Air France Wheelchair Assistance – How to book?

Air France prioritises its passengers’ comfort and convenience, especially for disabled or impaired passengers. The airlines always try their best to enhance passengers’ travel experience and provide endless services and facilities. Passengers suffering from disabilities and impairments are provided with special assistance services, and wheelchair assistance is one of them. This thorough guide unfolds everything about Air France Wheelchair Assistance, including its booking process, availability, and much more.

Overview of Air France Wheelchair Assistance

Your air travel can get easier with Air France’s Wheelchair Assistance services. The passengers can freely and easily navigate through the airport without getting frustrated. Whether the passenger has made an advanced booking or request at the airport, wheelchair assistance is easily availed to the passengers. The passengers can also bring their wheelchairs to the airport, and the staff is there to provide every kind of help and assistance, including fitting your wheelchair in the flight, helping with departure, arrivals, and more. Wheelchair services are not only for passengers who use mobility devices regularly but also for those with injuries, aging-related limitations, neurological conditions, or any temporary physical hindrance that may affect mobility. So get care-free and fly stress-free and make your travel experience memorable with Air France. 

Types of Wheelchair Assistance Air France

Air France provides multiple categories of wheelchairs and mobility-related assistance. These services are carefully tailored to meet the needs of different passengers, including those with permanent physical disabilities, temporary mobility concerns, and hidden conditions. Below is a detailed breakdown of each type.

1. Airport Wheelchair Assistance

Airport Wheelchair assistance is also divided into several parts, like,

• General Assistance: Air France offers guided support at all airport touchpoints, including the check-in area, security checks, passport control, boarding gates, and baggage claim. Trained personnel assist passengers throughout their airport journey, making managing long distances and complex procedures easier. Staff are equipped to help with navigation, including pushing manual wheelchairs or providing temporary-use chairs when necessary. They ensure priority queuing and assist with checking luggage, carrying hand baggage when necessary, and facilitating seamless movement through often crowded airport environments. 
• Manual Wheelchair Assistance: If a passenger arrives at the airport with their manual wheelchair, the staff will facilitate its check-in or help with carrying it onboard (when permitted). If the wheelchair is not usable for in-airport mobility, the airline provides a substitute wheelchair for airport use. A tag is applied to the passenger’s wheelchair to ensure it is returned upon landing. Wheelchairs may be taken up to the aircraft door, where they are transferred to the aircraft hold. Upon arrival, staff reunite the passenger with their chair at the door or baggage claim area.
• Electric Wheelchair Assistance: Air France handles electric and battery-operated wheelchairs with utmost care. Depending on the battery type (dry cell, lithium-ion, etc.), specific disassembly or battery removal procedures are followed. The ground team is trained to comply with safety protocols during check-in and loading. Battery terminals must be insulated, and detachable parts are labeled and wrapped. Lithium-ion batteries require watt-hour rating verification to ensure they comply with aircraft safety regulations. Passengers should also provide the manufacturer details or product manuals for additional clarity. 

2. Onboard Assistance

It is further distributed as: 

• Onboard Wheelchair: All long-haul Air France aircraft are equipped with onboard wheelchairs to help passengers access lavatories and navigate within the cabin. These wheelchairs are designed for narrow aisles and are foldable for compact storage. Short-haul aircraft may not always have this facility, so passengers are advised to check in advance.
• Cabin Crew Assistance: Flight attendants are trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility in boarding, seating, and using onboard wheelchairs. They provide discreet and respectful service, although they are not permitted to assist with feeding, toilet use, or administering medication due to legal and privacy concerns. Crew members are also trained to handle emergency evacuations for passengers with mobility impairments, ensuring that safety procedures account for every passenger’s capabilities. Instructions and assistance are provided in clear, concise language tailored to the passenger’s needs.

3. Assistance from Temporary Mobility Issues

Passengers recovering from surgery, injuries, or short-term illnesses can also request wheelchair assistance. This includes help with check-in, boarding, airport navigation, and baggage retrieval. Seating arrangements can be adjusted to allow companions to sit nearby. Doctors’ notes or temporary disability certificates may sometimes be requested, especially when the impairment requires specific medical accommodations. Passengers are encouraged to provide any relevant information to ensure smooth coordination.

4. Hidden Disabilities

Air France is a proud participant in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower® program. Passengers wearing the sunflower symbol discreetly communicate their non-visible conditions to trained staff, who are prepared to respond with patience and additional support. Examples of hidden disabilities include Cognitive impairments, Autism spectrum conditions, Anxiety disorders, Chronic pain conditions, Epilepsy, and Mental health conditions. Staff are trained to recognize the symbol and offer considerate help, such as extra processing time, a quiet space if needed, or more detailed instructions. Passengers can request lanyards or badges at select airports or bring their own

5. Special Assistance Requests

Passengers can request special assistance when booking their flight or through the “My Bookings” tab. To request assistance, passengers should select “I need special assistance” in the “Passenger” section of the booking process. Air France Request Wheelchair Assistance should be made at least 48 hours before the flight. 

How to Book Wheelchair Assistance in Air France?

To book Air France Wheelchair Assistance, request it during the booking process online or through Air France’s “My Bookings” section. You can also call Air France’s customer service (Saphir service) or visit an Air France agency to request assistance. Ensure your request is submitted at least 48 hours before your first flight. 

Steps to Request Wheelchair Assistance:

1. During Booking: When booking your flight online, select “I need special assistance” and specify your needs. 
2. Through “My Bookings”: If you already have a booking, log in to Air France’s website and navigate to “My Bookings” to request assistance. 
3. Contact Air France: You can also call Air France’s customer service or visit an Air France agency to request assistance. 
4. Provide Details: Air France may request additional information about your needs, such as the type of wheelchair you use or any specific medical clearances you may require. 
5. Timely Submission: Ensure Air France Request Wheelchair Assistance is submitted at least 48 hours before your first flight departs to allow Air France to adequately prepare for your needs.

Can I bring my Wheelchair on board?

Yes, you can bring your wheelchair on board. Air France recognizes the importance of passengers being able to travel with their wheelchairs and mobility devices. The airline allows for the transportation of up to two mobility devices free of charge per passenger. For manual wheelchairs, passengers are permitted to take them up to the aircraft door, where they will be carefully transferred to the aircraft’s hold. If the wheelchair fits within size restrictions (typically 27 cm x 94 cm x 90 cm and weighs not more than 12 kg/26 lbs), it may be allowed in the cabin close to the seat. 

Passengers are required to disassemble their chairs for easy storage in the cabin, and this is typically facilitated by the airline staff. Upon arrival, the manual wheelchair will be returned to the passenger either at the aircraft door or baggage claim area, depending on airport procedures. For electric wheelchairs, these must be checked in as baggage, and they are handled with specific care. Air France requires that lithium-ion batteries comply with the Watt-hour rating regulations, and batteries must be disconnected and properly insulated before boarding. 

Additionally, the battery terminals should be carefully wrapped to meet safety standards for flying. Special considerations apply when transporting electric wheelchairs, as dry cell batteries are typically allowed with minimal handling, and lithium-ion batteries must comply with specific watt-hour ratings and undergo thorough inspection. Electric wheelchairs and similar devices are checked into the hold and will be returned to passengers at the baggage claim area or as close as possible to the aircraft exit upon arrival.

Additional Information about Air France Wheelchair Assistance

There is other information that the passengers should know about Wheelchair Assistance Air France. Here are some additional which you can consider for wheelchair assistance. 

• Notice Period: Submit Air France Request Wheelchair Assistance for assistance at least 48 hours before departure to ensure full service.
• Medical Clearance: In some cases, a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) may be required to provide detailed health information for the passenger.
• Assistance Dogs: Air France allows service dogs to travel onboard at no extra charge. Proof of vaccination and training is required.
• Baggage Tags: It is important for passengers to label all mobility devices with their name, contact details, and destination to avoid any mix-up.
• Assistance Priority: Passengers requesting mobility assistance receive priority boarding and deplaning, ensuring a smoother and less stressful airport experience.

Check the list of Air France terminals locations at airports worldwide to find your terminal quickly and easily.

Conclusion

Air France has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to making air travel as accessible as possible for passengers with reduced mobility. With a comprehensive range of services, from booking wheelchair assistance to in-flight support and airport guidance, the airline ensures that every passenger has the tools and care necessary for a comfortable journey. By offering a variety of mobility solutions, assisting with personal mobility devices, and prioritizing the needs of each traveler, Air France is setting a high standard in the accessibility services domain. Air France Wheelchair Assistance Reviews are impressing passengers with disabilities as they can look forward to a seamless and stress-free travel experience. By booking well in advance, communicating specific needs, and leveraging the airline’s dedicated support services, travelers can enjoy a dignified and hassle-free journey, from check-in to arrival at their destination.

Frequently Asked Questions