Icelandair Wheelchair Assistance

Traveling with a wheelchair involves dependable support, and Icelandair is fully committed to supporting you every step of the way. Icelandair’s wheelchair assistance program is thoughtfully designed to provide safety, comfort, and convenience throughout your journey. Their team ensures that all necessary accommodations are in place, such as pre-boarding assistance, help with transfers, and attentive support at arrival and departure points. Moreover, their trained staff is ready to assist you with professionalism and care from the moment you enter the airport. Icelandair values accessibility and aims to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free. Count on them to help you reach your destination with confidence and comfort.

What to Know About Icelandair Wheelchair Assistance:

If you wish to enjoy a smooth journey, use the Icelandair wheelchair assistance contact number to call them at least 48 hours before departure to request wheelchair assistance.  This can be done through their website’s “Manage booking” feature or during the booking process. Describe your requirements, including whether you plan to use your wheelchair, its kind and size, and the degree of help you will need both at the airport as well as during the journey. There is no cost for this service. Icelandair assists with check-in to boarding, and disembarking to make travel comfortable for travelers who have reduced mobility.

How to Request Icelandair’s Wheelchair Assistance Service?

If you wish to avail of Icelandair’s wheelchair assistance service, here is how you should do the same.

Booking Directly with Icelandair:

You can easily request Icelandair wheelchair assistance when making a direct reservation with Icelandair, either at the time of booking or later using the airline’s useful Manage Booking page. This guarantees that travelers with disabilities get the assistance they require for a more effortless, enjoyable trip, catered to their specific requirements.

Booking Through a Third Party:

If your reservation was made through a travel agency or another third-party platform, you must complete a dedicated request form. This ensures the airline is informed and can coordinate any special assistance or accommodations you may need during your journey, helping to avoid delays or misunderstandings.

• Levels of Wheelchair Assistance in Icelandiar

Icelandair offers three levels, tailored to meet passengers’ unique travel requirements and ensure personalized assistance throughout.

• Assistance in Terminal:

This service supports passengers who are independently mobile on the aircraft but require help within the airport terminal. It includes help finding gates, passing through security, checking in, and navigating any long walking distances. It is a perfect option for those who can manage stairs but need help getting through the terminal efficiently.

• Assistance at Steps:

This service is for passengers who can move within the aircraft but need help with both terminal navigation and boarding stairs. Assistance includes support at the airplane stairs as well as assistance with check-in, security, and getting to the gate. It is especially useful in airports without jet bridges.

• Assistance to Seat:

Passengers who require complete support and often use wheelchairs are eligible for this comprehensive assistance. It involves assistance from the time of check-in until they arrive at their designated seat on board, often using an aisle chair. For passengers with severe mobility impairments, this guarantees a smooth and dignified boarding experience.

These services offer assistance with airport check-in, navigating security, boarding the aircraft, and disembarking after landing. However, they do not include help with personal care tasks such as eating or using the restroom.

A Guide to Icelandair’s Mobility Assistance Service at the Airport and Onboard

Here is what one needing mobility assistance services may expect at the airport and even onboard. 

• Check-In and Airport Services:

Here is how one with mobility issues will get help at the airport and even onboard upon opting for assistance with Icelandiar

• Arrive Early:

To ensure smooth boarding, arrive at least 2 hours early for international flights or 45 minutes early for domestic departures, allowing time for check-in and security.

• Priority Check-in:

Make use of priority check-in services to avoid long lines, enjoy a quicker airport experience, and move efficiently through check-in and baggage drop processes.

• Mobility Aid:

Use your personal mobility device or request an airport-provided wheelchair for convenience, especially if you require assistance navigating long airport corridors or reaching your gate easily.

• Inform Staff Upon Arrival:

Upon reaching the airport, notify airline staff at check-in or at the designated Icelandair’s special assistance meeting point, such as the one near the bag-drop area at Keflavík Airport, to ensure timely support and a smooth travel experience.

• Boarding & In-Flight Services:

If you need assistance with boarding, here is what to keep in mind: 

• Pre-Boarding Arrival Time:

If you need pre-boarding assistance, you should arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes before departure. This ensures a smooth boarding process and allows staff sufficient time to accommodate any special requirements or mobility support needs.

• Ambulift Vehicle Assistance:

For airports lacking jet bridges and offering stair-only access, an ambulift vehicle is provided. This specially equipped vehicle safely lifts passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring a comfortable and secure boarding or deplaning experience without using stairs.

• Cabin crew can assist with:

• Stowing carry-ons
  
• Opening food packaging
  
• Moving to the lavatories
  
• Using the onboard wheelchair (available only on Europe and North America routes)

For tasks such as taking medication or using the lavatory during travel, having a personal care assistant is strongly recommended to ensure comfort, safety, and timely assistance throughout the journey.

• Essential Information for Traveling with Mobility Aids:

Here is some important information to consider if you have mobility aids with you on an Icelandair flight. 

• Crutches and canes: 

According to Icelandair’s wheelchair assistance, passengers are allowed to use crutches and canes within the airplane cabin. Since they count as necessary medical gadgets, these mobility aids are exempt from the usual carry-on baggage restrictions.

• Walkers: 

During boarding and commuting across the airport, passengers are permitted to use walkers. Staff will verify the walker for cargo hold transportation at the aircraft door and return it after the aircraft has landed.

• Battery-powered assistance: 

Battery-operated mobility equipment, such electric wheelchairs and scooters, is allowed. Passengers have to comply with airline safety rules, which include those related to battery type, terminal disconnections, and advance notice.

• Dry-cell and lithium-ion batteries are allowed (max 300 Wh for one spare or two spares at 160 Wh each).
  
• Wet-cell batteries must be shipped via Icelandair Cargo.
  
• Include battery specs, size, and weight in your request form.
• Wheelchair Size Limits by Aircraft:

A321LR: 119 x 177

B737 MAX: 84 x 122

B757: 114 x 140

B767: 340 x 175

DH8-200: 152 x 127

DH8-400: 150 x 130

• Icelandair Wheelchair Assistance Upon Arrival

Here is how you will be helped by Icelandair’s wheelchair assistance upon arrival. 

• Before landing, the cabin crew will personally review your accessibility needs to ensure all required assistance is arranged and ready upon arrival for your comfort.
• If you want a wheelchair to be delivered to the aircraft door, let the crew know in advance so that ground personnel can prioritize and get it ready for prompt delivery.
• Depending on airport procedures and the effectiveness of baggage handling, it may take up to half an hour for your mobility aid to reach the gate after landing.
• Passengers who require assistance typically exit later than others, with assistance from qualified staff during the entire departure procedure, for your safety and to prevent crowding.
• Experienced airport staff will make it easy for you to handle carry-ons, access restrooms, get through immigration, get your luggage, and get to your next mode of transportation.

• In Case of Damage or Delay:

If your wheelchair or mobility equipment is damaged or delayed while traveling with Icelandair, it’s important to take immediate action. Visit Icelandair’s official website and complete a damage or delay report as soon as possible. Prompt reporting ensures faster assistance, proper documentation, and support in resolving the issue effectively.

Icelandair Special Assistance for Hidden Disabilities:

Every passenger, including those with apparent and hidden disabilities, will have an easy, enjoyable flight with Icelandair’s special assistance. During the entire process, Icelandair provides thoughtful changes, such as wheelchair assistance and hidden aid for passengers with autism, ADHD, dementia, or dyslexia.

• Support for Hidden Disabilities:

Icelandair’s involvement in the Hidden disabilities Sunflower program can help passengers with hidden disabilities. This international project employs a green lanyard embroidered with yellow sunflowers to communicate that the wearer may require extra time, understanding, or support. This lanyard is available at the departure hall check-in booths; registration is not required. It allows priority check-in and boarding with Icelandair, but it does not grant access to quicker security screening.

Icelandair’s main hub, Keflavík International Airport, is a certified Sunflower Airport. This suggests that airport employees have been instructed to spot the sunflower symbol and react to it tactfully and patiently. While domestic airports in Iceland are not currently part of the Sunflower program, Icelandair still offers assistance on all domestic flights.

• Booking and Check-In Process:

Passengers are asked to inform Icelandair of any special assistance needs at the time of booking or through the Manage Booking portal to guarantee that all essential arrangements are made. It is advised to get to the airport for international flights at least two hours before departure. Arrive at least 45 minutes early for domestic flights.

To start their journey more easily, travelers with hidden disabilities can request the sunflower lanyard and priority services at check-in.

• Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance:

Wheelchair assistance is available from Icelandair if you need assistance moving about the airport or aircraft. But this needs to be planned ahead of time. It is best to describe your specific needs when making your reservation because the lanyard does not automatically give assistance from check-in to the gate.

Icelandair also encourages passengers who need help with eating, drinking, communication, medication, using the lavatory, or moving within the cabin to travel with a personal care assistant, as cabin crew cannot assist in these areas.

• Boarding and In-Flight Support:

• Priority boarding is available to passengers wearing the sunflower lanyard, and for an easy travel experience, Icelandair advises being to the gate at least forty-five minutes before to departure.

• Every Icelandair aircraft has a minimum of one accessible restroom with support handles. Although some assistance duties, like as lifting or personal care, need a traveling partner, flight attendants are prepared to help with general comfort and advice.

• Arrival and Disembarkation:

You can choose to depart later than other passengers when you arrive, which will allow for a more relaxed departure. At your destination, the sunflower lanyard still serves as a discreet signal to airport employees, guaranteeing ongoing assistance with baggage claim and airport navigation.

Icelandair’s Medical Support Services:

Here is what to keep in mind about Icelandair’s medical support services: 

• Traveling with a CPAP Machine:

Icelandair permits CPAP machines onboard as an additional item, separate from your carry-on allowance. To bring a CPAP machine, you must provide the device’s make and model to the Service Center at least two business days before the flight. For battery-powered units, only two spare lithium-ion batteries (between 100 Wh and 160 Wh) are allowed per passenger, and they must be carried in the cabin and safely stored to prevent damage or short-circuiting. Note that not all Economy seats have power outlets, so external battery options may be necessary.

• Medication Guidelines:

Medications should be packed in carry-on luggage and within size limitations. Icelandair recommends carrying a doctor’s note to avoid any issues at security checkpoints. While the airline does not offer refrigeration on board, passengers may request ice if needed to help preserve temperature-sensitive medicines.

• Severe Allergies:

Although Icelandair strives to support travelers with allergies, it cannot ensure an allergen-free environment. Therefore, passengers with severe allergies, especially those at risk of anaphylaxis, should bring an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) and any essential medications.

If you have a severe peanut allergy, in such cases, you may apply for special assistance services in the Manage Booking tab when you make your reservations online. The crew will announce and request that the passengers refrain from using foods containing peanuts.

Whether you require mobility assistance or are managing a health condition, Icelandair encourages passengers to plan and communicate their needs early. This ensures the best possible care and comfort throughout the journey. However, Icelandair cannot guarantee that passengers won’t consume peanut-related products at all. So, there is a possibility that you may find traces of the nut on armrests, tray tables, cushions, and so on. However, if you have connecting flights, you must get in touch with the respective airlines to know of their peanut policy. 

Also Read: Ryanair Wheelchair Assistance

Iceladair’s Special Assistance Services For Those with Visual and Hearing Impairments 

If you have booked an Icelandair flight and have a visual or hearing impairment, you must request assistance while booking. You may call their customer service or even request by visiting the Manage Booking tab. If you have booked through third-party agents, filling out a request form is mandatory. 

In case you require assistance with drinking, eating, accessing the lavatory or even traveling across the cabin, you may have someone to assist you personally throughout your journey. 

You will get help in every phase of your journey from check-in to boarding and even upon reaching your destination (as mentioned already in the mobility assistance section). 

Conclusion:

From check-in to arrival, passengers with special requirements or reduced mobility flying with Icelandair will receive complete, helpful attention. Icelandair wheelchair assistance helps every passenger with organized services, attentive employees, and accessible programs like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. 

Whether you require assistance with equipment handling, in-flight assistance, or terminal navigation, Icelandair guarantees a relaxed and effortless travel experience. Their dedication to accessibility ensures that your trip will always be safe, comfortable, and mindful of your specific needs. You can rely on Icelandair to be your trustworthy flying companion if you plan and let the airline know what you need.

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