Finnair Special Assistance – How to Add Wheelchair?

Finnair is known not only for its extensive network and advanced services but also for its thoughtful approach towards its customers. One standout aspect of Finnair is its special assistance services, which are a comprehensive set of support options designed for passengers with mobility challenges, medical needs, disabilities, or other specific requirements. Whether you’re a traveler with reduced mobility or someone flying with medical equipment, Finnair provides support that’s meant to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Finnair special assistance, how to request it, and what to expect before, during, and after your flight.

How to Request Finnair Special Assistance?

Finnair makes it relatively simple to request special assistance, but early communication is key. The airline recommends informing them of your needs at least 48 hours before departure, especially if you require wheelchair help, special seating, or need to carry medical devices. You can request assistance by following this step-by-step method.

Step 1: Submit the Special Assistance Request Form

• Complete Finnair’s Special Assistance Request Page form through its website. 
• Provide details about your disability, medical condition, or any equipment you will be traveling with, such as wheelchairs or medical devices.
• If you have a medical condition, you may need to submit a MEDIF form. For chronic illnesses, the form should not be older than 12 months; for serious progressive illnesses, it should not be older than 6–12 months.
• If traveling after the 32nd week of pregnancy on a long-haul flight, provide a pregnancy certificate or doctor’s certificate no later than 72 hours before departure.
• Submit the form at least 48 hours before your flight’s departure.

Step 2: Receive Confirmation

• Finnair processes requests in the order they are received. Expect a response within 2–3 days.
• Once processed, Finnair will contact you with a confirmation or reference number.
• For wheelchair services or assistance with service dogs, you can check the status of your request in the “Manage booking” section of the Finnair Airlines website update section.

Step 3: Prepare for Airport Arrival

Arrive at the airport well in advance, at least 2 hours before departure, if you require assistance before check-in. And at least 1 hour before check-in closes, if assistance is needed only from check-in onwards.

Special Assistance Services Offered by Finnair

Finnair Wheelchair Assistance

Finnair offers three levels of wheelchair assistance, each designed for specific mobility needs. Passengers are encouraged to select the right category when booking:

• Wheelchair for Ramp Use (WCHR): This service is for passengers who can walk short distances and climb stairs but need help getting to and from the aircraft (within the airport terminal or across the ramp).
• Wheelchair for Steps (WCHS): This is for passengers who can walk inside the aircraft but cannot climb stairs. Finnair staff will help you board using special lifts or boarding bridges.
• Wheelchair for Cabin Use (WCHC): This category is for passengers who are fully immobile and require help from the check-in area to their seat on the aircraft, including through security and during boarding.

Finnair allows you to bring your own wheelchair or mobility device free of charge. You must inform the airline in advance and provide specifications (especially if the device is battery-powered). Foldable manual wheelchairs are typically stowed in the aircraft’s cargo hold, while collapsible onboard wheelchairs are used for in-cabin movement. Arrive early at the airport, at least two hours before departure, to allow enough time for handling your wheelchair and other pre-boarding steps.

Medical Assistance and Health-Related Support

Travelers with medical needs are encouraged to contact Finnair as early as possible, especially if their condition requires specific support.

• Medical Equipment Onboard: Finnair permits many types of medical equipment, including: CPAP machines, Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), Injection kits, Assistive devices like ventilators. However, the airline might ask for technical specifications and battery safety documentation, especially for electric devices. Power outlets are not always guaranteed onboard, so backup batteries are required.
• MEDIF (Medical Information Form): Finnair may ask for a MEDIF if you need extra oxygen. The oxygen might be required in certain conditions, like if you are recovering from surgery, have unstable health, or if your condition might affect your ability to fly safely. Your doctor must fill out the form and send it to Finnair at least 48 hours before your flight. For chronic conditions, the form should be no older than 12 months; for serious illnesses, it should be within 6–12 months.
• Traveling with Medication: Passengers may bring medication in carry-on bags, but it should be clearly labeled and accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s note. It’s a good idea to carry extra doses and keep medicines in their original packaging.

Assistance of Service Animals

If traveling with a guide dog, Finnair permits the dog to stay in the cabin free of charge, provided proper documents are in place. Finnair allows certified guide dogs to travel in the cabin with passengers with disabilities. The dog must be well-behaved and properly harnessed. You’ll need to present a certificate of training, vaccination records, and complete the necessary forms before the flight.

Service animals fly free of charge, and seating accommodations are made to ensure space and comfort.

Unaccompanied Minors and Escort Services

Finnair offers services for children aged 5 to 11 traveling alone. These unaccompanied minors (UMNR) receive full escort from check-in to arrival gate, assistance with documentation and connections, and constant supervision while onboard. Parents or guardians must fill out a UMNR form and provide valid ID and emergency contact information. For passengers requiring a travel escort, Finnair may recommend arranging a medical travel companion or bringing a personal assistant.

Baggage Allowance and Mobility Devices

Finnair allows passengers with disabilities to carry two mobility aids free of charge, including wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, braces, or other assistive equipment. Medical devices like CPAP machines do not count against your baggage allowance when declared in advance.

In-Flight Assistance

Once onboard, Finnair cabin crew can help with getting to/from your seat (especially with onboard wheelchairs), stowing and retrieving carry-on items, opening food packages or assisting with meals. However, they cannot provide medical assistance, lift passengers, or assist with personal hygiene. If you need this kind of help, it’s best to travel with a personal assistant.

Support at the Airport

Finnair works with airport staff at all major terminals to ensure travelers with special needs are looked after from check-in to boarding. Services include priority lanes through check-in and security, escort services to the boarding gates, assistance with baggage handling, accessible restrooms, and lounge areas (where available). At Helsinki Airport, Finnair’s main hub facilities are especially well-equipped for disabled passengers. Tactile flooring, accessible signage, and mobility service points make navigation easier.

Who Can Benefit from Finnair’s Special Assistance Services?

Finnair’s special assistance program covers a wide range of support options. Here’s a closer look at the types of special assistance provided by Finnair.

1. Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Finnair assists travelers who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, have trouble walking long distances or navigating airport terminals, or who need help boarding and disembarking the aircraft. If you require airport wheelchair service or onboard help, Finnair will coordinate with the departure and arrival airports to ensure continuous support throughout your journey.
2. Help for Visually and Hearing-Impaired Passengers: Passengers who are blind or have low vision can receive escort assistance throughout the airport and help with boarding. Similarly, those who are deaf or hard of hearing can request visual guidance and support when announcements are made. If traveling with a guide dog, Finnair permits the dog to stay in the cabin free of charge, provided proper documents are in place.
3. Assistance for Travelers with Cognitive or Developmental Disabilities: Passengers with cognitive disabilities, including autism or intellectual impairments, can request extra help navigating the airport or understanding procedures. An escort can be arranged to support the traveler through security, check-in, and boarding.
4. Support for Elderly Travelers: Seniors who may not require full medical assistance but still need mobility help, check-in assistance, or boarding support can also benefit from special services. Finnair aims to provide a respectful and comfortable experience for all elderly passengers.
   

Benefits of Finnair’s Special Assistance Services

Passengers who make use of Finnair’s special assistance enjoy several benefits, including:

• Stress-Free Travel Experience: By requesting support in advance, passengers avoid long queues, confusion at check-in, or stress during boarding. The experience is smoother and more relaxed.
• Inclusive Comfort and Dignity: Finnair’s staff is trained to offer respectful, discreet help, ensuring passengers feel supported and valued, not singled out.
• Cost-Free Assistance: There is no additional charge for most special services, including wheelchair use, escort services, medical equipment carriage, and service animals.
• Prioritized Boarding and Disembarking: Passengers needing help are typically boarded early and receive priority treatment during deplaning and transfers.
• Customized Travel Planning: Finnair provides a tailored experience by assessing each traveler’s unique situation, creating a more reliable and personalized travel plan.

How to Contact Finnair for Assistance?

If you need to request or modify your special assistance service, here’s how to contact Finnair:

• Customer Service Hotline: Available regionally with multilingual support.
• Online Request Form: Accessible through the Finnair website.
• Live Chat: On the Finnair app or website (www.finnair.com) for quick queries.
• Airport Service Desks: Available at major airports including Helsinki, London, New York, and Tokyo.

Final Thoughts

Finnair’s special assistance services are thoughtfully designed to meet a wide range of passenger needs, from basic mobility help to complex medical support. Whether you’re flying short-haul within Europe or heading on a long-haul adventure across the globe, Finnair strives to ensure your journey is safe, respectful, and dignified. The most important thing? Plan. With early notification and clear communication, Finnair can make your travel experience remarkably smooth, so you can focus on enjoying your trip, not stressing over the logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions