Probably you’ve heard of Saphir Assistance service. You will have to request Air France wheelchair from Saphir Assistance team. There is a Saphir service line dedicated for passengers with disability. Special assistance team are available at all airports. You may contact customer service of your country to get wheelchair assistance. Required assistance can be indicated while you book a ticket or after booking a ticket. Take a look at the steps involved in each of these.
Request wheelchair during initial purchase -
1. Select ‘I need assistance’ in the passengers section.
2. A person from Saphir assistance team may contact you.
Request wheelchair after initial purchase -
1. Find the booking summary using your ticket details.
2. Choose the person who will need assistance.
3. Go to the assistance tab.
4. Select the type of assistance you want.
You may travel with a personal wheelchair of any model. An electric or battery-operated wheelchair will have to be mandatorily checked in hold. In this Air1Network blog, we will give you more details on how to travel with your mobility aids.
How Do you Add Wheelchair Assistance on Air France?
Give a prior information about the required assistance at least 48 hours before departure. You will be enquired if you're traveling with a personal wheelchair. Primarily you should know the dimensions of your wheelchair and type of batteries installed. A form may have to filled up at the check-in desk when you arrive. Here are a few tips which can help you with traveling with a wheelchair.
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Try booking a non-stop flight - You may be taking a risk by choosing an itinerary with connecting flights.
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Make sure you arrive early - It is advised to arrive at the airport 3hours early for long-haul flights and 2hours early for short or medium-haul flights.
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Partner Airlines - If your flight is operated by a partner, confirm the request directly with them as Air France mobility assistance rules may not apply.
Air France doesn't assure you assistance if the transit time in your itinerary is less than 1.5 hours. Because you may not be able to use your personal wheelchair at connecting airports. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or Air France on +1-844-814-9223.
Does Air France take Care of Personal Wheelchairs?
Personal wheelchairs of any type may be checked in the hold without any apprehension of them being damaged. Up to 2 mobility aids deemed essential for you can be checked without paying Air France wheelchair assistance cost. You may also use a personal wheelchair till the boarding gate or aircraft opening. Your wheelchair will be delivered at your destination. Here are a few things that you must keep in mind adding a personal wheelchair.
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Apply a bag tag to your mobility aid - Air France has created a special bag tag meant for wheelchairs.
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Keep items that could easily get lost in your carry-on - Pressure-relief cushions & moveable footrest may be adjusted in your carry-on.
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Space for foldable wheelchairs in cabin - If your wheelchair meets the size prescribed by Air France, it may be accommodated in cabin. You will have to make a request by contacting Saphir assistance service or the airport check-in counter.
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Find space for batteries in your carry-on - If you have a battery-powered wheelchair or electric wheelchair, the batteries may have to be adjusted in your carry-on for safety reasons. You may carry 2 batteries of 160Wh and 1 battery of 300Wh.
What if I need special assistance also on Air France?
The airline will be too glad to offer you any assistance you need to make your travel safe. But you must inform the airline about your requirements at least 48 hours before departure. Taking the advice of your doctor is also recommended in a few cases. Such cases include when you’re pregnant, you underwent a recent surgery or one of your legs is cast in plaster. Here are some tips you will find handy if you need Air France special assistance.
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If your flight is to US - Fill up a non-wheelchair assistance form.
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If you need medical equipment - You will need a medical clearance from Air France.
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If you are both blind & deaf or completely immobile - Traveling with a companion is mandatory.
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Use the Sunflower sign to indicate your disability - Sunflower sign helps Air France to recognize those with disability.
Why couldn’t I receive my Requested Assistance on Air France?
Any new request for assistance must be added 48 hours before departure. You may use a form to submit the request. But in a few cases you may not receive Air France handicap assistance. Here are possible reasons that can deprive you of the requested assistance.
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You didn't arrive early - You must be at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. Because the wheelchair needs to be prepared for safe checking.
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If you do not have the required papers - Passengers needing oxygen therapy at a rate exceeding 2.8 liters/minute will need a fitness certificate from the treating doctor.
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If your connection time is less than 1.5hours - Reclaiming your personal wheelchair and using it at connecting airport is not possible.
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If you need assistance with basic tasks - A companion who is 18 years old must be booked for this.
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If you request traveling with a guide or service dog - Air France must be in receipt of request at least 48 hours before departure.
The recommended time to reach airport is 2hours before the departure for short-haul and medium-haul flights. For long-haul flights you must report 3 hours before departure. You can reach out to Air France or Air1Network on +1-844-414-9223 for details or assistance.