Passengers dependent on wheelchairs can accomplish flight journeys. Korean Air service center may be called up to 48hours before departure for wheelchair assistance. Those with their own wheelchair may have to arrive at least 1 hour before departure. Make sure you specify the required Korean Air wheelchair assistance so that the airline has all details on the day of departure. Here are the different types of assistance disabled persons may get.
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Dedicated Korean Air staff member to assist you from check-in to boarding.
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Guidance to arrival hall when you reach your destination.
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Provision of in-flight cabin wheelchair for use of lavatory.
To assist passengers with disability, complaints resolution officer has been deputed by Korean Air at all airports within US. You can reach out to them in case of any concern regarding mobility assistance. Our Air1Network blog will give you the essential information needed for accomplishing your flight journey.
Who can request a wheelchair on Korean Air?
Those who are unable to cover long distances on their own due to a disability may request wheelchair at the check-in desk. Korean Air may also assist those who can’t reach the check-in desk after vehicle drop-off at terminal entrance. You must notify the airline of your requirements at least 48 hours before departure. Here are a few tips you will find handy when you need wheelchair assistance.
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Inform the airline about a personal wheelchair - You must inform the service center if you want to travel with your own wheelchair.
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Special lanes for handicapped persons - Selected airports where Korean Air operates have special lanes for handicapped.
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Arrive at least 1 hour before departure - The recommended arrival time for those with electric wheelchairs is at least 1 hour before departure because checking them will require a longer time.
Keep the details of the personal wheelchair. You may have to fill the measurement and type of batteries installed in a mobility aid form to get Korean Air disability assistance at airport. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or Korean Air on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-(800)-438-5000.
Can you use a personal wheelchair on Korean Air?
Personal wheelchairs may be used till departure gate or aircraft doors. Other than this, you will have to use a rented wheelchair. You can request Korean Air wheelchair at the check-in desk. Your personal wheelchair will be checked in the hold. Here are a few things you must keep in mind about traveling with personal wheelchair.
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Make sure you arrive at least 1 hour before departure - This is important since service staff may take time to prepare battery-operated wheelchairs for checking.
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Keep the spare batteries in your carry-on - If the batteries are considered unsafe for hold, you may have to keep them in your handbag.
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Inform the airline about your personal wheelchair - Korean Air will need all details of the wheelchair including the dimensions and type of batteries.
Can you get special assistance on Korean Air?
The airline will sincerely try to offer you the required Korean Air special assistance. But not if you request it within 48 hours of departure. Make your request by calling the service center up to 48 hours ahead of departure. You may retrieve your booking summary on My Trips to add special assistance. Certain special assistance may also be time-sensitive. Take a look at the guidelines of Korean Air.
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For therapeutic or medical oxygen - You will have to request it 72 hours before departure.
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For stretcher service - You will have to request it 120 hours before international departures and 48 hours before domestic departures.
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For traveling with a service animal - You will have to request 48 hours before departure.
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For flying with a medical equipment - You will have to submit a MEDIF 10 days before departure. A licensed practitioner will have to sign the MEDIF to certify the passenger’s fitness.
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For flying with disabilities which make you incapable of using a lavatory on your own - A one-to-one service is not available. A companion must be booked.
What sort of assistance requires me to pay charges on Korean Air?
Since Korean Air has to follow the provisions of Air Carrier Access Act, no charges apply for wheelchair assistance in US. You may avoid Korean Air wheelchair assistance cost on other routes also. But a few types of special assistance will require you to pay charges. Booking a companion for one-to-one assistance may require you to pay charges. One-to-one assistance may be free of charge for disabled traveling in First Class. Take a look at the applicable charges for special assistance.
For stretcher service:
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On domestic flights (except flights to and from Jeju): Pay 6 times of the normal fare.
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On international flights: Pay 6 times of the normal fare.
For therapeutic oxygen:
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On domestic flights: Pay $34 for flights within Korea.
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On international flights: Pay $100 on flights to or from US.
If you need a special seat assignment owing to a medical condition, you may have to submit a medical certificate. The medical certificate may have to be submitted 10 days before departure. For more details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or Korean Air on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-(800)-438-5000.