Vietnam Airlines Wheelchair Assistance​ – How to request Wheelchair?

Air travel should be welcoming and accessible to all. Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier of Vietnam, goes above and beyond to support passengers with limited mobility. The airline offers free wheelchair assistance services to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey from check-in to arrival. Whether you need help navigating the airport, boarding, or moving through the cabin, Vietnam Airlines is committed to providing a safe, dignified, and comfortable experience. 

Vietnam Airlines’ trained staff is ready to assist with care and respect at every step. You can easily request Vietnam Airlines Wheelchair Assistance by calling 011 84 24 3832 0320 or visiting www.vietnamairlines.com. This article will guide you through everything you need to know, from types of wheelchair assistance to how to book, onboard support, and add services.

How to Request Vietnam Airlines Wheelchair Assistance?

You can easily book your wheelchair assistance with Vietnam Airlines in several ways. Do it when buying your ticket, call their hotline, visit a ticket office, or ask at the airport. Booking early is best for a smooth experience. You can request wheelchair assistance at least 24 hours before departure for WCHR, WCHS, or WCHC services through the Vietnam Airlines website, ticket offices, or call center. It is recommended to request assistance services 48 hours in advance through the Vietnam Airlines official website.

Here are the methods you can use to book easily.

• During Booking: When you book your ticket on the Vietnam Airlines website or app, look for the option “Special Assistance” or “Wheelchair Assistance” and select it. If you book through a travel agent or a third-party website, make sure to tell them clearly that you need wheelchair assistance.
• After Booking: If you didn’t ask for wheelchair help when booking, you can still request it later. Just contact Vietnam Airlines directly at 011 84 24 3832 0320. You can also send an email to their special assistance team. When you contact them, give your flight number, travel dates, and your departure and arrival airports. Also, let them know where you need help, like at the departure airport, during connections, or at the destination.
• At the Airport: Arrive at the airport early, at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight, especially for international travel. Go to the Vietnam Airlines check-in counter or assistance desk. A staff member will give you a wheelchair and help you through the check-in process, security check, immigration (if needed), and boarding the plane.
• During Connecting Flights: If your trip includes a layover, you can request it at the Vietnam ticket counter or online through their website. You will usually get help with immigration and boarding your next flight. Be sure to confirm that assistance is arranged for all parts of your trip when you first make the request.
• After Arriving: After you land, head to the ticket counter and ask for wheelchair assistance. An assistant will meet you after the arrangements and the procedures of wheelchair assistance at the airport. The assistance will help you through immigration, baggage claim, and take you to the terminal exit or your next mode of transport.

Types of Wheelchair Assistance Provided

Vietnam Airlines offers three main types of wheelchair support for comfort to meet different needs:

• WCHR (Wheelchair Ramp): If you can walk short distances, but get tired walking long distances in the airport, this can be the best option for you. You can climb stairs and walk to your seat, but you need help crossing the terminal.
• WCHS (Wheelchair Steps): Great for those who can walk a little inside the plane but can’t climb stairs. You’ll get wheelchair help from the Vietnam Airlines terminal to the plane and up the stairs, then walk a short distance to your seat.
• WCHC (Wheelchair Cabin): Best for passengers who cannot walk at all. They will be fully assisted from the check-in area to your seat, possibly carried up or down steps, and helped into the plane and to your seat.

All three services are free of charge. You can choose the one that matches your mobility needs. Vietnam Airlines will help you move easily and safely at every step.

Factors to Consider while Bringing Your Wheelchair Assistance 

Vietnam Airlines allows passengers to bring their mobility aids, whether manual or electric wheelchairs, absolutely free of charge. This thoughtful policy ensures that everyone can travel comfortably and independently without worrying about extra costs or restrictions on their important mobility equipment.

• For manual wheelchairs, simply provide the exact measurements, whether it folds, and its weight. This helps the airline prepare all arrangements specially to handle your wheelchair with extra care and attention, making sure it travels safely and arrives with you, ready to support you throughout your journey.
• If you use an electric wheelchair, Vietnam Airlines requires additional details about the battery and safety features. This information ensures that your device will be managed safely during the flight, giving you peace of mind while you focus on your travel experience without any hassle or stress.
• Your wheelchair or mobility device does not count toward your free baggage allowance, and there are no fees for carrying it on board. This means you can bring your mobility aid without worrying about extra baggage charges, allowing you to travel freely and comfortably with everything you need.

Facilities Provided by Vietnam Airlines for Passengers with Mobility Issues

• Specialized Equipment in Terminals: Major airports have special equipment, like wheelchairs and ramps, to make moving around easier for passengers with mobility issues. These tools help ensure comfort and safety from the moment you arrive at the airport.
• Priority Counters: Vietnam Airlines’ dedicated check-in and security counters are available for passengers with reduced mobility. These priority counters provide faster services without waiting in long lines, making the airport experience smoother and more comfortable for those who need extra assistance.
• Gates: At the boarding gate, special cane-chairs are provided to transport passengers directly to the aircraft. This service helps reduce walking distances and makes it easier for passengers to reach the aircraft safely and comfortably.
• Aircraft Support: Flight attendants are trained to help passengers with limited mobility get to their seats. If you have your wheelchair, the staff will help manage it, ensuring it’s stored properly and returned when you land.
• Airport Support at Non-Equipped Locations: At smaller or less-equipped airports, the flight crew will coordinate with your family members or companions to assist with boarding and getting off the plane. They work together to ensure your safety and ease throughout the journey.

Other Special Assistance Services Offered by Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines provides a variety of special services designed to cater to the diverse needs of its passengers. Here are some examples:

Passengers with Visual or Hearing Impairment

• Staff can help you with check-in, filling out forms, security checks, boarding, and finding your way at the airport.
• Staff are trained to speak clearly, use signs, writing, or gestures to help passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Let Vietnam Airlines know at least 24 hours before your flight if you need help or are bringing a service dog.

Service Animals

• If you have a disability or reduced mobility, you can bring your service dog, hearing dog, or guide dog into the plane cabin for free. The dog must be calm, on a leash or harness.
• There is no fee to bring your service animal if it meets the airline’s rules.
• Your dog should be calm, trained, and kept on a leash or in a harness during the flight.
• You must tell the airline at least 24 hours before your flight that you are bringing a service dog, so they can make proper arrangements.

Medical Equipment & Oxygen

• You can bring medical equipment like oxygen machines, nebulizers, or incubators on board.
• You must inform the airline at least 48 hours before your flight.
• If you need medical oxygen from the airline, let them know at least 72 hours in advance.
• The airline needs time to review and approve your equipment before the flight, so early notice is very important.
• Medical clearance is only needed for serious health issues. If you use oxygen, stretchers, or special medical machines, you need approval.
• You may need to show a doctor’s note or medical certificate depending on the equipment you’re bringing.

Meet & Greet / Airport Escort

• This service gives you personal assistance at the airport, like helping with check-in, security, boarding, and baggage. 
• This service is available at the majority of airports worldwide.
• If you have trouble walking or moving around, you can get this service for free.
• It’s best to request this service early to make sure staff are ready to help when you arrive.

Vietnam Airlines provides a free Vietnam Airlines Wheelchair Assistance program to help travelers who need extra support. They can help you move around the airport, get on the plane using steps or ramps, and even assist you while you are inside the cabin. The airline aims to offer safe and respectful help to everyone. If you plan and use their service, your journey can be easy and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions