Travel by plane is the fastest and the safest way of travelling that is used by more and more people every day. Carriers have many cheap flights to different corners of the world in their offer, and an airline ticket can be purchased online. However, we have to go through check-in and security procedures at the airport. Unfortunately, passengers with disabilities may have problems with moving around the airport and going through the necessary security procedures. In this case, it's worth using the special assistance.
What is a special assistance?
This is the assistance that the airport employee provides to the passenger. Disabled persons with reduced mobility may use this service. Depending on the needs of the passenger, the employee can help him in the check-in process and when boarding the plane. Thanks to the presence of an airport employee, people with hearing, visual, psychological or physical disabilities can easily go through the entire preparation process and safely board the plane. If necessary, the passenger is equipped with a wheelchair or other vehicle.
Special assistance is also provided after the flight - an airport employee can help you get off the plane and aid with the baggage collecting process and security procedures. Some airports and airlines have special rooms for people with disabilities in their offer.
Who can order special assistance at the airport?
Special assistance allows for a comfortable and stress-free journey, but it's worth remembering that not every passenger can take advantage of this type of service. If the passenger is unable to understand simple massages from the personnel, use the toilet without help, hold the upper body vertically without assistance or specialized medications, the carrier may require the passenger to be accompanied by another person, at least 16 years old. The accompanying person must be healthy. In case of any doubt, it's worth contacting an airline representative in advance to determine the flight conditions.
How to order special assistance?
Special assistance at the airport is free. To use this service, please contact the carrier during the booking process or directly before the flight. You can do it by phone or by filling a special form (among other things, you must provide knowledge about the medical condition of the passenger, including the need to provide him with a wheelchair).
Attention! Individual carriers and airports independently determine the time when they should be informed about the need for special assistance. For example, some airports ask for contact at least 72 hours before the flight, and others - 48 hours before the flight. It's also worth checking the range of a special assistance service offered by a given carrier.
Special assistance for the elderly
Some airlines offer special assistance to the elderly as well. The service includes not only help at the airport, but also the possibility of choosing a more comfortable seat and the possibility of adjusting the meal on board to the passenger's diet.
Order the special assistance at the airport with eSky!
To ensure the comfort and safety of our customers, we can help to order special assistance at the airport. In order to determine the details, please contact us using the form on our website.
FAQs
When you arrive at the airport you should go to as assistance point. This can be inside or outside of the terminal. Assistance points will usually have some type of disability related logo, and include a buzzer or telephone to enable you to call for assistance should they not be staffed at that time.
How much do you tip for airport wheelchair assistance? ›
“We all absolutely rely on our tips,” Ortiz said. However, Ortiz acknowledges that many travelers who need wheelchair service might not be able to afford to tip, particularly those on a fixed income. But if you can afford to spare $5 or $10, it goes a long way.
What is airport guide? ›
The Airport Guide provides information about airport runways, lights, elevation, location and more.
What is travel assist in a flight? ›
Travel assistance is a service consumers can buy that provides help individuals and families may need while traveling away from home. Often, the services are designed to assist people during and after medical emergencies and are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year.
How do you get priority TSA? ›
How it works
- Apply Online. Select an enrollment provider with enrollment locations near you. ...
- Visit an Enrollment Location. Complete enrollment in 10 minutes at your chosen provider which includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
- Get Your TSA PreCheck Number.
Wearing the Sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates to our staff that you have a hidden disability and would like additional support. Our staff have been specially trained to recognise these identifiers and ask you what additional help will make your journey through the terminal and security better.
Does airport assistance cost? ›
Special assistance at the airport is free. To use this service, please contact the carrier during the booking process or directly before the flight.
Do you tip airport shuttle drivers? ›
Yes, it is customary to tip airport shuttle drivers. The standard tip is typically between $1 to $2 per bag if the driver assists with your luggage.
Who do you tip at the airport? ›
Airport. Curbside baggage handlers: They say $1 to $2 per bag is good. Shuttle drivers: Whether they're taking you to your car or to the rental car center, drivers should be tipped anywhere between $3 and $5. Usually, more if they help you with really heavy bags or strollers and wheelchairs.
What do you have to take out of your bag at airport security? ›
Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin. Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on). Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
Boarding passes are provided at check-in, either online (online check-in is usually available 24 hours prior to the flight) or in person at a kiosk or at the check-in counter.
How do you go through airport security for the first time? ›
Empty the contents of your pockets and remove your hat, belt, jacket, wallet and bulky jewelry. Remove your laptop and liquids from your bag. Send these items — and your carry-on bag — through an X-ray machine. Walk through a metal detector or a body scanner (or opt for a pat-down).
How do I arrange special assistance at the airport? ›
Your travel service provider may ask you to telephone them or their agent or complete a web form. Many airlines provide a Freephone or local rate number for you to call to notify them of your assistance needs. Some airlines also offer a free call-back option.
How much do airlines charge for wheelchair assistance? ›
Most airline websites provide for easy special accommodation requests to be made online. If this is not available, call the airline's reservation number to make the request. How much does wheelchair service cost? Per federal regulations, wheelchair service requests are free.
What is the airline assistance button? ›
The call button isn't just for passenger requests. Flight attendants encourage its use if you spot something suspicious. You don't want to be the person who said, “I thought I smelled fire, but I didn't want to bother anyone.” Bother away if you have valid concerns—safety first! If you see something, say something!
How do I request special accommodations on a plane? ›
If you have a disability and would prefer or need a certain type of seating accommodation, you should contact the airline at the time you make your reservation to learn more about the method that the airline uses to make arrangements for a seating accommodation.
How does TSA cares assistance work? ›
TSA Cares provides information on security procedures aimed to help passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and individuals needing additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process. TSA has modified procedures to ensure that your screening experience is smooth and seamless.
What is a special passenger at the airport? ›
Special Passengers (including VIPs, unaccompanied children, aged person, pregnant women, infants, sight- or hearing-impaired passengers, intoxicated passengers, criminal or suspects, confidential secretaries, diplomatic couriers, passengers requiring extra seats for his/her person or Baggage, secret passengers, ...
Can you help someone through airport security? ›
You'll need to show a photo ID and share the Customer's itinerary you're helping. We recommend reviewing our Airport Information page to know when to arrive at the terminal so you have plenty of time to park, wait in line for a gate pass, go through the security checkpoint, and get to the gate.
