Most airlines will need a prior notification to offer you wheelchair assistance. The same holds true for WestJet. Ideally, the notification may be made up to 48 hours before your departure. Assistance must also be pre-booked. This can be done online either at the time of initial purchase or after booking. Take a look at the steps involved in each process.
During initial purchase:
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Look for the ‘Accessibility Request’ section on the Guest details page.
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Choose the appropriate WestJet wheelchair assistance option.
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Save the changes before paying for the flight.
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The ticket issued will be marked for disability assistance.
After Initial Purchase:
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Find your trip summary using your reservation code.
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Choose ‘Guest Info’ and opt for assistance against the passenger.
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Save changes and verify that the assistance has been added.
Exit row seats are strictly not allowed for passengers with disability. You will be shifted to a non-Exit row seat, if you have chosen it. Air1Network will give you further details of how WestJet can help you fly if you are disabled.
Is WestJet too strict about the timing of wheelchair request?
The airline considers all wheelchair requests quite seriously. But it may have problems when you make a request within 48 hours of departure. You may find WestJet mobility assistance only when you have pre-booked it and notified the airline. Here is how timing may affect you.
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Arriving late at the airport with a personal wheelchair - WestJet recommends that arrival should be at least 30 minutes before the standard check-in cut-off time.
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Asking for wheelchair without pre-booking - At most, the staff will offer you the available resources.
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Notify the airline about the assistance needed - WestJet appreciates being notified at least 48 hours before departure.
A few flights may be able to accommodate your folding-type manual wheelchair. Since space is limited this service is first-come first-served. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or WestJet on +1-888-937-8538 or +1-844-414-9223.
Can you get wheelchair assistance on all WestJet flights?
Yes, you will find wheelchair assistance on any flight you have booked. The level of WestJet disability assistance you get will depend on what you have specified at the time of booking or after booking. Level 1 is the lowest and Level 3 is the highest. The lowest will get you help with navigation within airport. The highest means full assistance to the aircraft seat for immobile guests, including transfers. Here are some tips on getting wheelchair assistance.
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Fill up the mobility aid form - WestJet format must be followed while filling up the form. Details like dimensions and battery-type must be filled up.
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Carry the manufacturer’s manual of the personal wheelchair - The airline staff will need it to safely prepare the wheelchair for checking in the hold.
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Arrive at least 30 minutes before the standard check-in cut-off time - Airline staff will need some time to prepare the wheelchair for checking.
How do I qualify for special assistance on a WestJet flight?
All passengers with a disability will qualify for special assistance. Here are a few things to keep in mind about WestJet special assistance.
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An approval is needed if you want to bring your own device. - A Medical Information form must be submitted. The form has columns supposed to be filled by you and the treating doctor.
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You may indicate your hidden disability with a Sunflower lanyard - The Sunflower lanyard alerts the staff that you are disabled.
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Attendant service must be booked - In case you need assistance with basic tasks, you may book an attendant.
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Charges to be paid for special assistance - You may have to pay charges for supplementary oxygen and WestJet wheelchair assistance cost for a companion.
Why didn’t I receive my assistance on WestJet?
The airline may fail to provide you with the required assistance in a few situations. Take a look at the reasons why you may not receive your WestJet handicap assistance.
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You didn’t notify the airline within 48 hours of departure - WestJet may take time to arrange the resources.
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Assistance on reaching the destination - You may have to wait till all the passengers have disembarked.
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Technical glitch while pre-booking - Your request wasn’t properly attached to your reservation.
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Your wheelchair is oversized for the hold - Aircraft hold has limitations on the size of wheelchair which can be checked.
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Wheelchair can’t be prepared for safe checking - Battery-powered wheelchair has to be stored in upright position.
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Service animals may not get permission - You must submit all the necessary documents and make a request at least 48 hours before departure.
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Changes made to the flight - If you modify the date, the wheelchair assistance must be added again.
Identification codes for wheelchairs have been revised on WestJet. You will have to indicate the wheelchair type with the codes WCMP, WCBD or WCBW. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or WestJet on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-888-937-8538.