The responsibility to fly a disabled person to the destination is on Turkish Airlines. You may request Turkish Airlines wheelchair assistance at the time of booking or after booking. Ideally, you should do it at the time of booking or at least up to 48 hours before departure. You will have to specify all the assistance you need. If you haven’t done so, you will have to manage with the resources available at the time you check-in. Here are the ways to request wheelchair Turkish Airlines.
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Authorized ticket sales offices - Headquarters of Turkish Airlines is in Istanbul but the airline has ticket sales offices in every region. They will help you with adding a wheelchair.
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On airline’s website - Retrieve your booking summary on the website and add the special assistance you need.
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Submit a request by call center - Contact Turkish Airlines special assistance number and provide your booking details.
If it is a third-party booking, you must ask the travel agency to book wheelchair assistance on your behalf. Our HolidayGlobes blog will offer further details on how to get wheelchair assistance on Turkish Airlines.
What Special Assistance can be Offered on Turkish Airlines?
Special assistance may be offered to passengers requiring equipment like CPAP or POC. But you will have to inform the airline at least 48 hours before departure. If any of these equipments need batteries, they must be fully charged before travel. Because there are no power outlets for charging these devices. Companions, in case needed, are to be arranged by the passengers themselves. Here are a few tips on getting Turkish Airlines special assistance.
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Doctor’s recommendation needed - If you are unwell, you must carry with you a doctor’s report recommending your fitness to fly.
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Companion needed - Hearing impaired, visually impaired and psychiatric patients are allowed to travel with a companion.
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Invisible disabilities - You may get a Sunflower lanyard at the check-in counter. This will discreetly announce that you have an invisible disability like dementia.
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Need a guide dog - The guide dog must understand your commands and sit near your feet on the flight.
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Medicines are allowed - You may bring medication but no cooling device is offered.
Disability discounts of up to 25% are given to passengers on international flights. For details or assistance, you may visit or contact HolidayGlobes.
Do I have to pay Wheelchair Assistance Charge on Turkish Airlines?
Most special assistance requests will not require you to pay charges. This includes your Turkish Airlines wheelchair assistance. But companions will not be provided by the airline. You will have to arrange a companion if you are hearing or visually impaired. You will have to pay for the companion’s seat. Stretcher service is also not free. Other special assistance on Turkish Airlines may not require you to pay charges. But you will have to keep certain things in mind.
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Remind the airline at least 48 hours before departure - A reminder will alert the airline.
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Keep the manufacturer’s manual of the wheelchair - A wheelchair may have been customized for you. You must have the manual so that the airline crew doesn’t face issues while preparing it for checking.
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Arrive 2 hours before domestic departure and 3 hours before international departure - Early arrival will give adequate time to the airline to prepare the wheelchair for safe checking.
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Seat assignment - You may not be able to select the seat online. The airline reserves a window seat for passengers needing special assistance. You can change to any other seat at the check-in counter.
Should I Call Turkish Airlines for a Wheelchair?
The airline will offer you a wheelchair if you have requested it at the time of booking. However, calling Turkish Airlines special assistance number up to 48 hours before departure will confirm the special assistance you need. Especially, if there are changes in the nature of request. Not calling this number doesn’t guarantee Turkish Airlines wheelchair. Customer resolution officials may be called if you have a flight to or from US. In case of any complaint, you can send a mail to consumer protection division of US Department of Transportation. To avoid any inconvenience, you must keep in mind a few things.
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If you are not well, get a medical recommendation stating that there is no risk with air travel. - The medical report must be issued a maximum of 10 days before departure.
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Inform the airline if you need an oxygen tank - A prior information up to 48 hours before departure along with a medical certificate is mandatory.
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Guide dogs on board - If you need a guide dog, you must have the relevant documents including health certificates, identification documents and vaccination papers. Request must be made up to 48 hours before departure.
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Make a call when you arrive at the airport terminal - Turkish Airlines staff will approach you to help.
Turkish Airlines assists you with reaching the check-in counter and from there to the gate entrance. On arrival at the destination, you may be given an attendant till the time you get customs clearance. For details or assistance, feel free to visit or contact HolidayGlobes.