How to Request Aer Lingus Wheelchair Assistance?

Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, is proudly serving its country and people. It aims to provide excellent service, especially to passengers with limited mobility or disabilities. Aer Lingus’s dedicated team ensures assistance at every stage of the journey, from arrival to departure. Aer Lingus wheelchair assistance is designed to support passengers requiring extra assistance, especially those traveling alone without additional support. 

Aer Lingus wheelchair assistance is available at all airports, which are specially made to meet every passenger’s specific needs. Passengers looking forward to getting wheelchair assistance can request it while booking their flight via www.aerlingus.com or contact the customer service at (800) 474-7424. Passengers travelling by Aer Lingus and requesting wheelchair assistance must notify the airline at least 48 hours before their flight departure. Further details will be covered in this article.

Overview of Aer Lingus Wheelchair Assistance

Aer Lingus offers its passengers a wide range of special services and amenities, making it seamless and comfortable by providing constant help to passengers with disabilities. Aer Lingus is not just an airline, but a professional travel companion. Aer Lingus staff accompany passengers from the moment they arrive at the airport and throughout the entire journey. Aer Lingus’ professional staff always strive to offer support at all times, ensuring passengers’ needs are met. Aer Lingus not only provides services but also offers lots of free amenities such as wheelchair assistance, pre-boarding, assistance with baggage assistance at the airport.

Passengers planning to travel and looking for special services are advised to apply 48 hours in advance, allowing the airline to make all the arrangements. Aer Lingus announced its membership with the hidden disabilities sunflower program on February 27, 2025. This program supports passengers with non-visible disability wearing or carrying the sunflower symbol as an indication that they may require additional assistance, understanding, and patience without asking for help. This service is particularly for passengers with conditions such as autism, chronic pain, anxiety, dementia, or visual and hearing impairments.

How to Request Wheelchair Assistance with Aer Lingus?

Passengers travelling by air can request wheelchair assistance in various ways, but for better services and handling, it’s recommended to apply 48 hours before departure, providing enough time to arrange all the required equipment. Here are brief details on how passengers can book wheelchair assistance:

• Passengers can request wheelchair assistance while booking their flight from Aer Lingus’ official website by selecting all the relevant options. Upon arrival at the airport, passengers are requested to arrive early to complete all required procedures without rushing.
• Those passengers who feel comfortable with direct communication can contact Aer Lingus customer care at (800) 474-7424 and receive all the related details.
• Passengers can fill out the special assistance request form available on the Aer Lingus official website. This form includes all the services, assistance, and amenities passengers are looking for. This form covers all the requirements and other special services.
• Passengers can request wheelchair assistance while booking at the airport. Aer Lingus has various counters for passengers to ask their requests, therefore, Aer Lingus helps its passengers in all aspects and provides a secure and safe journey.

Those passengers who are seeking wheelchair assistance, Aer Lingus offers dedicated customer services to address passengers’ specific needs. Here are all the contact numbers of Aer Lingus to guide passengers and provide support according to their requirements.

Aer Lingus Wheelchair Assistance Options

Aer Lingus offers three types of wheelchair assistance free of charge, ensuring accessibility to its passengers with limited mobility. Here is a breakdown of all three wheelchair services:

WHCR (wheelchair ramp assistance)

Wheelchair ramp assistance is specially designed for passengers who can walk short distances and can climb stairs, but find it difficult to walk for a long period and get tired easily. Passengers with WHCR assistance can board the aircraft using the ramp. This assistance includes check-in, security, baggage handling, and other pre- and post-flight procedures.

WCHS (wheelchair steps assistance) 

Wheelchair steps assistance is for those passengers who can walk short distances but need assistance during climbing stairs and disembarking, especially in aircraft with no jet bridge. This service also assists with the check-in and other procedures.

WCHC (wheelchair cabin assistance)

Those passengers who are completely immobile and need wheelchair assistance even in the aircraft to access the lavatory are offered onboard aisle wheelchair services, which are narrow enough to fit in the aircraft. Passengers are also provided with all the above services as well as all the aircraft procedures. 

Types of wheelchairs provided by Aer Lingus

Manual wheelchairs 

Passengers are given manual, non-motorized wheelchairs as mobility aids designed to be pushed by the user or an assistant. These wheelchairs are offered inside the airport to navigate and go through all the airport procedures and terminals. Passengers are allowed to bring their manual wheelchair, and it is not included in baggage claims, while manual wheelchairs are much easier to handle than electric ones. Airline advises passengers to inform in advance and provide details such as the size and foldability for better handling and storage.

Electric wheelchairs 

These wheelchairs are electric-powered and designed to be moved by a joystick for passengers with limited upper body mobility and for those who find it more accessible and comfortable. Passengers carrying their electric wheelchairs are advised to inform in advance and provide details of their battery types, ensuring safe handling and storage.

Other Special Assistance Services provided by Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus not only commits to providing services, but it also offers a wide range of amenities to those requesting special services for free. Here are some amenities for passengers requesting special services: 

Pre-boarding

Aer Lingus provides complimentary priority boarding without any extra charges for passengers with limited mobility. Pre-boarding is provided so that passengers can settle into their seats comfortably before other passengers.

Hidden Disability 

Aer Lingus also provides special care and assistance to passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism, anxiety, or a chronic disorder, wearing a sunflower as a symbol of asking for help. This allows passengers with non-visible disabilities to make staff aware that they may also require extra care and some patience.

Medical Needs and Equipment

Aer Lingus provides medical support for passengers with medical needs. Passengers traveling with medical devices are advised to inform in advance and submit all the documents precisely. Passengers have to fill out a MEDIF form. The POCs are permitted with advance notice, and diabetic supplies and essential medications are also allowed.

Visual and Hearing-Impaired Assistance 

Aer Lingus provides dedicated assistance for visually and hearing-impaired passengers, ensuring a safe and secure journey. These services include meet and assist support during the check-in, security, and boarding process. Cabin crew provide briefing information and, if necessary, then one-on-one demonstration. Aer Lingus’ dedicated team will ensure the passenger’s needs are met.

Special Meals as a part of special assistance  

As a part of special assistance, Aer Lingus offers customers special meals according to certain dietary requirements. These services are mostly offered on long-haul flights. To satisfy dietary needs, special meals are cooked separately and served before regular meals. Passengers are required to the airline in advance to guarantee that all requirements are met.

Conclusion

Aer Lingus is committed to making air travel accessible and stress-free by ensuring the safety, security, and needs of each passenger. Providing assistance and guidance throughout the journey, including medical support and onboard help. Aer Lingus stands out as an airline that supports diversity with its specific assistance according to the passengers’ terms and conditions. Aer Lingus’ dedicated teams are always there to help without asking anything in return; passengers looking forward to special services are recommended to inform in advance to ensure a secure flight experience.

Frequently Asked Questions