Airlines are always looking at ways to increase accessibility to flights. Wheelchairs may be requested on all airlines. On Etihad you must inform the airline about your mobility aid requirement at least 48 hours before departure. Contact center, virtual whatsapp assistant and live chatbot may be used. Booking your wheelchair assistance at the time of initial purchase will be a smarter move. Be sure of what level of Etihad Airways wheelchair assistance is needed. Indicate it at the time of booking with the appropriate code. You may contact Air1Network on +1-844-414-9223 for details. Take a look at what codes signify for disabled.
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WCHC - For those who are immobile and need cabin wheelchair.
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WCHS - For those who are not able to walk long distance and climb stairs.
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WCHR - For those who are not able to cover long distances.
Etihad Airway flights have closets where a few wheelchairs of acceptable size may be stored. But most wheelchairs will be checked. All measures are taken to prevent damage. Our Air1Network blog will help you understand the guidelines for traveling with personal wheelchairs.
Is Wheelchair Assistance free on Etihad Airways?
Etihad Airways offers wheelchair assistance free of charge. The service staff will take care of your personal wheelchair also. But you must put in a request up to 48 hours before departure. You will get assistance with the below.
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Safe checking of wheelchair - Wheelchairs will be prepared for safe checking in hold.
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Etihad Airways mobility assistance at destination - Personal wheelchairs are delivered at aircraft doors where possible.
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Loaned wheelchair - A replacement wheelchair may be provided if the personal wheelchair is checked before you reach boarding gate or at connecting airports.
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Seat assignment - Seats allotted to you may be disabled-friendly. Armrests on the seats are movable.
Fully-trained nurses are available for passengers requiring one-to-one Etihad Airways handicap assistance. You may contact Air1Network or the airline on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-914-303-8393 for details or assistance.
Can I travel with a personal wheelchair on Etihad Airways?
As long as the size and weight of your wheelchair is within the prescribed limits, you may travel with it. Etihad Airways may accommodate mobility aids of up to 33cm x 91cm x 106cm. If a wheelchair can’t be accommodated, you may check your personal wheelchair without paying Etihad Airways wheelchair assistance cost. Because wheelchairs are not counted as checked baggage. Here are a few things you must remember if you are traveling with a personal wheelchair.
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Arrive early - The recommended arrival time is 2-3 hours before departure.
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Keep the details of wheelchair ready - If it is a manual wheelchair, you must note down the dimensions. Both dimensions and type of batteries installed will be required for electric wheelchairs.
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Wait at destination - The personal wheelchair may be delivered at the aircraft doors after other passengers have disembarked.
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Keep accessories of wheelchair with you - Batteries which can’t remain securely attached may have to be kept in the handbag.
Does Etihad Airways provide special assistance?
The airline is continuously upgrading itself so that disabled get the appropriate assistance. Etihad Airways special assistance may not be limited to wheelchair. But medical equipment and therapeutic oxygen will require you to fill up and submit medical care form called MEDIF. MEDIF may be required for a few other categories of persons. Take a look at the guidelines.
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Pregnant women - Those in the 29th week of pregnancy may have to submit MEDIF.
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Persons with a fractured bone - Passengers with a full leg cast in plaster may request Etihad Airways wheelchair. A clearance may be needed if the plaster or cast was applied 72 hours before departure.
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Persons requiring ventilation - POC or CPAP may be carried on-board.
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Persons with sensory impairments - Visually impaired will get assistance from the check-in till boarding. Hearing impaired may get personalized briefings.
Can I get assistance from Etihad Airways on reaching airport?
You may find Etihad Airways disability assistance only if you request it beforehand. On arrival at the airport, assistance is limited to the resources available in case you didn’t request it before. A few assistance are time-sensitive. Take a look at what timeline Etihad requires you to follow.
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Therapeutic or medical oxygen - You may have to request it up to 72 hours before departure.
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Special meal options - Passengers on special diet must request it before departure. They may not be available on flights of less than 2 hours and 50 minutes.
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Stretcher service - You must request stretcher service up to 72 hours before departure.
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Travel with service animal - You will have to request 48 hours before departure.
Approved devices for disabled or with medical condition are listed on the airline’s website. A medical clearance may be needed if your device is not listed. You will have to submit it at least 5 days before departure. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or Etihad Airways on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-914-303-8393.