How Do I Request Wheelchair Assistance on Cathay Pacific?

Passengers with reduced mobility are deemed as important as other passengers. You may place your request with customer care as soon as you book a ticket. The sooner it is, the better. There is no deadline for requesting wheelchair assistance. If you booked a ticket with travel agency, you may call the agent. Booking Cathay Pacific wheelchair assistance requires you to be conscious of a few things. In this Air1Network blog we will clarify & elaborate on the below aspects.

• Is it possible for me to use personal wheelchair?
• What special assistance may be given?
• Qualification for special assistance.
• How to get special assistance?

Does Cathay Pacific allow me to use a personal wheelchair?

You must inform the airline about a personal wheelchair. You will have to share the details of the wheelchair including the type of batteries and dimensions. Foldable wheelchairs may be accommodated inside the cabin. But only if they measure within the prescribed limits. Here are a few things you must take care of while using a personal wheelchair.

• You may be able to use the wheelchair till aircraft door - If an aerobridge facility is available a personal wheelchair may be used till the opening of aircraft.
• If your wheelchair is battery-powered or electric - Although Lithium-Ion batteries are not permitted, an exception is made for wheelchairs.
• You must have all the things required for operating your wheelchair - These include the manual and tools.
• If the wheelchair is of non-collapsible type - You will have to check the wheelchair in hold.
• Size of the wheelchair allowed - Wheelchairs measuring up to 55W x 55D x 60H may be checked in wide-body aircraft.
• Wheelchairs allowed in cabin - A few foldable wheelchairs measuring 9x26x30inches, 13x36x42 inches, or 14.5x32x36.5inches may be allowed in cabin. The exact dimensions will depend on the type of aircraft being operated.

In case you’re traveling alone, you may be provided with an attendant to help you reach the departure gate or aircraft door from the check-in desk. Since this service is free of charge, you don’t have to pay Cathay Pacific wheelchair assistance cost. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or the airline on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-(833)-933-2244.

Can Cathay Pacific offer Special Assistance also?

The special assistance of Cathay Pacific is limited to the use of equipment meant for making your flight safe. The equipment allowed to be used are nebulizers, CPAPs and POCs, among others. Supplementary oxygen can also be provided. A prior request must be placed. If you need continuous care on a flight, you will have to book a safety assistant with you. Take a look at what sort of Cathay Pacific special assistance may be booked.

• Complimentary oxygen for therapeutic or medical purposes - Cathay Pacific cylinders can provide rates of 2 or 4 litres per minute of constant flow oxygen, by mask or nasal cannula.
• Stretcher service is also available - A stretcher of up to 77kg is allowed.
• Power output - If your device needs power, a few aircraft are equipped with 100W power output.
• Battery-powered devices - Self-powered devices with approved dry-cell or gel-type battery packs may be used on board.
• Book any seat at no charge - You may select any seat except those located in emergency exit rows.
• Get assistance with check-in and boarding - If you're not capable of completing check-in or boarding on your own, you will be given assistance.

How do you Qualify for Special Assistance on Cathay Pacific?

Unlike Cathay Pacific mobility assistance, special assistance may require you to follow a protocol. Medical clearance form or MEDA must be submitted if you need medical equipment. You may bypass the requirement to fill up MEDA only if you have FREMEC. With FREMEC, frequent travelers requiring special assistance will not need a clearance. After you submit MEDA, the medicine unit of Cathay Pacific will go through your requirement. After approval, you may travel with your medical equipment.  There are deadlines for special assistance and paperwork to be done. Take a look at the details.

• To travel with a service or guide dog you must make a request up to 48 hours before departure.
• If you need medications or injections, you must inform the customer care up to 48 hours before departure.
• Stretcher service must be booked at least 48 hours before departure.
• Completed MEDA forms must be submitted up to 48 hours before departure if you need POC or CPAP.
• Assistance in check-in or boarding must be requested 72 hours before departure.

You may find a power outlet for devices like POC, CPAP or nebulizers on a few flights. The maximum power output is only up to 100Watts. If your device draws more power, it will automatically get deactivated. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or Cathay Pacific on +1-814-414-9223 or +1-(833)-933-2244.