Reduced mobility and air tavel

[MumbleAlwaysMumble]

Anyone that could help me make sense of what is and isn't available at the airport?

For the first time, I'm thinking of asking for support when at the airport. I keep hearing about the very long queues to go through security and passport control and there is no way I can stand for 1/2h or 1h waiting to get through (and yes I know some waits have been even longer than that)

How do you get on getting that help?
I tried the airport but you just can't talk to anyone. The airline isn't much more helpful....

Airport assistance is very helpful but does need to be booked in advance. I've always found that if you scour the airline website you will find somewhere to do this. Passenger service perhaps? There is usually a telephone number just quite well hidden. Which airline is it?

I don't know how you make contact these days but when I used airport assistance a few years ago (for my partner), we had access to a wheelchair (and person to push it) and the motorized in-airport vehicle. It was all incredibly helpful in bypassing standing around, walking and sometimes queuing. If you need help, do ask for this.

When you request your assistance, you get asked what you need. You should just be bale to request a wheelchair.

I've never, even when it's been busy, had to wait that long when going through security.

I ticked a box when buying my tickets as it asked if I needed it. I also googled the airport and special assistance and found a telephone number just to confirm it. It was incredibly helpful but at one airport recently the wait for special assistance was around 1.5 hours! 🙈

Thank oyu.

I've tried to contact the airport but I can't find a telephone number for it. I'll have a look again. I filled a contact us box but haven't had any answer either.

I am flying with KLM. The guy i had a 'chat with' (online) said he had added it to my ticket but can't find anything obvious on the website so unsure of how they will know!

@TigerRag I know what you mean aboyt waiting. I flew back in May and I havent had any issue. But I used a very small airport from the UK that time.
I'm flying from Leeds this time and they airport website asks people to arrive at least 3 hours before their flight because of the delay going through security

www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/help/special-assistance

It's all on here. There is an email too [email protected]

@MumbleAlwaysMumble

The e-mail address above reminds me that if you are doing a web search (e.g. looking facilities at an airport/with an airline) sticking the initials PRM in the search might trigger results if other keywords fail: Passengers with Restricted Mobility (PRM) is the standard industry terms for some of those needing assistance on their journey.

Good Luck, hope you get something sorted out to your satisfaction.

Thank you all.

i had found the page from the airport but didnt get an answer for ages from my email! And then they basically copied and paste the webpage 🙄🙄

Tried many ways to contact the airline until I struck gold with their online chat service. The guy added I will need a wheelchair to the ticket so hopefully that will do the trick.
Atm the airport is saying you need to arrive 3 hours before instead of 2. Well probably arrive a bit earlier than that just in case.

When you go to the airport, go to the special assistance area which will be signposted. They will ask you if you have registered and they will arrange the transport through the airport. You should be able to take one person with you.

With easyjet you can just add it when you book your ticket.

Its quite easy when you get there

when we needed this with a friend we went straight to the “passenger assistance” area when we arrived (ie pre departures queues) and spoke to them who sorted everything out.

I’ve been having special assistance at the airport for a number of years now. I’ve started taking my own wheelchair with me wherever we travel to, though, because it makes it easier for day trips etc. However, you do need to request special assistance through your airline at least 48hrs before you travel.

Have you got Twitter or Facebook? Try messaging KLM on there, they may be able to give you a contact phone number.

I travel with my sister. I'm physically disabled and need wheel chair assistance and her two kids have additional needs. We just tick the box as we book and then it's really easy. Never had a single problem.

Generally you can book assistance online with airlines. It varies depending on the airport and they are very busy (do arrive very early) but you will be taken from check in to the gate.