Flying on American Airlines is always a delightful experience. The comfort is unmatchable. This comfort is not just restricted to normal passengers but can also be enjoyed by passengers with a disability. American Airlines wheelchair assistance is a special service available to passengers with any special needs. A dedicated team of the airline is present around the clock to assist the passengers with minor to major ailments.
If you travel by American Airlines, you don’t have to worry about any special assistance. However, there are certain restrictions and criteria to which passengers should adhere to fly without any trouble.
How to Request American Airlines Wheelchair Assistance?
American Airlines have also set up flexible ways to request special services. There are basically two ways to apply for wheelchair assistance. One method is visiting the official website, and the other way is by contacting the airline representative. Let’s discuss the step-by-step process of getting American Airlines wheelchair assistance.
Online Method to Get Assistance
If you have access to the internet, then it is the best way to apply for wheelchair special assistance. Here are the steps.
- Firstly, visit the official website of American Airlines.
- Search your flight according to the date and destination.
- After finalizing your flight, enter the passenger details.
- Below the passenger details, there will be the option of adding Special Assistance.
- Select a seat on your American flights (not compulsory).
- Click on the “Special Assistance.”
- All the special services available at American will appear on your screen.
- Select wheelchair assistance.
- Enter the name of the passengers and details of the disability.
- If you are carrying your own wheelchair, then mention it.
- Confirm all the details you have entered.
- Pay the American Airlines ticket booking fee.
- You will receive a booking confirmation mail after the payment.
Make sure to book your special assistance while making a reservation. There are limitations to seats for special assistance on a flight. You can add wheelchair assistance later through the American Airlines manage my booking feature.
Contact the American Airlines Representative
Another way to book American airline’s disability assistance service is by reaching out to the representative either at the desk or by dialing a phone.
- Firstly, go to the American Airlines website.
- Go to the help section and fetch the phone number for contacting the agent.
- Call the regional number at your convenience during operational hours.
- Share the flight details with the agent.
- After that, request them to add wheelchair assistance to your itinerary.
- Pay any additional charges if applicable.
- You will receive a confirmation mail on the completion of the request.
However, passengers who just need wheelchair assistance at the airport are exempt from the pre-booking requirement under the US Air Carrier Access Act.
American Airlines Wheelchair Policy
There are certain guidelines that passengers should know to get the maximum benefits. The wheelchair policy will allow them to fly conveniently. Here are some basic norms.
- You can carry one collapsible wheelchair per person.
- The maximum dimension of the wheelchair should be 101cm X 63 cm.
- Also, the weight of the wheelchair should not be more than 136 kg.
- American Airlines advises customers to request wheelchair help at least 24 hours before domestic flight departure.
- You should request special service 72 hours before international flight departure. It is to ensure that all essential arrangements are made prior to the passenger’s arrival at the airport.
- Wheelchairs and scooters that are not collapsible are only accepted as checked baggage and can be checked in at the ticket window or the departure gate.
- The airline demands proof demonstrating your actual need for the wheelchair. The disability certificates must not be older than a year.
- Passengers must submit all paperwork at least 48 hours before departure.
- From the check-in counter up to the boarding gate, wheelchair assistance is available. The airlines will also provide assistance for connecting flights.
- Passengers will also get help while claiming baggage.
Under the American Airlines baggage policy, assistive devices will be checked free of cost in addition to the initial baggage allowance available to passengers respective to their cabins.
Moreover, there are certain guidelines for wheelchairs that runs on battery.
- As per the American Airlines wheelchair assistance policy, if your wheelchair is electric, then it should go through the security check.
- If your wheelchair batteries are not marked as “non-spillable” by the manufacturer, then they cannot be taken in.
- If electric wheelchairs can not fly in an upright posture, then it is non-acceptable.
American Airline’s Special Assistance Phone Number
If you want to contact American Airlines for wheelchair assistance, here are active phone numbers.
You can call +1 800-237-7976 for assistance in making disability arrangements. If you have hearing or speech issues, then call +1 800-735-2988 for help.
To ensure that passengers with disabilities and significant injuries can fly as smoothly as possible, American Airlines provides passenger-centric special assistance. The airline also offers services to assist those with speech, vision, and hearing impairments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wheelchairs are allowed on American Airlines flights?
Each American Airlines travel cabin has a specific spot for wheelchair storage. There is a capacity for only one mobility device. Since storage is limited, booking your flight as soon as possible is best.
Can pregnant passengers request wheelchair assistance at American Airlines?
American Airlines does not restrict wheelchair help only to passengers having a disability. Even if the passenger is pregnant, they qualify for this assistance. On American Airlines, virtually anyone who needs assistance with mobility can get a wheelchair.
What are the wheelchair dimension and weight limits on American Airlines?
Passengers should adhere to the max dimension of 101 cm by 63 cm for a collapsible wheelchair. The wheelchair weight should not be greater than 136 kg.
Do American Airlines let wheelchair users board first?
Wheelchairs are welcome in the cabin if they can fold down to fit in an overhead bin or under a seat. Priority is given to wheelchair passengers over other carry-on luggage passengers.
