Senior-Friendly Travel with Air India Wheelchair Assistance

Who Can Benefit from Wheelchair Assistance Services

Senior citizens, and those having mobility issues, or limited mobilities can enjoy the real-time benefits from the wheelchair assistance. Wheelchair assistance service is offered to men and women of any age group, but there are always hidden prerequisites attached to assistance, which needs to be verified. 

Medical and Age-Based Eligibility Criteria

Here are the medical and age-based eligibility criteria:

Infants- If the infant is less than 7 days old s/he would need the medical clearance for flying but the review is done on the basis of individual cases. 

Old age Passengers- Old age travelers, and this includes those living in 90s shall fly independently. But these passengers who have infirmities or physical inabilities require 'fit to fly' provided the condition becomes visibly unstable.

Medical Conditions (Passengers): Passengers who are suffering from several unstable conditions such as angina, severe psychiatric disorders, contagious diseases shall not be allowed boarding or need Medical Information Form (MEDIF) signed 10 days from the travel.

How Family Members Can Arrange Assistance Easily

The family member can generally accompany the passenger who has asked for wheelchair assistance. The family member can quickly accompany the passenger while going through the check-in security and boarding gate. It is significant to note that the staff will manage the chair movement, the family member shall walk alongside, especially in cases of Air India mobility assistance or airline wheelchair support.

End-to-End Travel Support for Senior Passengers

There are end-to-end travel support services available for the senior citizens, and these include the local mobility services, buggy service at the airport terminal, medical transportation and visa/insurance support and family member support. 

Key Tips for Comfortable and Stress-Free Travel

Here are a few essential tips that passengers should look out for the comfortable and stress-free travel:

• Plan ahead but do not plan too early
• Keep the packing cubes to remain organized
• Use the versatile clothing
• Keep yourself hydrated
• Always wear comfortable footwear

Conclusion

Wheelchair assistance is available at airports, but passengers who require this service must request it in advance. For Air India wheelchair assistance, travelers should also ensure they have a valid medical certificate to support their request.

FAQs:

Can senior citizens automatically get wheelchair assistance on Air India flights?

Senior citizens will not have wheelchair assistance automatically on the Air India flights. The request for assistance should be made in advance. The request for special assistance comes for free, but the passenger has to pre-book the wheelchair during the process of booking, or at least 48 hours before the departure.  

Do I need medical documents to request assistance?

Generally, there is no need for the submission of any formal medical documents in advance of basic wheelchair service just when there is a minor mobility issue. The passenger should inform the airline at least 48 hours in advance.

Can a family member accompany the passenger during airport assistance?

The family member can generally accompany the passenger who has asked for wheelchair assistance. The family member can quickly accompany the passenger while going through the check-in security and boarding gate. It is significant to note that the staff will manage the chair movement, the family member shall walk alongs