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Travelling by Plane

01.04.2006

To prevent the nicest days in the year from ending in chaos, disabled travellers must tell the airlines their individual needs when booking the flight. By keeping an open dialogue, the airlines' personnel airlines are prepared and can act accordingly at the arrival and the departure. Contact the airline at least 48 hours prior to flying. Arrange to arrive at least an hour prior to the usual check in time to accommodate a longer check-in, especially if you are travelling with a wheelchair.

REHACARE.de asked some airlines which kind of support travellers with handicaps can expect. All airlines offer: Travellers with physical disabilities as well as visually and hearing impaired passengers can go on board first . Accessible lavatories are provided in most wide-body aircrafts - but it must be asked when booking. If your condition requires assistance, arrange for a travelling companion. The airlines cannot offer such assistance and the flight crew is not authorized to lift or carry you.

Flying - quick from A to B © PixelQuelle.de

Conditions for physically disabled passengers:

Air Europa: Each non-ambulatory disabled passenger has to be accompanied by an adult over 18 years. The total number of accompanied and unaccompanied disabled passengers added to the number of companions must not exceed 10 per cent of the plane capacity.

British Airways: All wheelchairs and mobility are carried free of charge. If space is available collapsible wheelchairs and mobility aids will be stored in the aircraft cabin. If they are too big and heavy (for example 30 kg) or battery-powered , they will be carried in the hold. In this case, a wheelchair of the airport will transport you from check in to the aircraft. On all longhaul twin-aisled aircrafts an on-board wheelchair is available. And on arrival you will be transported from the aircraft to the baggage hall.

Continental Airlines: Each customer's wheelchair, cane, crutches, braces and other assistive devices are transported free of charge. Assistive devices are not included in the maximum number of allowable carry-on items.

KLM: Your own wheelchair, walker or scooter are transported for free. The assistance during boarding, disembarking and transfers is also free of charge. On board, you get the airline's cabin wheelchair with no additional cost.

- Here you find the conditions for visually and hearing impaired and mentally disabled passengers