United Airlines is committed to providing accessible travel experiences for passengers with mobility disabilities. The United Airlines wheelchair assistance services aim to make air travel more convenient and comfortable for those who require assistance. Whether you’re traveling with your own wheelchair or need onboard assistance, United Airlines has you covered.
What is United Airlines Wheelchair Assistance Services?
If you are flying with United Airlines and have a disability, you can enjoy the benefit of carrying wheelchairs onboard. The United Airlines wheelchair assistance services assist passengers with mobility challenges. Here are the key points you need to remember:
Requesting Wheelchair Assistance
If you wish to wheelchair request United Airlines, you need to follow these rules:
- Passengers can request wheelchair assistance during booking or by contacting the Accessibility Desk at the number mentioned below.
- If you’ve already purchased your ticket, request wheelchair assistance in “My Trips” or during booking.
- Pick up the requested wheelchair at the ticket counter or the wheelchair assistance center in the lobby.
- It’s recommended to provide 48-hour advance notice and arrive an hour early for check-in if you need wheelchair assistance.
Types of Mobility Devices Allowed
For a passenger needing assistance, the United wheelchair service stands on its toes to allow and provide various other equipment:
- United Airlines accepts manual and electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches.
- Folding, non-folding, and collapsible devices are allowed.
- Powered and non-folding manual wheelchairs are typically transported in the cargo area of the plane.
Types of wheelchairs that United offers for passengers with disabilities:
- Manual Wheelchairs: Available at all United Airlines airports and these are typically 18 inches wide.
- Aisle Wheelchairs: It is designed to assist passengers in boarding and disembarking.
- Onboard Wheelchairs: Available on planes that have more than 60 seats onboard for accessing the lavatory.
Measuring Wheelchairs
It is important to measure the size of the wheelchair you are carrying. Use the United Airlines wheelchair service size calculator to determine if your wheelchair will fit onboard or will be transported in the cargo area.
- Types Accepted: United accepts both manual and electric wheelchairs, as well as scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches. These devices can be folding, non-folding, or collapsible.
- Cargo Area Transport: Powered wheelchairs or non-folding manual wheelchairs are typically transported in the cargo area of the plane. Use United’s tool to determine if your chair will fit upright through the cargo door.
- How to Measure:
- Wheelchair Width: Measure the widest part of your wheelchair.
- Wheelchair Height: Measure from the ground to the highest point of your wheelchair.
Checking Your Wheelchair
Before checking in with your wheelchair, ensure that its size is acceptable on the plane. Then continue with the check-in process:
- Arrive at the airport early (about an hour before minimum check-in time).
- Speak with an agent at the ticket counter or gate to check your wheelchair.
- The ground crew follows written instructions when handling wheelchairs, so consider attaching a wheelchair information form.
Transportation of Manual and Electric Wheelchairs
Both manual and powered wheelchairs have different specifications and components, so depending on the type, the wheelchairs are transported in the following ways:
- Manual Wheelchair: Every plane has dedicated storage for at least one wheelchair when folded or collapsed. If it fits, it will go on board, and if it doesn’t, it will be sent as cargo. Make sure to attach proper instructions on the wheelchair so that it is handled properly. Detachable pieces, like seat cushions, footrests, and side guards, can be carried onboard as carry-on or stowed with the chair in cargo.
- Electric Wheelchair: For electric wheelchairs, the type of battery used decides where it will go, so make sure to attach information about the battery used-
- Wet-cell batteries: Your wheelchair will be transported by removing the battery and sending it in special battery box. While leaking battery will not be transported.
- Dry- or gel-cell batteries: The wheelchair will be loaded sidewise and then kept upright inside. If the wheelchair turns on automatically, the wires will have to be removed.
- Lithium-ion batteries:The battery must be in a protective case and if not then the battery will be removed while transporting.
Benefits of United Airlines Wheelchair Assistant Services
There are various benefits of using United Airlines wheelchair assistance services. Some are mentioned below-
- Seamless Transitions: From check-in to boarding and deplaning, United Airlines ensures a smooth transition for passengers with mobility needs.
- Comfort and Dignity: Passengers receive personalized United wheelchair assistance, maintaining their comfort and dignity throughout the journey.
- Safety: Trained staff handle wheelchairs carefully, ensuring safety during loading and unloading.
- Accessibility: United Airlines’ commitment to accessibility extends beyond wheelchairs, including services like safety demonstrations and assistance with carry-on bags.
- Inclusivity: United Airlines promotes accessible travel for all passengers.
Summary:
United Airlines wheelchair assistance services are an excellent way to enjoy a smooth journey for disabled or special needs passengers. You can find all the information mentioned above and if you still need any help you can contact us via the number mentioned on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What are the additional services for limited mobility passengers?
If a passenger requires additional services for limited mobility, here are the services that may be provided:
- Flight attendants can assist with safety demonstrations and address specific needs during the flight.
- Services include helping passengers to their seats, accessing carry-on bags, and opening food packages and drinks.
2) What should I include in written instructions for my wheelchair?
Our ground crew looks for written instructions when loading and unloading wheelchairs. You can create your own instructions or fill out United Airlines’ wheelchair information form and attach it to your chair. We’ll only remove removable pieces with your permission.
3) What if my wheelchair is lost or damaged during travel?
If your wheelchair is damaged or lost during travel, you can contact us directly via the number below or mail at assisteddevice@united.com and provide the following details:
- Proof of the lost item, such as a baggage incident report number
- A copy of your itinerary
- The Baggage tag
- Proof of purchase or ownership of the wheelchair
- Model and serial number of your wheelchair
- The type of wheelchair
4) Is there a charge for checking my own wheelchair or mobility device?
No, it’s free to check your wheelchair or mobility device in addition to your checked bags. This includes manual and electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches.