Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility should have the same possibilities of travelling by air as other passengers. In order for this to be possible, assistance must be provided that suits their specific needs.
Those who can use this service include, for example:
older people
pregnant people
people with disability or reduced mobility
Those include people:
who uses wheelchairs
with impaired vision or hearing
with chronic diseases
with Alzheimer's disease
with invisible disabilities such as heart problems or autism
You do not need to show a certificate to prove the need for assistance and airlines should not request one.
An airline cannot refuse a passenger to fly with them because of a disability, unless it is for justified safety reasons. In those cases, the airline must provide information about these reasons.
You have the right to receive the assistance you need to get around the airport and on board the plane free of charge.
All necessary information during your travel must be in an accessible format, for example Braille, audio or large print.
You may carry up to 2 mobility aids free of charge, including a battery-powered mobility aids. This does not count as part of your baggage allowance.
You have the right to take as much medicine as you need with you on the flight. In some cases, a medical certificate is requested.
You may also carry medical and mobility equipment on board the aircraft. For example, crutches or small medical devices such as CPAP sleep breathing machines, nebulizers or the like. Your airline can provide confirmation of what you can take on board the plane and what must be kept in the hold.
If aids are lost or damaged during the flight, the airline must compensate them. In The Montreal Convention there are issued limits to how much the compensation is.
The airline employees can provide various assistance on board the plane, for example:
get to and from toilet facilities.
travel on the plane.
open food packaging.
assemble and assistance with wheelchair on board.
to check out and collect hand luggage.
Airline employees cannot provide assistance:
by lifting passengers.
with eating or drinking.
when taking medication.
when using the toilet.
standing up and interacting with others.
If you need help with these things, you will need an assistant with you who can provide that assistance.
Airlines must allow you to travel with an approved assistance dog in the cabin free of charge. Check with your airline for details.
If you think you need assistance when travelling by air, you should contact your airline or travel agency to discuss your needs.
