Airlines & Disability Policies Policy

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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.

Wheelchair Holidays : Airlines & Disability Policies