Are you a disabled traveling to offer prayers in Mecca? Saudi Airlines, operating flights in Middle-East will offer you wheelchair assistance for the entire flight. You may call the airline’s customer care to request Saudi Airlines wheelchair. Personal wheelchairs will find a place either in the plane's cabin or in the plane’s cargo compartment. You will not be charged if the wheelchair is checked because wheelchairs are included in the free baggage allowance of disabled flyers. Here are the key things to remember when you need wheelchair assistance.
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Up to 2 devices apart from standard free checked baggage allowance can be carried - If you also need a 3rd device contact the call center.
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Special counters for disabled in Middle East - Airports in Jeddah, Riyadh & Dammam have special counters for disabled.
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Airport wheelchairs at all airports Saudia operates - You can request airport wheelchair at all airports where flights of Saudia operate.
Of WCHR, WCHS and WCHC, the highest level of assistance is WCHC. If you've requested WCHC, you will be assisted with occupying the seat with a mobile lift. For details you may contact Air1Network on +1-844-414-9223. Our blog will give you details on how Saudia helps disabled take a flight.
Can you Request Wheelchair after Booking a Flight on Saudi?
Getting wheelchair assistance may be as easy as sending a message to your friend. You can use WhatsApp to request a wheelchair at anytime after you book a ticket. You may also contact the call center for Saudi Airlines disability assistance. Here are a few things you will find informative.
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Saudia has a special assistance unit - You may message or call the unit.
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Inform up to 48hours before departure - If you’ve an electric or battery-operated wheelchair.
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Approach a special assistance counter - A few airports in Middle East (Riyadh, Jeddah & Dammam) have special assistance counters.
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Use of personal wheelchair at connection airport - If you want to use your personal wheelchair, you may advise Saudia by calling or messaging.
Saudia lets passengers listed with Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development (Saudi Arabia) book tickets with 50% disability discount. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or Saudia on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-800-472-8342.
How may I Get Special Assistance on Saudi?
Dedicated channels are available for passengers requiring Saudi Airlines special assistance. There are special assistance counters at Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. But there are few formalities needed for special assistance. Medical clearance is needed in the below situations.
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You need a medical equipment on flight - The doctor treating you must declare you fit for the flight.
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Women in the last month of pregnancy - You will have to get a medical clearance.
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If you need a Portable Oxygen Concentrator - A POC form signed by the doctor treating you must be submitted.
Is Special Assistance on Saudi Airlines Free?
Saudia will not charge you for special assistance at any point. All planes of Saudia are equipped with aisle wheelchairs available for disabled during the flight. While you may avoid Saudi Airlines wheelchair assistance cost, the airline has few guidelines.
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You will be provided with oxygen cylinders if you need medical oxygen - Saudia considers them unsafe for flight.
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Declare that you will travel with an electric or battery-operated wheelchair - Batteries are considered dangerous articles for flight.
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Usage of personal wheelchair at connecting airports - Unless you advise Saudia beforehand, a personal wheelchair can’t be used at connecting airports. You will find airport wheelchairs for movement.
What to do if I Find anything lacking in Assistance of Saudi Airlines?
Saudi Airlines has appointed complaint resolution officers who are aware of the US disability regulations. If you are flying to or from US you may call a complaint resolution officer. To make sure you get the desired Saudi Airlines mobility assistance, here are a few tips you will find handy.
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Submit a medical request according to procedure laid down by Saudia - The request must be submitted at least 3 days and 7 days before domestic and international departures.
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State whether the battery of your wheelchair is spillable or not - Saudia needs this information to prepare your battery-operated wheelchair for safe checking.
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Guide dogs are not allowed in the cabin of Saudia flights - If you need a guide dog you will have to check it in an airline-approved kennel.
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Visit special assistance counters - You will find them in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. You may call the airline’s call center to confirm the exact location of these counters at the airport.
Passengers who need the highest level of Saudi Airlines handicap assistance (WCHC) may have to book a companion. The details of the companion’s booking will be required for medical clearance. You may have to submit the passenger’s weight also. Air1Network or Saudia on +1-800-472-8342 or +1-814-414-9223 may help in case you need further assistance or details.