Want to use air transportation? But struggling with a mobility disability and wondering how to have a troublesome flight experience. Then you don’t need to worry. Most airlines offer wheelchair assistance and mobility services to passengers who need them. Additionally, airlines, including United Airlines, allow passengers to bring their own wheelchairs and mobility devices.
However, before using or bringing mobility devices, it is required to follow the United Airlines wheelchair assistance policy. The policy brief tells you the rules and requirements you need to follow to avoid issues later.
What Is United Wheelchair Assistance Policy?
To offer positive flying experiences to all passengers, including those who need mobility assistance, United Airlines rolls out several policies that include wheelchair assistance and mobility services. However, as with other policies, the wheelchair assistance policy has essential rules that must be followed. Some of the major ones are mentioned below:
- United permits bringing a wheelchair or mobility device for free in addition to a checked bag.
- According to the United wheelchair assistance policy, although mobility devices are free to bring, they must be requested in advance, typically during flight booking.
- UA requires notification of wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours before the flight departure, unless notified during the flight reservation.
- A wheelchair assistance request can be made at the airport via gate agents.
- The airline permits free check-in of manual/electric wheelchairs, canes, scooters, crutches, and walkers.
- According to United Airlines wheelchair assistance, to bring battery-powered devices, it is needed to contact the airline’s accessibility desk as additional steps might be required to follow.
These are some of the significant rules that fall under the airline’s wheelchair assurance and mobility services. In addition to this rule, it is required to inform the airline staff at the airport regarding assistance, even though you have notified the airline in advance. This is important to ensure the passenger is recognized.
Noted: According to the Flying Rules United wheelchair assistance policy, a passenger needing mobility services needs to arrive at least 60 minutes before the flight departure for early check-in.
Method To Request Wheelchair Assistance With United Airlines
Typically, the airline offers two methods for requesting wheelchair assistance and mobility services: offline and online. If using the online method, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open the main site of United Airlines and hit the button “My Trips”.
- The next step is to provide the flight reservation information and click the “Find” tab.
- Now, once the flight details open on the screen, click the “Edit” tab next to the flyer’s name who is requesting United Airlines wheelchair assistance.
- The next step is to choose the “Special Assistance” option, where you will find the “Wheelchair service” tab.
- Now it’s time to input details in the “Specific requirements” tab, for eg, what type of wheelchair is required (manual or electric).
- Hit the “Continue” button and cross-check the information you entered.
- No extra charges are required to pay for wheelchair assistance, according to United Airlines.
- Now, check your email inbox to find the confirmation email.
Conclusion
United wheelchair assistance policy is a free service offered to passengers with mobility disability. The airline permits passengers to bring their own wheelchairs or, if needed, to request one from the airline. Whether bringing your own wheelchair or requesting one, you must inform the airline at least 48 hours before the flight departure. For more information or to request directly from the airline, call UA Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744. Alternatively, the information can be received from a travel expert at 1-800-506-7805.
