Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance​ – How to request wheelchair?

Virgin Atlantic believes that every passenger should have the freedom to travel and discover the world with confidence. To ensure accessibility while traveling by air, the airlines offer a variety of services for passengers who find difficulty traveling and need assistance at different stages of their trip. From booking to arrival, Virgin Atlantic Airlines is dedicated to providing a seamless and supportive travel experience. If you are seeking Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance​, you can book your next flight through www.virginatlantic.com. Or call the customer service at +1 800 862 8621.

These services are thoughtful and are specially designed to provide dignity, ease, and independence. It helps in navigating the Virgin Atlantic terminals, boarding the aircraft, or ensuring a smooth flight experience. The airline’s dedicated staff are available to make the flight journey inclusive, safe, and enjoyable. This guide will provide you with all the related information you need to understand before requesting wheelchair assistance, making your journey stress-free and accessible.

Types of Special Assistance offered by Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance​​ offers several forms of support to meet the passengers’ requirements, including passengers with mobility, sensory, cognitive, or medical challenges. Here are all the details and services offered by the airlines:

Virgin Atlantic Wheelchair assistance 

• Wheelchair assistance is available for passengers who have difficulty walking or have any mobility limitations.
• From the moment the passenger arrives at the airport, the airline ensures to offer wheelchair assistance throughout the journey, including check-in support, airport navigation, while boarding, and disembarking during connecting flights, and even after arrival.
• Passengers can also bring their wheelchairs or any other mobility device aids, such as crutch walkers, canes, to ensure the safety and better handling, airlines suggest passengers inform them in advance.
• Passengers must request wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours before to ensure availability.

Hearing and Visually Impaired

• Staff are highly trained to assist passengers with hearing or vision difficulties. They ensure to provide clear guidance, safety, and comfort throughout the journey.
• The airline also provides safety announcements in written format and personalized assistance to ensure passengers fully understand in-flight procedures and emergency instructions.
• Passengers traveling with service dogs are also welcome to travel on board with advance notice and proper documents.
• Crew members also ensure the meals and clear navigation for passengers. If you have any specific requirements, such as a strict dietary plan, you should inform the airline in advance. 

Cognitive Disabilities 

• Staff are trained to assist with sensitivity and respect, ensuring passengers are traveling safely and comfortably without drawing much attention.
• Virgin Airlines Special Assistance​ also recognizes the hidden disability program, in which passengers carry a sunflower as a signal to the airport and airline that they might need additional support while travelling.
• Passengers with any cognitive disabilities may be required to board early to avoid crowd interaction and rush, ensuring they are seated comfortably and early without additional support.
• The crew also guides with simple instructions in a calm and supportive manner without grabbing unnecessary attention.

Medical Assistance

• Passengers who need medical support, such as onboard oxygen. Virgin Atlantic Airlines can supply medical oxygen on board upon request. Passengers must provide a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) completed by their doctor to ensure that it is safe for them to fly and to determine the amount of oxygen needed.
• Passengers are advised to carry their medication in a carry bag, along with the medical certificate approved by the doctor and by the airline.
• Some conditions may require medical clearance before traveling, especially following surgery, recent illness, or pregnancy beyond a certain stage. A completed MEDIF form and approval from the Virgin Atlantic medical team may be required.
• Passengers with any specific dietary needs or who are allergic had to inform the airline in advance so that the airline can provide airport meals according to passengers’ needs.

How to Request Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance​?

To request special assistance, the airlines offer various ways, though you can simply add any special assistance to your booking. Here are all the detailed ways through which you can easily add special assistance:

Online, During Booking/ After Booking

• You can easily add wheelchair assistance during booking your flight through www.virginatlantic.com, look for the “special assistance” or “additional services” option during checkout, and specify the service you are seeking.
• If you’ve already booked your flight, you can log in to the “Manage My Booking” section on the Virgin Atlantic website and add your assistance request.

Contact Customer Care

• You can directly contact Virgin Atlantic customer care at +1 800 862 8621 to request special assistance. You are required to provide your flight details and specify the type of support you need.
• Make sure to include all the relevant details, including your name, contact details, flight number, and if you require medical assistance, you have to fill out the MEDIF form.

At the Airport

• If you are requesting special assistance at the last minute, the service may be delayed or unavailable, although the staff are highly trained to provide the best service possible; however, it is also your responsibility to follow up accordingly. 
• The airline recommends that you arrive at the airport at least 3, 4 hours before to provide enough time for airlines to arrange all the required services and equipment according to your needs. 
• Upon arrival, visit the check-in counter and request assistance there. Wait patiently until the staff comes with all the required services.

Key Considerations for Requesting Special Assistance Virgin Atlantic

Here are some key considerations that passengers are requested to follow to ensure a safe and stress-free travel experience:

• If you or any member of your family requires special assistance, the airline suggests that you inform them at least 48 hours before departure to avoid any last-minute unavailability. The airline can deny boarding if the passenger is not capable of boarding by themselves if the service is not available.
• Passengers must provide and carry all the related documents, whether they are requesting wheelchair assistance or medical assistance. In case they are carrying any mobility aids, it’s advisable to secure the device and write your name and contact details.
• Prior boarding, or priority check-in, and such additional services may also be provided to passengers, ensuring the comfort and safety of passengers. Furthermore, the airline delivers all the special services free of charge as it is all passengers’ rights to travel with respect and dignity.
• If you are carrying your mobility aid, there are some important factors you must consider before carrying your mobility aid on board. You should inform the airline in advance and provide information such as size, weight, foldability, and battery type. While carrying your mobility aids, they should be properly labeled with your name and contact details also to avoid any complications, carry the purchase receipt of your device with you.
• Passengers who require onboard assistance crew to assist with navigation or instruction. Virgin Atlantic also provides an onboard wheelchair designed to fit in the aisle to navigate within the aircraft and to access the lavatory. For further help, passengers should travel with a guardian or personal assistant. 

Virgin Atlantic is committed to providing excellent services to its passengers, and it ensures to deliver services according to passengers’ specific needs. The airline recognises that traveling can differ according to passengers’ abilities; what may be convenient for one passenger can be challenging for others. Regardless of age, illness, or physical ability, Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance​ is designed to focus on the inclusivity and comfort of each individual. This thoughtful approach reflects Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to making traveling accessible for all.

Frequently Asked Questions