Virgin Australia Wheelchair Assistance

Passengers with disabilities need complete support and care for hassle-free travel. Virgin Australia is dedicated to offering a comfortable and easy journey for those who need special assistance or a wheelchair. The airline provides plenty of services that are intended to offer personal assistance from check-in to arrival, since it understands that every passenger has different demands. Mobility support, in-flight assistance, priority boarding, and terminal navigation are some of these services. 

Throughout the trip, Virgin Australia’s wheelchair assistance team ensures convenience and safety. Their careful approach to accessibility, which aims to remove obstacles and make flying a pleasant experience for all passengers, regardless of physical or medical needs, shows their dedication to diversity. Let’s look into Virgin Australia’s wheelchair and special assistance services in depth. 

How to Book Virgin Australia’s Wheelchair Assistance Services?

If you need wheelchair assistance for your upcoming flight, you must notify Virgin Australia as early as possible. 

For those not traveling within the next 24 hours, it’s best to book online through the Virgin Australia Website and submit the Specific Service Assistance Request form, which allows you to clearly outline your mobility support requirements. 

This helps the airline make the necessary arrangements in advance. However, if your flight is scheduled within the next 24 hours, it’s important to contact the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre directly. This eliminates the possibility of service delays or even denial due to unexpected operational limitations and guarantees that your support needs are appropriately managed promptly. A more comfortable and perfect travel experience is guaranteed with early communication.

Key Information Required to Avail of Virgin Australia’s Special Assistance Services

To facilitate smooth support, Virgin Australia requires specific details at the time of booking:

• Whether you’re traveling alone or with a Safety Assistant or Carer (meeting the Independent Travel Criteria is required to travel solo)
  
• Your ability to self-transfer between wheelchairs and aircraft seats
  
• Any medical assistance needed during the journey
  
• The type and specifications of your mobility aid, including:
  
  • Battery type (for electric devices)
    
  • Whether the device is collapsible
    
  • Dimensions (height, width, length) and weight when disassembled.

Passengers over 130kg who require transfers must travel with a Safety Assistant due to Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Virgin Australia Wheelchair Assistance Options:

Virgin Australia supports a wide range of mobility requirements. You can request Virgin Australia’s wheelchair assistance in the following scenarios:

• Unable to walk long distances, but can use stairs and walk to their seat
  
• Unable to walk long distances, use stairs, or walk to their seat
• Completely immobile and may not be able to self-transfer or negotiate stairs or distances
• Requires a wheelchair onboard the aircraft
  

Additionally, the airline accommodates passengers traveling with their own mobility devices, including:

• Manual wheelchairs
  
• Electric wheelchairs powered by non-spillable (Gel or Sealed Lead Acid) batteries
  
• Electric wheelchairs powered by lithium-ion batteries
  
• Other mobility devices such as walkers, Zimmer frames, or knee scooters

Pre-Travel Preparation and Notification:

Virgin Australia advises informing the airline of any special mobility needs as soon as possible, preferably at the time of booking, to guarantee you get the most beneficial assistance. Additionally, you should call the Virgin Australia wheelchair assistance number (13 67 89) at least 72 hours before your flight if you need special treatment or if your mobility device goes beyond the allowed limitations.

What are the Accepted Mobility Devices By Virgin Australia?

A variety of personal mobility aids are accepted by Virgin Australia, including:

• Manual and motorised wheelchairs
  
• 2, 3, and 4-wheeled walking frames
  
• Knee scooters
  
• Zimmer frames

You may use your devices up to the aircraft door, subject to safety and space limitations. Devices can also be checked in if preferred.

Explain Size and Weight Restrictions On Virgin Australia Flights:

Every aircraft in Virgin Australia’s fleet has specific weight and size restrictions for mobility aids. This is an overview of their Maximum Weight and Dimensions Table:

Aircraft	Max Height	Max Width	Max Length	Max Weight
A320, B737, E190, Saab 340B	84cm	100cm	125cm	120kg (80kg for A320)
F70, F100	65cm	100cm	125cm	80kg

If your device exceeds these dimensions or weight, contact the Guest Contact Centre to discuss alternatives, such as using a manual wheelchair that complies with restrictions.

Facilities at the Airport:

Virgin Australia wheelchair assistance provides a range of equipment and support services at the airport:

• Wheelchairs for boarding and disembarking in the airplane aisle
• Wheelchairs with manual power
• Wheelchairs with motors that are operated by professionals
• Sheets and slide boards for secure transfer
• At certain airports, Eagle lifts and transfer slings

These devices make it easier to move between wheelchairs and airplane seats. You must travel with a carer if you weigh more than 130 kg and require assistance with transfers. Wheelchairs can be picked up curbside, but they need to be scheduled in advance. Travelers should have a companion who can alert the personnel when they arrive.

Check-in Guidelines for Virgin Australia’s Wheelchair Assistance:

To allow sufficient time for assistance:

• Domestic flights: Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure
  
• International flights: Arrive at least 2 hours prior

Overview of Manual and Battery-Powered Mobility Aids:

Manual Wheelchairs are available for usage or check-in up until the boarding gate. They might be returned at the arrival gate if they are taken through security. If not, the baggage claim is where the collection will take place.

Devices that run on batteries have to adhere to dangerous goods laws.

• AGM, gel, and sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries are among the authorized battery types.
• Dry batteries, such as NiMH and NiCad
• The United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria must be followed by lithium-ion batteries.

Upon check-in, every gadget is visually examined. Batteries that are removed for transportation need to be safely packed and shielded from short-circuiting. Carry-on luggage is allowed to contain spare lithium-ion batteries (up to 300 Wh for one or 160 Wh for two).

Upper Torso Harnesses & Support Devices As Provided by Virgin Australia:

For passengers who require further assistance, Virgin Australia offers upper torso harnesses. These are appropriate for adults and children under 122 cm in height who are older than two. There are just a few seats available for the harness (no more than two per aircraft).

Pre-approved support devices are also permitted. These need to be utilized in compliance with safety regulations and licensed for use in aircraft. For further information, see Virgin Australia’s Pre-Approved Support Devices List.

Onboard Wheelchair Use On Virgin Australia Flights:

Every Virgin Australia aircraft has a wheelchair on board, enabling passengers to use the restroom and move about the cabin. Although they are unable to assist with real toileting or transfers within the restroom, cabin staff can help passengers get to and from the airplane seat and toilet door. Any individual who requires complete Virgin Australia wheelchair assistance must travel with a carer.

Arrival and Post-Flight Assistance:

Upon arrival, you can request the return of your personal manual wheelchair (if security protocols allow) or receive assistance with Virgin Australia-provided wheelchairs. Support is also available for:

• Transfers to connecting flights or terminals
  
• Guidance to taxi ranks, bus stops, or drop-off zones
  
• Baggage collection assistance
  

Manual mobility aids taken through security screening can be returned at the gate. Otherwise, collection occurs at the baggage carousel.

Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Travel Form:

Virgin Australia suggests that passengers accurately fill out the Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Travel Information Form, which gives the ground staff vital information and speeds up the travel process. To help ensure safe and effective handling, attach this form to your equipment.

Important Points to Remember :

The potential of Virgin Australia to provide wheelchair assistance to passengers varies each flight and is determined by:

• Aircraft cargo space and configuration
  
• Accessibility and facilities at departure and arrival airports
  
• Number of guests already requesting assistance
  
• Nature and size of the wheelchair or mobility device
  
• Whether the passenger is accompanied
  
• Availability of alternative flights
  
• Compassionate or urgent travel reasons

When demand exceeds what a particular flight can safely accommodate, Virgin Australia will work with you to find a suitable alternative flight.

Additional Virgin Australia Special Assistance Services:

Virgin Australia offers additional special assistance services besides wheelchair assistance on its own flights and those operated by Link Airways and Alliance Airlines. From check-in to arrival, these services, which aim to provide comfort and accessibility, help travelers with specific needs or impairments, making their journey easier, more pleasant, and less stressful.

• Mobility Assistance:

Virgin Australia offers dedicated mobility assistance to passengers with limited mobility, ensuring comfort and ease throughout their journey. From check-in to boarding and upon arrival, trained staff are available to provide the necessary support. To facilitate a smooth and stress-free travel experience, the airline strongly recommends that guests notify them in advance of any mobility needs. Early notification allows the team to make proper arrangements and deliver personalized care tailored to each passenger’s specific requirements.

• Hidden Disabilities Support:

Virgin Australia’s special assistance is devoted to providing discreet and thoughtful service to travelers with hidden disabilities. Since not all disabilities are obvious, the airline encourages passengers to disclose their specific needs before departure to guarantee specific support during their journey. Employees receive instruction to provide considerate service that upholds privacy and respect from the time of check-in until the moment of arrival. Virgin Australia strives to provide a welcoming travel environment where all travelers are made to feel secure, understood, and taken care of at every turn.

However, if you are unable to travel independently, you may even choose to travel with a carer to save yourself from any hassle or inconvenience. To seek special assistance while traveling, you may book online and fill out the specific service request form. You can even get in touch with the Guest contact service for additional assistance. 

• Special Meals for Dietary Needs:

Virgin Australia offers a range of customized meals on international long-haul flights to assist travelers with specific dietary or medical requirements. To ensure availability, they need to be requested in advance. Vegetarian, gluten-free, diabetic, and low-sodium meal options are available, guaranteeing comfort and adherence to dietary needs while in flight. However, you will not get these specialized services on domestic, as well as international, short-haul flights. 

• Medical Conditions:

In order to prioritize passenger safety, Virgin Australia requires medical clearance for specific diseases that may affect travel. Before taking a flight, travelers are advised to speak with their doctor, especially if their health could be impacted. The airline makes certain that the appropriate safety and comfort measures are in place.

You will need to provide medical clearance under the following circumstances: 

• Require oxygen during your journey
• Are suffering from a medical condition where there is considerable doubt that you may safely complete the flight without needing any extraordinary medical assistance. 
• Are suffering from any communicable disease which may pose a threat to the safety and health of other passengers onboard

If you wish to notify Virgin Australia of your condition beforehand, you may submit the special request form online or get in touch with their Guest Contact Centre. In case you are not in the best of your health, during boarding the flight, like, you may be vomiting or suffering from medical distress. In such cases, you may not be allowed to board the flight until medical clearance has been presented. 

Passengers Carrying Medical Sharps Onboard

Passengers carrying medical sharps needn’t notify in advance, unless they suffer from any life-threatening allergies. If you have diabetes or any other medical condition where medical sharps must be used, in such cases, you should be capable of administering the medication on your own. If not, then traveling with a carer is advisable. You can only carry empty syringes in your handbag if you have the medication needed to be used onboard. 

Documentation Required for Passengers Travelling with Medical Sharps

Here are the documents that you need to carry:

• A qualified medical practitioner should issue a letter stating your medical conditions; there is no validity required for this letter; you may use the same letter regardless of the travel date
• You should also have a National Diabetes Scheme card, which Diabetes Australia issues, confirming your diagnosis of diabetes. International travelers must carry a diabetes identification card recognized internationally. A wrist tag will also do. 
• Travelers must also have a prescription bearing the patient’s name, the medication’s name, and even the medical practitioner’s contact information. 

You are allowed to take medical scissors along, only if the ends are round or blunt, with the blades being less than six centimetres in length. 

If you need to keep your medication chilled, then you must seek your pharmacist’s advice. You must provide a suitable container with dry ice or ice within. You must note that the staff will not take responsibility to care for or store your medication at the airport or even onboard. 

Also Read: Icelandair Wheelchair Assistance

Rules for Passengers with Anaphylaxis

If you suffer from severe allergies, you must present the following documentation:

• Medical clearance request form filled out properly
• A medical practitioner’s letter 

OR

• A management plan that your medical practitioner has signed

Virgin Australia doesn’t guarantee an environment free from allergens. Food served onboard could contain nut traces or even other allergens. So, guests with severe allergies that might even be life-threatening have to take proper precautions before traveling. 

Long-standing medical clearance 

Passengers with chronic conditions that are medically stable and can be managed by specialists have to submit a long-standing medical clearance. Those who have been issued a long-standing medical clearance must report to Virgin Australia via their guest contact center at least 48 hours before the flight’s departure time. This way, they may save themselves from the hassles of travel. 

• Meet and Assist with Baggage:

For passengers who require assistance with cabin baggage, Virgin Australia offers a Meet and Assist service. Devoted staff offer one-on-one assistance from check-in to boarding, guaranteeing an easy and stress-free travel experience. Those needing additional assistance, particularly elderly people or those with limited mobility, can benefit most from this service. This service is also apt for parents travelling with several young children, or even those guests who don’t speak English and require help. 

• Flying While Pregnant:

Virgin Australia welcomes expectant mothers on board when they are flying while pregnant. As per Virgin Australia’s special assistance, pregnant passengers are advised to speak with their doctor before taking a flight, nevertheless. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, the airline’s policies and travel limitations may change, so it is critical to verify the most recent instructions and bring any necessary medical papers for a stress-free and safe journey. 

Women who are in the 28th week of their pregnancy or more than that need a letter from their midwife or doctor that should be no earlier than ten days before their date of travel. 

For flights more than four hours, women are allowed to travel up to the 36th week for single pregnancy, and 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies. For flights below four hours, passengers may travel till the 40th week for a single pregnancy, and up to the 36th week for multiple pregnancies. 

• Assistance Animals: 

Certified guide, hearing, and service animals are allowed to travel in the airplane cabin in Virgin Australia. All airline rules and documentation requirements must be met by these animals. To verify that their animal’s certification and behavior standards meet Virgin Australia’s requirements for in-cabin travel, passengers are encouraged to inform the airline in advance.

• Traveling with a Caregiver: 

Passengers who are unable to fulfill Virgin Australia’s independent travel requirements are required to travel with a competent carer. Throughout the journey, the caretaker must be able to help with movement, communication, and personal care. From boarding until disembarkation, this guarantees the passenger’s safety, comfort, and health throughout the journey.

• Blind or Deaf Travellers:

Passengers who are blind or deaf are encouraged by Virgin Australia’s special assistance team to inform the airline of their specific needs before their flight. A secure, comfortable, and smooth travel experience for all people with disabilities is ensured by the airline’s ability to organize tailored support, including assistance at the airport and onboard, due to this advance notice. 

You must also fill out the specific service request form and choose the appropriate options to help the Virgin Atlantic authorities understand your condition better. 

• Medical Travel Companions: 

Virgin Australia collaborates with Medical Travel Companions to provide additional care for passengers who need it while traveling. Qualified professionals are available through this program to give non-medical care, including general companionship, communication assistance, and mobility support. Throughout the entire journey, the companions provide passengers with comfort, assurance, and support.

• Nervous Flyer Program: 

This initiative from Virgin Australia helps travelers who are anxious or afraid of flying. The program, which is accessible on all Virgin flights, offers stress-reduction tools and trained personnel. To make nervous passengers feel more comfortable both before and during their journey, the airline aims to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Easy Access to Support Tools:

Virgin Australia special assistance offers the following tools to help simplify the procedure:

• Specific Service Request Form: A simple online form that visitors can use to ask for any help they need, customized to meet their specific requirements.

• Booking Assistance Form: This form provides an efficient means of contacting Virgin Australia for assistance if a traveler encounters problems making reservations online.

What is Virgin Australia’s Guest Accessibility Plan?

In one convenient spot, Virgin Australia’s Guest accessible Plan compiles all relevant details concerning its accessible offerings. By outlining the assistance that is available, this guide helps passengers better understand their options and make appropriate plans.

Conclusion

Virgin Australia is committed to making flying affordable and accessible for all travelers, irrespective of their medical or physical requirements. The airline guarantees safety, comfort, and dignity during the trip with customized services like mobility assistance, in-flight wheelchair use, individualized support for travelers with hidden disabilities, and special help for food or medical needs. 

Virgin Australia keeps its promise of smooth travel assistance by promoting early communication and providing useful resources like the Specific Service Request Form. Travelers can depend on Virgin Australia’s wheelchair and special assistance services and commitment to make every journey easy, considerate, and worry-free, whether they are flying domestically or abroad.

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