Austrian Airlines Wheelchair Assistance – How to request wheelchair?

Austrian Airlines is committed to providing an inclusive travel experience. The airline recognizes that passengers with mobility challenges or special needs should enjoy the same high-quality service and comfort as all other travelers. The airline offers extensive support to make your journey easier. Whether you are traveling for business or any other reason, Austrian Airlines is dedicated to ensuring that your needs are met before, during, and after your flight. Wheelchair assistance is one of the most important services for passengers with reduced mobility. 

With the right support, passengers can travel with confidence and peace of mind. Austrian Airlines offers various methods to request wheelchair assistance. It includes booking through its official website or by contacting 1 (800) 843-0002. It ensures that every passenger’s experience is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. In this guide, you will explore the  Austrian Airlines wheelchair assistance services, how to request them, the facilities available for special needs passengers, and other special assistance services.

How to Request Austrian Airlines Wheelchair Assistance?

Requesting wheelchair assistance with Austrian Airlines is a straightforward process, but timing is crucial. You empower the airline to provide the best possible support when you notify them in advance.

The Golden Rule is to inform Early, always inform Austrian Airlines about your need for wheelchair assistance at the time of booking your flight. If you have already booked, notify them no later than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. This advance notice allows them ample time to coordinate the necessary staff and equipment at both your departure and arrival airports, as well as for any connecting flights. While they always strive to assist, last-minute requests may not guarantee the level of service you expect. Austrian Airlines offers several convenient ways to request wheelchair assistance, including:

• Online Booking: When you book your flight directly on the Austrian Airlines website, look for options related to “Special Assistance,” “Passengers requiring assistance,” or “Accessible Travel” during the booking process. You will typically find checkboxes or drop-down menus where you can indicate your specific needs.
• Contact Form: Austrian Airlines provides a dedicated “Contact Form for Medical Requests” on their website. This form is comprehensive, allowing you to provide your personal information, like Name, booking code, or ticket number, and flight details. Also, the type of Wheelchair Assistance Needed. 
• Call Centre: You can directly call the Austrian Airlines Call Centre. They have dedicated lines for various regions. Provide your booking details and clearly explain the type of assistance you require. This method allows for direct interaction and clarification of any specific needs.
• Travel Agent: If you book through a travel agent, ensure you inform them about your need for wheelchair assistance so they can relay the information correctly to Austrian Airlines during the booking process.

Key Considerations When Bringing Your Own Wheelchair 

• If you are traveling with your own wheelchair, let Austrian Airlines know as early as possible. You can do this when booking your ticket or by contacting their customer service later. It’s best to notify the airline at least 48 hours before your departure.
• Provide details about its type, like manual, battery-operated, whether it folds or not, its dimensions (length, width, height in cm), and weight. 
• If your wheelchair is battery-operated, details on battery type are required. And, if you have an electric mobility aid, provide the details of battery type, e.g., dry cell, wet cell, lithium-ion, to ensure safe transport.
• Dry-cell and lithium-ion batteries are generally accepted, but they must be safely disconnected and secured before the flight.
• Attach a label with your name, address, and contact information to your wheelchair. This ensures that it can be quickly identified and returned to you after the flight.
• If you have multiple mobility aids, you may want to bring a lighter, foldable wheelchair that’s easier to transport and store.

By keeping these points in mind and planning ahead, you can make sure that bringing your own wheelchair is a stress-free experience. Austrian Airlines’ staff are trained to handle mobility aids with care and are committed to supporting you throughout your journey.

Amenities and Facilities Offered for Special Needs Passengers

Austrian Airlines has made significant efforts to ensure that its facilities are available to passengers with mobility challenges. Whether you are traveling through an airport or flying to your destination, the airline’s facilities are designed to make your journey more comfortable.

Airport Facilities

• Check-in Counters: Austrian Airlines provides dedicated check-in counters for passengers with reduced mobility. These counters are easily accessible, and the staff is well-trained to assist with check-in, luggage handling, and other related tasks.
• Priority Security Screening: To make your airport experience as smooth as possible, passengers requiring special assistance are often given priority security screening. This helps avoid long queues and ensures you are not rushed through the process.
• Special Seating: Austrian Airlines provides specially designed seating areas at the gate for passengers with mobility challenges. In case you need additional space, they can arrange seating that accommodates your needs.
• Elevators and Ramps: In airports where stairs are unavoidable, Austrian Airlines ensures that passengers with wheelchairs can use ramps and elevators. The staff will guide you to these services as required.
• Airport Wheelchairs: Most airports served by Austrian Airlines are equipped with a wide range of wheelchairs. These can be provided to passengers who request assistance at airport either during check-in or at the gate. Staff members are always on hand to assist passengers in getting to and from the aircraft safely.

Onboard Facilities

• Accessible Lavatories: For passengers who require special assistance, Austrian Airlines ensures that its aircraft are equipped with accessible lavatories. These facilities are spacious and designed to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges.
• Wheelchair Stowage: If you are traveling with your own wheelchair, Austrian Airlines will store it in the cabin or the cargo hold, depending on the type of wheelchair. The staff will ensure that the wheelchair is returned to you immediately after landing.
• Seating Arrangements: Austrian Airlines offers seats with extra legroom for passengers who require more space, making it easier for those with reduced mobility to sit comfortably.
• In-flight Assistance: Flight attendants are trained to assist passengers who need help with anything during the flight, such as adjusting seating positions or assisting with movement. If you need any support in flight, feel free to let the flight attendants know.

Other Austrian Airlines Special Assistance Services Offered for Special Needs Passengers

Austrian Airlines’ commitment to accessible travel extends far beyond just wheelchair assistance. They offer a range of additional services designed to cater to various special needs, ensuring a safe and comfortable flight for everyone.

• Assistance for Passengers with Sensory Impairments: For Visually Impaired Passengers, staff provide guidance and assistance navigating the Austrian Airlines terminals, boarding the aircraft, and finding their seats. They also help with communicating important information.
• Hearing Impaired Passengers: Crew members are trained to communicate effectively, often using written notes or clear gestures. Safety briefings are provided visually.
• Assistance Dogs: Austrian Airlines welcomes trained assistance dogs to travel with passengers with reduced mobility in the cabin, free of charge. Ensure the Assistance dog meets all necessary health and entry regulations for the destination country. You must inform the airline in advance about traveling with an assistance dog.
• Medical Clearance (MEDIF): For passengers with certain medical conditions, recent surgeries, or those requiring medical equipment or oxygen onboard, Austrian Airlines may require a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) completed by your doctor. This ensures your fitness to fly and allows the airline to prepare any necessary support.
• Carriage of Medical Devices: Austrian Airlines generally allows medical devices, like CPAP machines, portable oxygen concentrators, to be carried in the cabin, often free of charge. Ensure the devices meet size and safety requirements. You must notify them in advance if you plan to use such devices onboard.
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard: Austrian Airlines supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Passengers with non-visible disabilities can wear a Sunflower lanyard, badge, or bracelet to indicate to staff that they may require additional support, understanding, or a little more time.
• Companions for Specific Needs: In certain situations, if a passenger cannot understand safety instructions, self-evacuate, or needs assistance with eating/using the lavatory, Austrian Airlines may require them to travel with a companion capable of providing the necessary assistance.
• Damaged Mobility Device Support: In the unfortunate event that your mobility device is damaged or lost during transit, Austrian Airlines commits to arranging repair or replacement. If your device can’t be transported and you miss your flight, the airline will cover the cost and refund any ticket price difference.

Traveling with reduced mobility does not have to be a stressful experience. Austrian Airlines has a range of services in place to ensure that all passengers, regardless of their special needs, have a comfortable, smooth, and pleasant journey. By offering advanced wheelchair assistance, priority services, and accessible facilities, Austrian Airlines ensures that every passenger can focus on enjoying their trip. By planning and notifying the airline about your requirements, you can experience stress-free travel from start to finish. Whether it is mobility assistance at the airport, special in-flight services, or priority boarding, Austrian Airlines has made every effort to ensure that passengers with special needs receive the care and attention they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions