Wheelchair assistance at airport

Hi,

My parents-in-law used wheelchair assistance from Chennai-Hongkong-SFO. They said its was very convinient and dint have to worry about check-in, baggage claim etc also as the assistants would take care of them also. They said they were'nt even a bit tired in the travel and transit. Just make sure to mention it in the ticket. Otherwise also I think u can ask in the airport or your mother can ask at anytime in the travel for assistance, I'm not sure.

 

I have used the wheelchair assistance after having surgery in India...it was quite good (Air India) but I think you have to schedule it ahead of time. Even customs is quicker due to special line.

 

Hello divya/others,

How much in advance did you book for the wheelchair assistance? Did you have to get any medical certificate or just need to mention about it.

Did your MIL have to give some tips at the airport? If so, how much?

Do they assist even in lifting the baggage from baggage claim and escort all the way to the person who comes for pick up.

Please let me know if there are other concerns as my mom will be travelling alone.

 

Recently my mil returned to india with my kid. She doesn't know english.
Its british airways from LA to Hyd. We booked wheelchair at the time of booking ticket for her. they will give the wheel chair access from the airport where we have taken the itenary. it is cool. no need to worry.
No need of any certificate.

Normally indians also travelling by that time. They can meet some one in airport or flight. My mil met one indian family in london airport.So they also gets confidence otherwise also no problem.
I wish all happy journey to them.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Will the attendants also help to take the luggage. How big/small was the hand luggage which your MIL carried? Did she carry any food for inflight?

Do they also help in transit ..i mean..my mom has a stop over at London. So will the assitance be throughtout the journey? will they safely hand over the person to someone at the destination?

Pls help me with this.Im anxious.

 

When I did it (Air India through London) they had an attendant from check in in India (obviously not the same one) onto the flight, then one at London and through checkpoints and back on the plane, and then another in NY when I landed. They stay with you in a special line in customs but after they release you in customs you are on your own. Just have her come out and flag her down at the pick up door. You can order the appropriate food through the airline so only small snack should be needed. She will have to be able to hold any hand luggage in her lap so don't take much. Also its harder for the wheelchair person if you take too much.

 

Hi tashi,

Thanks for the reply. I want to know if they will help in baggage claim (finding and lifting the luggage and assisting in pushing the cart) and hand over the person till they find the person who has come to pick up.

 

Yes, they take care of the luggage part. Not to worry. When I travelled I was two weeks out of a cast and barely able to walk and they did everything. But she will need to have the luggage loaded on a cart so she can come out of the customs area on her power. (At least that is my memory of it.) She will have to exit the area and meet you outside the dooor...just a few feet at least at JFK and the mob is not bad like in Delhi India. You can easily meet up but just be sure to be out there or have her wait but in this winter weather best to be there and go due to the cold.