United Airlines Wheelchair Assistance: A Comprehensive Guide

United Airlines is dedicated to offering an exclusive flight experience, especially for passengers with mobility limitations. The airline understands the need for accessibility and aims to deliver support throughout the journey. United Airlines wheelchair assistance is designed to provide accessibility according to the passenger’s needs. The airline enhances its services to ensure that passengers with special needs are treated with care, dignity, and respect. Passengers traveling with United Airlines requiring special assistance can request it via United Airlines Official Website (www.united.com) or contact the airline’s customer service at 1-800-228-2744. In this article, we’ll cover all the services, benefits, and support offered by United Airlines and how they make air travel accessible for all.

Overview of United Airlines Wheelchair Assistance Services

To ensure exclusive and accessible air travel, United Airlines offers specialized services for passengers with mobility limitations due to age, injury, disability, or medical conditions. This service is available at all major points throughout the journey, including check-in, baggage service, security screening, boarding, and disembarking. The airline-trained staff assist passengers upon arrival at the airport until they are comfortably seated.

Passengers looking for wheelchair assistance can book this service during booking at www.united.com/en/us/book-flight/united-reservations or by calling customer service. United also provides a TTY ( text telephone) number, 1-800-323-0170, for passengers who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired. This service allows customers to communicate with airline customer service effectively. United Airlines customer service is available 24/7 to ensure passengers receive support at any hour. United Airlines reflects a genuine commitment to inclusivity and service excellence.

How to add Wheelchair Assistance in United Airlines?

Passengers needing any type of wheelchair assistance are encouraged to request it while booking their flight or by contacting United Airlines customer service. Passengers requesting wheelchair assistance are required to apply at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. This also allows the airline to prepare all the required equipment and services. Here are some ways through which passengers can book wheelchair assistance.

Online, while booking a flight

• Visit www.united.com/en/us/book-flight/united-reservations and book your flight.
• Upload all the travel details and then proceed to the passenger’s information section.
• Search for the “Special Assistance” or “Travel Assistance” option. 
• Then click on the box requesting “Wheelchair Assistance”. 
• Provide all related details, and after booking, the request will be added to your reservation.

Through United Airlines App

• Install United Airlines App.
• Log in to your MileagePlus account or enter as a guest.
• Upon entering, go to “My Trips” or manage the reservation section. 
• Select your flight and add “Special Assistance”.
• Choose wheelchair assistance and specify your need.
• After providing all information, your request will then be added to your reservation. 

By contacting United Customer Service

• Call United Airlines customer service at 1-800-228-2744.
• Provide your booking reference number and personal details.
• Clearly state your needs and requirements, and select the assistance you are seeking.
• Later, your request will be updated on your booking, and you will be informed by the airline office.
• At last, you will receive confirmation from the airlines.

At the airport

• Arrive at the United Airlines terminal, 3 hours early to allow enough time to prepare last-minute requests.
• Go to the United Airlines check-in counter and inform the staff about your request.
• Provide all the required information, such as booking information and personal details.
• Later, an assistant will assist you throughout the airport.

Note: while United Airlines does accept the last-minute request, it’s highly recommended to apply 48 hours before to ensure the availability of the equipment and assistance.

Types of Wheelchair Services Offered by United Airlines

United Airlines offers three main wheelchair services, ensuring that all passengers can travel freely regardless of mobility challenges. Here is brief information on the types of wheelchair assistance.

Airport wheelchairs

United Airlines provides manual wheelchair assistance services to assist its passengers during the pre-flight and post-flight procedures. These wheelchairs are typically 18 inches wide and are operated by a highly trained staff. United Airlines staff ensure passengers’ comfort and provide service according to their specific needs. This service is suitable especially for elderly passengers, passengers with recent surgery, or those who can walk a small distance but find difficulty walking or standing for a long time.

Aisle wheelchairs

United Airlines offers a specially designed aisle chair narrow enough to fit within the aircraft. These wheelchairs are used to help passengers sit in their seats, handled by the staff trained in transfer practices. This service ensures passengers can comfortably board and disembark aircraft without delay.

On-board wheelchairs 

All United aircraft are equipped with onboard wheelchairs providing accessibility to passengers with disabilities. These foldable wheelchairs are designed to fit in the aircraft aisle and to navigate and access the lavatory. The wheelchairs are operated by the flight attendants as needed on the aircraft. This service is essential for long-haul flights, offering independence to passengers during the flight.

Passengers Traveling With Personal Mobility Aids

United Airlines accommodates passengers traveling with their own mobility aids, including manual or electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and canes. The airlines ensure the handling and transportation of these devices. There is some key information for passengers to know before traveling with their mobility aids.

• Passengers traveling with their mobility aid should inform the airline at the time of booking at least 48 hours before departure. This allows the airline to plan accordingly and ensure the handling and safety of passengers’ mobility devices.
• Passengers traveling with a manual wheelchair have to provide details such as the measurements and weight. Wheelchairs under 250 pounds can be stored in cargo on most flights. However, if the wheelchair is more, it might not be allowed to fly.
• If you are planning to bring an electric wheelchair, to ensure the safety of all passengers, there are some guidelines to follow before bringing electrical devices. Passengers must inform the airline about the battery type. The table below provides all related details.

Lost and Damaged Mobility Aids 

• United Airlines knows the importance of personal mobility aids. If, under some circumstances, your mobility aids get lost or damaged, United Airlines helps passengers resolve the issue quickly.
• Passengers facing any issues are required to file a report immediately to the United Device Desk at  1-866-261-2395 or assisteddevice@united.com. 
• To approve the request, passengers are requested to provide all specific details of their mobility aids, such as an itinerary, bag tag, and proof of purchase of the device. Passengers should also include the information on the model, serial number, and the specific type of wheelchair they have.
• It’s essential to report the issue right after it gets lost, as delaying can affect and reduce the chance of recovering and replacing the device. 
• The airline ensures the safe handling of wheelchairs. When you check in your wheelchair, the staff inspect it carefully.
• If passengers experience any above issues, they have the right to speak with a complaint resolution office. CRO are especially trained to resolve any issues to address the complaint. The passengers are required to inform any United airline employee, and the employee will assist passengers in connecting with CRO.
• If the issue gets bigger, passengers may visit the United Airlines headquarters at Chicago, Illinois, United States to resolve any serious concerns.
• To avoid such an issue, passengers should mark and label their device in advance and should also carry the purchase receipts, which will be beneficial in making the claim faster.

Conclusion 

United Airlines demonstrates strong work ethics and commitment to offer the best service possible. United aims to provide a wide range of assistance to ensure passengers ‘ comfort and accessibility. Services such as wheelchair assistance, medical assistance, and allowing passengers to carry their mobility aid all these services are all provided with no extra charges, allowing passengers to travel stress-free and with dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions