Charges for a wheelchair will make the airlines inaccessible. Since Emirates loves accessibility, it will not charge you anything extra for wheelchairs. At all major airports where the airline operates, you are likely to find wheelchairs to move around at the airport. But you will have to add Emirates wheelchair assistance up to 48 hours before departure. Here are the things Emirates will provide.
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Meet and Assist - A wheelchair attendant may help you reach the boarding gate from the check-in counter.
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Check the wheelchair - No charges will apply on checking a personal wheelchair. Because wheelchairs are not considered baggage.
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Get a seat allocation - An aisle seat or extra legroom seat may be offered.
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Bring a mobility aid with you on-board - Emirates allows mobility aids like walking sticks, crutches or even manual foldable wheelchairs.
Booking Emirates wheelchair assistance will ensure you get a wheelchair at the airport. For other special assistance you will have to fill up a MEDIF form. You will also have to get it endorsed by your doctor. Our HolidayGlobes blog will give further details on how Emirates provides special assistance.
What are the Criteria for Special Assistance on Emirates?
Passengers with mobility constraints, such as a handicap may ask for special assistance. Special assistance may also include carrying a medical equipment like a Portable Oxygen Concentrator or CPAP. But you will have to ensure that these devices are airline-compliant. Bringing a stretcher will require the passenger to bear additional expenditure. Service animals are allowed for people who need them. Make sure you have understood the process of getting special assistance on Emirates Airlines. When you have requested special assistance, the ticket will have the code DPNA. This is meant to indicate that you need special assistance. You can also procure a Sunflower lanyard. Special assistance desk will be able to provide you with one. This is a discreet way of telling the airline or airport staff that you are disabled. There are sunflower signs which can be followed by those who need special assistance. Here are a few tips on how to get special assistance.
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Fill out a Medif form - Depending on your requirements, you will have to fill up the Medif form 1 month before departure.
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Fill up a special assistance form - You can attach relevant documents for getting the special assistance.
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Request a wheelchair after booking - If you are travelling with a personal wheelchair, you may add a wheelchair after booking.
If you need special assistance, you may call a complaint resolution official. For details or assistance, feel free to visit or contact HolidayGlobes.
Does Emirates require me to Book a Wheelchair?
The airline needs to know whether you will need wheelchair assistance. You may add a wheelchair at the time of initial booking. If you haven’t added a wheelchair at the time of booking, you can do so up to 48 hours before departure. Keep with your complete details of the wheelchair. These include size, weight and the battery type. Emirates will need them to safely check it in the hold. Here are some tips you should keep in mind when you are booking wheelchair assistance in Emirates.
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Arrive 3 hours earlier at the airport - Airport staff will need extra time to prepare the wheelchair for safe checking.
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Keep the manufacturer's manual of the wheelchair - Airport staff may need the manual to prepare the wheelchair.
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Be present at the time of checking - Your guidance will be needed while the wheelchair is being prepared for safe checking.
How can you get Wheelchair Assistance on Emirates?
Emirates offers wheelchair assistance to those who need them. You may call the airline’s customer service or send a message to the live chat assistant. Delaying it tills the time of departure may deprive you of the assistance. You must notify at least 48 hours before departure. If you are travelling with your personal wheelchair, you may check it. In the meantime, you will be given an airport wheelchair. If you need an escort for assistance on the flight, Emirates will not be able to provide it. You will have to bring along an assistant if you need one. Here are a few tips for Emirates Airlines wheelchair assistance.
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Detachment of the battery - You will have to detach the battery if it is a battery-powered wheelchair and carry it with you.
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Removal of the attachments - All attachments, like cushion will have to be removed.
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Compatibility of the mobility device - Not all wheelchairs can be checked in an aircraft. The compatibility will depend on the size and weight.
A MEDIF form must be filled up if the passenger needs any other equipment like a Portable Oxygen Concentrator or CPAP along with wheelchair. You may have to submit this form at the time of booking your ticket. For details or assistance, you may visit or contact HolidayGlobes.