Basic information for PRM's

As a Person with Reduced Mobility (PRM) you should be able to enjoy opportunities to travel by air. Most services you will need will be provided free of charge, e.g. assistance with boarding the aircraft. But it is worth making sure, when booking, that there will be no charges made.

To ensure all goes smoothly and your journey is as stress free and comfortable as possible there are some simple ”points to follow”:

  1. Make sure you have all the information you need before finalising your travel plans.
  2. Be realistic about your own needs, particularly if you cannot walk long distances without help. The distances between the check in desks and the departure gates can be very long.
  3. Identify the airline or tour company best able to meet those needs.
  4. Contact them to make sure they know, understand and can meet your particular needs.
  5. Help will not automatically be available ”on demand”. Pre-booking assistance is the best approach.
  6. The staff does not necessarily know the best way to lift or transfer you – if they don’t ask, tell them!

The airport and airline also have responsibilities to you as a passenger. You must all play your part if the journey is to be as comfortable as stress free as possible.

Under international agreements compensation for lost or damaged personal baggage (which includes mobility equipment) will be calculated on the basis of the weight of the item(s), not their value. Before you travel you should make sure your travel insurance provides cover for your mobility equipment. You may need to take out our additional cover.

Getting the information you need

Assistance

There may be specialist organisations in your country which can advise you on the services offered by various airports and airlines. They will generally be well experienced in dealing with PRMs and can offer informed advice on the services available. Some may also be able to make your travel arrangements directly.

Alternatively, you may want to use a particular travel agency or booking agent. It is vital when you make your booking that you tell the agent about your particular travel needs so that they can be recorded as part of your booking. And you will need to check that they have recorded all the information accurately.

Your needs

Airlines use an international recognised coding system to identify the level of assistance they will need to provide to particular PRMs. Airline codes

The questions the agent (or through them, the airline) asks may seem intrusive, but they are necessary to ensure that you receive the type of service you need. The following are some examples of the questions you might be asked:

  1. What type of disability do you have?
  2. Are you able to walk through the airport terminal to the aircraft, or will you require a wheelchair/buggy?
  3. If you require a wheelchair will you be using your own chair?
  4. Is the chair collapsible or power operated? *)
  5. Do you need the airline to provide someone to push you in your wheelchair?
  6. Are you able to walk up and down aircraft steps, or will you require assistance boarding and disembarking?
  7. Can you transfer from a wheelchair unaided?
  8. Are you able to walk about inside the aircraft, or will you need to use an on board wheelchair?
  9. Do you need to know if the airline can provide a toilet that is accessible to the onboard wheelchair?
  10. What assistance will you need, if any, during the flight. If so please specify. The airline cannot assist with feeding, lifting, communicating, medicating and toileting. If you need help with those you will need to be accompanied.
  11. What type of seat suits you best?
  12. Are you taking any medical equipment?
  13. Are you asthmatic or do you have other breathing difficulties?
  14. If you also have a serious medical condition, you must contact the airline and it may be necessary to provide a ”Fitness to fly” certificate. You may be asked at the airport to confirm your fitness to fly.

*) If the airline doesn’t ask for this information, you should tell them anyway. They will need to know what type of battery is fitted to the wheelchair if they are to provide safe carriage. You should also be advised to remove the ”control box” from the wheelchair and carry it in your hand luggage to avoid any risk of it being lost or damaged.