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Wheelchair Holidays : Airlines & Disability Policies

Airlines & Disability Policies

So you have picked the destination for your holiday, now all you have to do is book your air ticket, simple you might think, but be carefull, read the airlines smallprint on "passengers with special needs".

There are some airlines you need to be careful of, especially if you need lifting into your seat. For example, Air New Zealand will not lift disabled passengers into their seats on internal flights.


Airline Comments
AirTran Airways  
Air Canada  
Air France Not much information here, so you may have to phone them to expand on what they mean by "24-Disabled customers are welcomed, given information and treated according to their special needs with full respect for their dignity."
Air Alaska This airline even has a Service Dog policy, must be all those Huskies!
American Airlines  
America Weat Airlines  
British Airways Note "On Jetstream 41 aircraft, we cannot carry you if you need 'lift on' assistance or cannot climb steps. The cabin space at the top of the steps of this aircraft is too small for wheelchair access "
Continental Airlines Not only does their policy cover service dogs, but it also covers service monkeys! (does that mean kids go free?).
Delta Airlines  
El Al Airlines Very "sketchy" policy, better to phone them about assistance, especially lifting you into your aircraft seat.
Hawiaiian Airlines If you are travelling on your own, be aware of the following:- "If Hawaiian Airlines believes a passenger needs an attendant in order to ensure his or her safety, such as in the case of passengers traveling on stretchers or in incubators, those with disabilities that prevent understanding of or acting upon safety instructions, or those with an inability to assist in his or her own evacuation of the airplane, we will request that the customer arrange for a traveling attendant. "
Jet Blue Airlines

Again, check their "Contract of Carriage", as they may require you to travel with a carer if "A person with a mobility impairment so severe that the person is unable to assist in his or her own evacuation of the aircraft".

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines  
Lufthansa Airlines  
Malaysia Airlines  
New Zealand Airlines Air New Zealand will not lift disabled passengers into their aircraft seats, fly with Quantas instead.
Northwest Airlines  
Quantas Very comprehensive set of policies, very helpfull
Scandinavian Airlines

with Scandinavian Airlines, if your travel exceeds four hours, and you are traveling without an assistant, you must be able to manage:

moving from one seat to another,
eating and drinking,
inside the lavatory. (You will be assisted with the onboard wheelchair from/to your passenger seat if needed.)
to use a normal aircraft seat with the seatback in upright position when so required.

Song Airlines  
Southwest Airlines  
Swiss Airlines  
United Airlines  
U.S. Airlines  
Virgin Atlantic  
   

Wheelchair Holidays : Airlines & Disability Policies

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