Not booking a wheelchair at the time of initial purchase is a mistake. But not a big one! Because on Austrian Airlines you may find your booking summary on My Bookings section of the website and do the needful. Charges do not apply because Austrian Airlines wheelchair assistance is free of charge. Here are a few things you must keep in mind about requesting wheelchair.
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Do this before checking in for your flight - Extras like seat, baggage and even a wheelchair must be added before checking in.
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Approach a check-in agent for wheelchair - If you have pre-booked a wheelchair, you may approach a check-in agent at least 60 minutes before departure.
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You may submit a form or call Austrian Airlines up to 48 hours before departure. Our Air1Network blog will give you all the details of assistance you can get from Austrian.
Do I have to contact Austrian Airlines for a wheelchair?
Yes, you have to contact Austrian Airlines in advance for a wheelchair. Ideally, you must inform the airline up to 48 hours before departure. You may either submit an online form or phone the airline if you need a wheelchair. Austrian Airlines mobility assistance will be provided at the airport only if you have informed the airline. Here are a few things you must remember about assisted travel.
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You must arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before departure.
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An earlier arrival may be required if you have a personal wheelchair.
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1 manual and foldable wheelchair may be accommodated in the cabin.
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A personal wheelchair is most likely checked at boarding gate due to limited space.
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Enquire by e-mailing the airline if a heavy or oversized wheelchair may be checked.
You may need a medical clearance for Austrian Airlines special assistance but not if you have a Frequent Travelers Medical Card or FREMEC. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network on +1-844-414-9223.
How will I be assisted on Austrian Airlines if I am disabled?
Austrian Airlines may assist you in the best way possible if you need special assistance. Special assistance is not limited to just assisted travel. Those requiring medical equipment on the flight may also be adequately assisted. But the airline may not be able to assist with evacuating or following the instructions. The airline recommends you to travel with an 18-year-old physically able companion in case you need further Austrian Airlines disability assistance. Take a look at the assistance you may request.
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Assistance with climbing the stairs - You may be provided a steps wheelchair and an attendant.
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Assistance with covering long distances - You may be provided with a ramp wheelchair and an attendant.
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Assistance with movement in cabin - You may be provided with a cabin seat wheelchair and an attendant.
What if my personal wheelchair is checked by Austrian Airlines?
Personal wheelchairs may be checked if there is no space for them. Battery-powered wheelchairs are not allowed in the cabin. The wheelchair will be checked at no extra cost. Austrian Airlines handicap assistance may be provided at connecting airports or for reaching the aircraft doors. Here are a few tips if you are traveling with a personal wheelchair.
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Batteries of the wheelchair may be put in the carry-on - If they are not securely attached to the wheelchair, you may put the batteries in carry-on. A single battery should not exceed 320Wh.
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Make sure your wheelchair can go in the hold - Aircraft’s hold has limitations on the dimensions of wheelchairs that can be adjusted.
Do I have to pay a charge for wheelchair on Austrian Airlines?
No charges will apply for pre-booking a wheelchair. If you have a personal wheelchair, you may check the wheelchair without paying any charge. Austrian Airlines wheelchair cost is included in the fare paid by the disabled. Take a look at other things you do not have to pay for.
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Preparation of the wheelchair for checking in hold - The airline staff will prepare your wheelchair.
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Baggage waiver for medical equipment - Medical equipment if needed on-board will be given a waiver.
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Mobility aids in the cabin - If you need a mobility aid, you may be allowed to bring it in the cabin.
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Assistance animals - No charge for traveling with an assistance dogs.
What can disabled do upon reaching destination on Austrian Airlines?
Upon reaching the destination, Austrian Airlines may provide you an escort if you are visually impaired. You may have to wait till all passengers have deplaned. A replacement wheelchair may be provided at the aircraft door in case your personal wheelchair has been sent to baggage reclaim area. Here are a few things you need to remember about Austrian Airlines disability assistance at destination.
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Delay in arrival of the wheelchair - Austrian Airlines may dispatch it to your home.
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At selected destinations wheelchairs are not given to you immediately upon disembarkation - Billund, Cagliari, Catania, Hamburg, Hanover, Nuremberg, Olbia, Palermo and Stuttgart are the airports where you may have to wait a little longer after deplaning.
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Mishandled or damaged wheelchairs - Austrian Airlines will provide you an alternative loaner mobility device till your wheelchair gets repaired.
You may wear a sunflower symbol to discreetly announce that you’re disabled. But wearing a sunflower symbol doesn’t guarantee Austrian Airlines special assistance. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network on +1-844-414-9223.