Air India Wheelchair Assistance: Complete Guide for Passengers

Passengers with reduced mobility seeking assistance while traveling by air can rely on Air India Wheelchair Assistance. Air India staff ensure passenger safety and security while traveling, providing all necessary assistance free of charge. Air India suggests that passengers request assistance in advance, giving the airline enough time to prepare the required assistance. This assistance is specially designed for passengers who have difficulty while traveling due to their mobility limitation, regardless of age, health conditions, or recent medical surgery. Air India offers a variety of wheelchair assistance options according to passengers’ requirements.

To request Wheelchair Assistance, passengers can make the request while booking their flight, at the airport, or online at www.airindia.com. Passengers can also contact the Air India customer service centre at 1-888-634-1407. Air India is available 24/7 for its passengers.

How to request Air India Wheelchair Assistance? 

Passengers who have difficulty traveling by air due to their disability can travel stress-free by relying on Air India’s wheelchair assistance. Here is some brief information on how passengers can request wheelchair assistance.

• Passengers are advised to request it at least 48 hours before departure, allowing enough time to prepare all the required assistance and avoid the last-minute rush.
• Air India recommends choosing a larger aircraft with wider aisles and multiple lavatory options for accessibility. 
• To request Air India wheelchair assistance, passengers can request online while booking their flight or at the time of reconfirmation. Passengers should share all the related information, including the service they require, whether assistance during boarding, disembarking or throughout the journey.
• Passengers can also request service at the airport while booking their flights. This service is free for elderly, ill, or infirm travelers.
• Passengers with critical medical conditions are required to fill out the MEDIF form and wait until the approval of the Air India medical team. For better guidance, passengers can visit the Air India office.
• Passengers are requested to travel with an ID or other medical documents. Passengers with wheelchair assistance are also requested to arrive early for a smooth transition and to avoid rush while going through the pre-flight procedure.

Note: Air India has the right to deny passengers with certain medical conditions to board if there is any risk to other passengers. Also, passengers traveling with a stretcher but no medical escort may not be allowed to travel.

Types of Wheelchair assistance offered by Air India

Air India offers a wide range of special services and provides a stress-free experience to its passengers. Air India offers various categories to accommodate passengers according to their requirements. Below, you will find three main types of wheelchair assistance offered by Air India.

• WCHR (wheelchair ramp assistance): Passengers who can walk short distances and can climb stairs are offered wheelchair ramp assistance. These services are offered according to the passengers’ needs throughout the journey during check-in, security screening, and boarding.
• WCHS (wheelchair assistance for stairs): A passenger who can walk short distances but can not climb stairs due to limited mobility is offered wheelchair assistance for stairs. This service assists with the pre-flight procedure, especially while boarding and disembarking.  
• WCHC (wheelchair assistance for cabin seats): Passengers with complete immobility who need assistance for the entire flight journey are offered WCHC services, which include assistance throughout the pre-flight procedure. They are provided onboard wheelchair assistance to access the lavatory.

Passengers carrying their wheelchairs

Passengers who are carrying their wheelchairs must inform the airlines in advance and provide all the related details to ensure safe handling and storage. Here is detailed information for passengers with their own wheelchairs.

• Air India allows passengers to travel with their wheelchairs by notifying in advance and providing all related details, including the type of wheelchair, manual or electric. Also, passengers are requested to provide information such as the type of battery and foldability.
• There are three types of batteries passengers are allowed to carry: dry battery, wet battery,and lithium battery. Passengers must be aware that the wheelchair battery must not exceed 300WH.
• Passengers carrying their wheelchairs must note that the wheelchair should be accessible throughout the airport, and passengers should also carry the manufacturer’s certificate and details.
• After boarding, passenger will receive their wheelchairs upon arrival at the destination airport; until then, they’ll be escorted by the airline wheelchair. Passengers can bring their wheelchairs free of charge.

Air India Medical Assistance

• Air India offers assistance to passengers with severe medical conditions by filling out a medical information form (MEDIF). Passengers are required to carry all their medical-related documents and medicine in their carry-on luggage.
• Passengers are requested to fill out and submit the MEDIF form at least 5 days in advance to ensure a safe and secure journey.
• Passengers traveling with medical assistance are given special equipment, such as portable oxygen containers, necessary medical equipment, a stretcher, and an incubator.
• Air India cabin crew are highly trained to provide all assistance to the passenger, providing security and care while traveling.
• Passengers with medical services are given other services such as wheelchair assistance, special meals, access to medical rooms, a pharmacy, and other services if needed.

Conclusion 

Air India aims to provide care in the air with their highly trained and professional staff. The airlines makes sure to offer comfort to all its passengers, regardless of their mobility issues or age limitations; passengers are their priority. Air India wheelchair assistance is committed to providing accessibility to its passengers and ensuring a safe, secure and stress-free journey.

Frequently asked questions