Lufthansa Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

Lufthansa is dedicated to providing an easy and comfortable journey for passengers with reduced mobility, including those who require wheelchair assistance to commute across the airport conveniently. To guarantee accessibility and convenience throughout the journey, the airline provides several specialist services. Professional staff are on hand to help with check-in, security checks, boarding, and departure as soon as you arrive at the airport. 

Additionally, Lufthansa offers onboard assistance, such as wheelchairs for the walkways and accessible restrooms on certain planes. To guarantee appropriate accommodations, passengers are advised to request help in advance, especially at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure. Lufthansa aims to provide passengers with hassle-free, pleasant, and safe journeys.

How to Book Wheelchair Assistance with Lufthansa?

Passengers who need wheelchair assistance should contact the airline at least 48 hours before travel to guarantee the best service available. The airline can make the required arrangements at the airport as well as during the journey with advance notice. Whether you purchase your ticket online, over the phone, or through a travel agency, you can ask for help at any point during the booking process.

You can register your wheelchair assistance requirements: 

• Online: Available in English and German

Using the airline’s official website, you can easily submit your support requests online. The online services are available in English and German, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for a wider range of international travelers. You need to fill out this form and you will get the assistance you need. 

• By Phone: Call 0800 – 83 84 267

You can call Lufthansa’s special assistance number at 0 800-83 84 267 to request special help. Please be aware that this call may connect to an outside service provider, whose policies can vary from those of the airline.

Seating Considerations For Those with Wheelchair Assistance 

You have the freedom to choose the seats that best fit your requirements and tastes with Lufthansa Flight. For passengers with mobility impairments in particular, the airline’s majority of planes include seats with adjustable armrests, which facilitate simpler access and increased comfort. 

However, safety rules, like those related to emergency exit rows, may impose certain seating limits. If you plan to travel with a personal seating device, such as a special support seat or restraint system, it’s essential to contact Lufthansa’s Medical Operation Center in advance. The device must undergo review and approval to ensure it complies with the airline’s safety standards.

Lufthansa permits you to bring up to two mobility aids, like a wheelchair or walker, at no extra cost. Depending on their size and the aircraft type, these aids may be stored in the cabin or the aircraft hold.

If you are bringing your own wheelchair, you will need to provide:

• Dimensions and weight
• Special features (e.g., foldable, non-foldable, or a sports model)
  

Keep in mind that smaller aircraft may have cargo door width limitations—the narrowest being 71 cm. A detailed list of door dimensions by aircraft type is available at Lufthansa’s official website.

Planning Your Trip with a Battery-Powered Wheelchair?

Battery-powered wheelchairs require additional safety checks before being accepted for travel. Passengers must:

• Fill out the registration form in PDF format:

The necessary PDF registration form can be downloaded from Lufthansa’s official website. To prevent delays or problems during the evaluation and approval process, carefully fill out all pertinent areas, including those about the passenger and the equipment.

• Send the filled-out form:

Send the completed form to specialcases@dlh.de as an email attachment after it has been checked for accuracy. To help Lufthansa handle your request quickly, be sure to include your flight information and use a clear subject line.

After receiving your submission, Lufthansa’s special assistance team will look into the device information given. They will assess whether it satisfies the onboard carriage safety requirements and standards set by the airline. They will send you an email with their verdict.

How Much Does It Cost to Avail a Wheelchair At Lufthansa?

Lufthansa does not charge for wheelchair assistance. To ensure availability, you need to request the service at least 48 hours before departure via the Lufthansa Service Center or your travel agent. Moreover, you need to provide details such as the type of assistance needed (e.g., help to the gate, to the seat, or with boarding).

More About Lufthansa’s Wheelchair Services:

Here are some more aspects you need to know regarding Lufthansa’s wheelchair services. 

Check-In Services

As per Lufthansa Special Assistance, you have several convenient options to check in:

• Online check-in: Available from 30 hours before departure via the airline’s website or app. You can download or print your boarding pass ahead of time.
  
• Automated check-in: If you opt in, your boarding pass is sent automatically in around 23 hours before your flight via SMS or email.
  
• Late night check-in: Some airports allow passengers to check in their baggage the evening before travel for a more relaxed departure day.
  
• Self-Service bag drop: If you’ve already checked in, use a self-service kiosk to drop off your baggage quickly and easily.

Special Assistance Services:

At the check-in counter, it’s helpful (though not mandatory) to inform staff about any pre-booked special assistance. This includes assistance with connecting flights, priority boarding, and a customized escort to and from the flight.

Notifying the staff of any medical conditions you may have (such as a pacemaker or reduced mobility) enables them to customize services to meet your needs.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance:

Airlines provide free wheelchair services upon request. If you’re traveling with your foldable wheelchair, it can be checked in at no extra charge. Let the airline know the type, size, and weight of your wheelchair at booking or afterward.

• Wheelchairs can be used up to the departure gate.
• They are tagged as “Delivery at aircraft” to ensure convenient loading and return at the aircraft door.
• Battery-powered wheelchairs must follow strict international safety regulations.

Onboard Services for Those with Wheelchairs or Reduced Mobility

Once onboard, Lufthansa special assistance’s cabin crew is ready to provide compassionate assistance. Although they are unable to lift or carry passengers, the flight attendants can assist you in the following ways:

• Boarding and Departing: Their staff will assist you with getting on and off the plane.
• Assistance with Carry-On: They will help you safely store your hand luggage.
• Toilet Access: They assist in getting to and from the onboard restrooms.

Every one of their long-haul flights has accessible restrooms. A plane’s aisle is usually narrower than regular pathways, and passengers should be informed that these restrooms are small. They supply a specifically made onboard wheelchair that fits in the aisle and can be utilized to visit the restroom to help with mobility while in flight.

Services at the Airport:

Once you arrive at your destination airport, here is how you will be helped: 

• Your personal wheelchair will be returned at the baggage claim area at the latest, or as soon as you depart from your destination. If the latter is true, a wheelchair provided by the airport will be used to transport you to baggage reclaim. While they strive for a smooth process, there might be a brief waiting period; in these situations, they kindly ask for your understanding.

• Please be aware that the following airports do not allow wheelchair returns directly at the time of departure: Addis Ababa, Asmara, Billund, Cagliari, Catania, Hanover, Nuremberg, Olbia, Palermo, Riyadh, Stuttgart, and Valencia. This is due to local regulations.

• Lufthansa has a special waiting lounge for travelers with longer stops in Frankfurt or Munich, and for your convenience and comfort, they will transport you there in a wheelchair.

• They advise anyone meeting you at your destination to get in touch with the Lufthansa airport ticket team before the arrival of your flight to facilitate easy coordination. Your greeter might be permitted to meet you at the baggage claim area in certain airports.

What Guidelines Does Lufthansa Have for Battery-Powered Wheelchair Guidelines?

If you are traveling with a battery-powered wheelchair, here are the guidelines to follow: 

Non-Spillable Dry or Gel-Type Batteries:

• Allowed as checked baggage.
• Terminals must be protected to prevent short circuits.
• If removable, batteries must be packed separately in secure packaging.
  

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

• Must be approved by the airline.
• Batteries must meet UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3.
• Removable batteries may be taken in carry-on luggage:
  
  • Max: one battery (up to 300 Wh) or two (up to 160 Wh each).
  • Must be in protective packaging.
    

Wet Batteries:

• Must be disconnected and secured.
• Transported upright or removed and sent as cargo.

Lufthansa’s Special Assistance Services for Passengers with Sensory Impairments? 

Beyond their wheelchair assistance services, Lufthansa has a lot more to provide to passengers with cognitive challenges, or even hearing and visual impairments. 

From booking to arrival, Lufthansa’s committed services guarantee that passengers with cognitive disability or hearing or vision impairments receive careful assistance. It is suggested that passengers call, speak with a travel agent, or make an online reservation at least 48 hours before departure to request help. 

When safety permits, Lufthansa offers accessible seating options and free mobility assistance transportation. 

Special Assistance to Those with Hearing Impairments:

Here are things to note:

• Travelers with hearing impairment will be briefed separately in the case of announcements about flight delays, schedule changes, or anything else of immense importance. 
• The Lufthansa staff will take extra initiatives to brief them separately about the safety instructions.
• For in-flight entertainment, films will have English and German subtitles. 
• If you have a connecting flight or need help commuting across the airport upon reaching your destination, Lufthansa’s helpful staff will do their utmost to assist you with the same. They will even go a step further and take care of you till you board the connecting flight. 
• If you have long stopovers at Munich or Frankfurt airports, you will be escorted to the waiting lounges set up by Lufthansa staff. 

Special Assistance to Those with Visual Impairments:

Here is how Lufthansa helps those with visual impairments: 

• They will be briefed separately about flight delays or important announcements made on flights.
• Lufthansa staff will escort them at the airport. 
• They will get safety briefings individually
• The food arrangement on the meal tray will be explained
• You will be helped if you have to change your flights or have a connecting flight. You can wait at Lufthansa’s lounge in case of long stopovers at Munich and Frankfurt airports. 

Does Lufthansa Allow Cognitively Impaired Passengers On Board?

Lufthansa allows passengers with cognitive impairment on board. However, there are certain things to note in this regard.

• Those with cognitive challenges may have difficulty in traveling across the long and complicated routes, mainly in the case of international airports. The police, customs, and security checkpoints may at times heighten their anxiety, and stress.
• Passengers with certain conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease, might find it difficult to listen to the crew’s instructions on board. It could even be that they may have trouble finding their way out of the airport buildings after they get to their destination airport, especially if they are unsupervised. 

That is why it is recommended that passengers with cognitive disabilities, particularly those who have trouble managing on their own, have someone to accompany them in their travel. 

Lufthansa’s Assistance Dog Service:

Lufthansa allows assistance dogs to travel for free, provided they fulfil the conditions needed for a hassle-free travel. 

• If your assistance dog meets specific standards, you are allowed to carry it on any Lufthansa flight for free. Assistance dogs are instructed specifically to carry out duties for people with cognitive, mental, sensory, or visual impairments. 

• The dog must be toilet-trained or only hygienically relieve itself, and it must act properly in public—no jumping, growling, or barking. If the dog misbehaves, it may be refused carriage altogether or put in the cargo hold at an additional expense.

• Your dog must remain on the floor in the footwell of your seat while you are on board, and they must be fastened to your seatbelt with a harness (which is preferable to a collar). Canines are not permitted on seats. For safety, you should bring a muzzle, which might be necessary, particularly if your dog poses a risk to other passengers onboard. 

• You must register your assistance dog online, by email, through the Lufthansa Customer Service Center, or with your travel agency to bring it on a flight. Veterinary records, proof of training (apart from U.S. routes), and filled-out applications are among the necessary paperwork. 

• Bring all necessary paperwork and be at check-in at least two hours early on the day of departure. Keep in mind that flights to and from the US may be subject to different regulations. There is a comprehensive checklist for getting ready.

Lufthansa Special Assistance for Elderly Passengers:

Booking a flight with Lufthansa means more than just getting to your destination; it also means doing so comfortably, easily, and with the assistance you require at every turn, especially for elderly travelers.

Digital Travel Companion:

The Lufthansa app is a valuable tool for older travelers. With it, you can:

• Check in up to 30 hours before departure
• Stay updated on gate changes and delays
• Access boarding passes directly on your smartphone
  

It’s available via the App Store and Google Play, or by scanning a QR code on the Lufthansa website.

Advance Seat Reservations:

Prefer an aisle seat or one closer to the front? Lufthansa allows you to reserve your seat in advance for a small fee when booking. You can also reserve or change seats later via My Bookings—up to two hours before departure.

Late-Night Check-In:

Older passengers appreciate the late-night check-in option at select airports. You can check in online around 30 hours before your flight’s departure and drop off your luggage the evening before your flight, up to 23 hours before departure. This makes the day of travel less hectic, allowing you to go straight to security and relax before boarding. However, this service is not available for flights from North America (Mexico, the United States, and Canada) due to security policies.

Lounge Access for Relaxation:

Passengers flying in First or Business Class—or with Miles & More status—can enjoy Lufthansa Lounges, offering:

• Quiet environments
• Complimentary meals and drinks
• Showers for refreshment

Just choose your lounge based on travel class or frequent flyer status.

Accessible Travel Services:

Lufthansa offers free assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility or sensory impairments. To ensure availability, it’s important to book these services at least 48 hours before departure.

Services include:

• Wheelchair support
• Accompaniment to and from the aircraft
• Special accommodations for cognitive, visual, or hearing impairment.

The Lufthansa Medical Operation Centre (MOC) and Medical Desk in the USA are available to assist with additional needs or questions.

Dining Onboard:

Lufthansa offers complimentary meals across all travel classes, with high-quality options that cater to different tastes and dietary needs:

• First & Business Class: Gourmet meals on fine china, paired with award-winning wines
  
• Premium Economy: Welcome drinks and refined meals
  
• Economy: Varied menus and snack options depending on route length
  

Special meals—vegetarian, allergy-friendly, religious, and children’s options—can be pre-ordered.

Need More Assistance? Get Help From Lufthansa Contact Service:

If you need help with a booking, have questions about mobility services, or are seeking specific contact information, Lufthansa’s here to support you.

First, visit the official website and find your booking:
Enter your booking details to access personalized support.

Step 1: Booking Details
Please provide the following:

• Booking Code – A 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., ABCD12)
  
• First Name
  
• Last Name
  

Step 2: Select a Topic
Choose the topic you need help with. For example:

• Mobility Assistance at the Airport
  Need help getting around at the airport? We’re ready to assist.
  

Step 3: View Help Options
Based on your booking and selected topic, we’ll offer tailored contact details and solutions.

If you need help with a different topic, you can change your selection anytime to find the most relevant support.

When Is A Travel Companion Needed? 

A passenger is advised to travel with a companion if: 

• If they are incapable of assisting themselves during evacuation. 
• If they aren’t able to communicate with the flight attendants properly when it comes to safety instructions. 
• If they cannot follow the demonstration for safety instructions.

What Services Lufthansa Cannot Provide? 

Though Lufthansa staff do their best to help passengers to their utmost to make them feel comfortable and at home. Yet, they have limitations. Here are things that they won’t be able to do:

• They won’t be able to assist passengers inside the restrooms.
• They can’t carry passengers or assist them with meals. 
• They cannot supervise or administer passengers when they have medicines. 

What is Lufthansa’s Doctor On Board Program? 

When there is a medical emergency on board, Lufthansa has doctors participating in their Doctor On Board program to help. To thank the doctors for their assistance, Lufthansa will award the doctors 5,000 Miles & More on the next fight they avail. 

Lufthansa’s Medical Travel Companion Services 

Lufthansa’s “Medical Travel Companions” is designed to give travelers the option of having a medical professional to accompany them and ensure they have a hassle-free journey. There is a charge to avail of this service. Here are the services that you will be provided:

• Supported by a medical professional like a paramedic, doctor, or nurse.
• They will assist you throughout your journey.
• They’ll not just be your travel companion. You will get assistance regarding taking medicines or even managing wounds if the need arises. 

You can book the services by visiting Lufthansa’s official website. 

Conclusion:

Traveling with a wheelchair on Lufthansa is designed to be seamless, safe, and dignified. The airline guarantees that those with limited mobility receive personalized and attentive help at every stage, with expert support from booking to arrival. Lufthansa maintains its commitment to diverse flight travel by offering accessible check-in choices, wheelchair services onboard, and the free provision of mobility aids. Travelers can have a more seamless experience if they prepare ahead, especially if they advise the airline at least 48 hours before departure. Lufthansa truly makes air travel simpler for everyone with its highly qualified staff, committed facilities, and thoughtful services.

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