to just walk off and find a w/c in the terminal because they didn't think anyone was going to come get me. Sorry, not happening! The pilot almost ended up going to try to find a chair to wheel me of!

Tell them when you check in that you have people that need assistance. Tell the gate agent. Remind the Flight Attendant when you get on board. And then remind them again a little before you land-- particularly if it is a long flight. They can call ahead and make sure that things are in place.

I always have it on my reservation, but have still found that I need to remind. I am very polite about it and have never had anyone get annoyed that I reminded them.

Also if they might need assistance getting on to the plane you can request a w/c to take them on the ramp to the door of the plane. The angles of the inclines on some of the jetways can be very difficult if you have balance issues. Also let the gate agent know if you want to preboard so you have a little more time to walk to the plane and get settled.