Japan Airlines Special Assistance – How to request wheelchair?

Japan Airlines is committed to offering accessible travel to all its passengers, including those with mobility limitations. The airlines offer a wide range of assistance, such as wheelchairs, hearing and vision, cognitive, and developmental assistance, for passengers with any allergies as well as passengers with any medical requirements. Japan Airlines special assistance not only includes these services but also delivers support to minors travelling alone, elders, expectant mothers, and families travelling with babies. To book these services, you can visit the JAL official website (www.jal.co.jp) or call +81-3-5460-3783. 

Booking Procedure for Japan Airlines Special Assistance

If you are travelling with Japan Airlines and looking for special assistance, here are some methods through which you can book the assistance. To ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Online procedure

• Visit Japan Airlines’ official site, www.jal.co.jp, to book flight tickets.
• During the passenger’s information, look for the special assistance option.
• Select the specific assistance according to your needs.
• Provide all the details, including name, address, and contact information.
• Later, the assistance will be updated in your booking.

After booking

• Visit the official website, go to “Manage Booking”.
• Upload your reservation number and all the specific details.
• Open your flight details and select the “Special Assistance” option.
• Fill in all the required details and select the type of assistance you are seeking.
• Submit the request and wait until approval through email or call.

Phone call

• Call the Japan Airlines special assistance desk.
• Provide all the booking details, such as flight details and personal information.
• Describe and specify all the assistance you are looking for. 
• Submit any medical documents if required.
• Wait until the approval is through by call or email.

You can also ask for special assistance at the airport after informing the staff, although last-minute requests can be difficult to accommodate so its advisable to inform the airline at least 42 hours in advance or if any case you are asking for the assistance at the airport then try to arrive at least 3 hour before departure to insure the availability.

Types of Special Assistance offered by Japan Airlines 

Japan Airlines makes travelling accessible, comfortable, and dignified by offering a wide range of services. Below are the types from which you can choose accordingly. 

Japan Airlines Wheelchair assistance services 

• Wheelchair assistance service is available for passengers with any mobility limitations due to any injuries, surgery, age, or disability. 
• This service includes assistance during boarding and disembarking, navigating Japan Airlines Terminals, and gate-to-gate transfer assistance during the connecting flights.
• Passengers are even allowed to bring their mobility aids with no extra cost by following some basic guidelines.
• Passengers who are bringing their wheelchairs need to inform the airline in advance and provide information such as the size, weight, and foldability.
• If travelling with an electric mobility aid, inform the airline about the battery type as most of the batteries are flammable. 

Visual and Hearing Impaired Assistance

• Japan Airlines provides tailored support to passengers with visual and hearing impairments by providing escort services throughout the airports, braille safety instructions, and visual announcements.
• Priority boarding and seats close to the cabin crew are also available for convenience and clear communication.
• The staff will also provide communication support tools such as writing boards and printed materials, communication cards for effective interaction.
• An assistance dog can accompany the passenger with no additional cost, just make sure to inform the airline in advance and provide a training certificate and other medical reports of the dog to ensure safety.

Passengers with Medical Conditions

• Japan Airlines ensures the safety and comfort of its customers. They offer medical assistance to those travelling with any medical conditions.
• These services include onboard oxygen, a stretcher, and the use of any personal medical devices. They can also carry medications under prescription.
• Passengers applying for medical assistance are required to fill MEDIF form, but have to inform the airlines in advance at least 60 hours before departure.

Cognitive and Development Assistance

• The airline aims to deliver a respectful, calm, and supportive travel experience for cognitive and developmental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, and others.
• The airline provides personalised assistance at every stage of the airport. This service assists at the airport, offering comfortable seats and pre-boarding if requested. 
• Cabin crew are also informed in advance, offering support and care within the flight. 

Support for Children, Seniors, and Assisted Passengers

Japan Airlines not only offers special assistance but also provides compassionate and alternative assistance. Below are the types of alternative assistance.

Expectant Mothers

• JAL offers thoughtful consideration towards expectant mothers by assisting at the airport while boarding and disembarking, including seat belt extension, additional cushions, and extra legroom near the lavatory.
• Though there are also some travel policies, if the mother is 35 weeks pregnant, she can travel without any worry, but for 36 to 37 those mothers have to submit a medical certificate issued within 7 days to confirm travel is safe. 
• Mothers with 37 weeks are not permitted to travel to avoid onboard complications.

Travelling with small children

• Parents and guardians travelling with a baby or a small child are offered some amazing services, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
• These services include a baby bassinet, priority boarding, hot water bags, diapers and baby meals, child seatbelts and safety is also considered to have all these services. 
• Parents need to inform the airline in advance to arrange all the facilities.

Unaccompanied minors

• The airline provides dedicated support to children travelling alone. The professional staff escort the children right after arriving at the airport and accompany the child throughout the pre-flight and after-flight procedures.
• The cabin crew are advised to ensure the child’s safety and comfort at the destination, and the child will be handed over to the authorised guardian. 
• This service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11. To ensure staff can easily identify and assist the child, it is recommended to have some special tags and documents.

Senior Passengers

• JAL ensures the comfort of senior passengers travelling; this service is especially for senior citizens. 
• The airlines can provide a variety of services, including wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and assistance during boarding and disembarking. 
• It is advisable to arrive at the airport in advance to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.

Conclusion

Japan Airlines’ Special Assistance​ services aim to cater for each passenger’s specific needs by delivering exceptional services. Whether you are travelling with any disabilities, or need assistance due to age, circumstances or temporary health conditions. JAL ensures the comfort and safety of the passengers and also asks them to select the services according to their needs. The airline recommends that passengers inform them at least 48 hours before, providing enough time to arrange all the required equipment and services.

Frequently Asked Questions