Air Serbia Wheelchair Assistance

Passengers with disabilities are often concerned about accessibility and comfort during their air travel. Air Serbia is committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for passengers with mobility challenges by providing comprehensive wheelchair assistance services. From arrival to destination, their trained staff provides attentive and respectful support throughout your journey, including boarding and in-flight. Moreover, services include assistance at check-in, through security, during boarding and disembarkation, and throughout the airport journey. With Air Serbia’s commitment to wheelchair assistance services’ accessibility, travelers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their needs will be met with care and professionalism on every flight.

Overview of Air Serbia Wheelchair Assistance:

Air Serbia offers free wheelchair assistance both on the ground and in the air. Depending on their capacity to manage steps and distances, passengers with restricted mobility are categorized as WCHR, WCHS, or WCHC and get support appropriately. 

As long as the airline is informed at least 48 hours before departure, wheelchairs and other mobility aids, including electric ones with dry batteries, are accepted as checked luggage at no additional cost. To ensure seamless check-in, travelers are encouraged to arrive two hours early.

Guidelines for Advance Notice and Reservation:

Passengers who require wheelchair assistance are asked to inform Air Serbia at least 48 hours before their scheduled departure to ensure an easy and comfortable travel experience. By giving sufficient advance notice, the airline can work with airport services to make sure that a wheelchair or other required mobility aid is set up at no cost. 

Additionally, this preparation facilitates smooth boarding and disembarkation, making it easier for travelers to navigate the airport and board the plane. Travelers should get in touch with the Air Serbia Contact Center directly and let the staff know what kind of help they need for their trip in order to receive timely and effective service.

Air Serbia’s Categories of Passengers Using Wheelchairs:

Depending on the level of mobility and required assistance, passengers are classified into three categories:

• WCHR:

This passenger can walk independently inside the aircraft and climb stairs but needs a wheelchair to cover longer distances within the airport, between terminals, or to/from the aircraft door.

• WCHS:

The passenger cannot climb aircraft stairs but can walk to and from their seat. They need a wheelchair for airport distances and staff assistance, specifically for safely managing stair access.

• WCHC:

The passenger is immobile and requires complete assistance. They need a wheelchair throughout the journey, including being carried up/down aircraft stairs and to/from their designated cabin seat.

Flying with Crutches and Mobility Aids on Air Serbia:

Crutches and other mobility aids are welcome on Air Serbia, and they are allowed to be brought into the aircraft cabin for free. Just bring your crutches or other assistance with you when you travel; there is no additional cost or special preparation required.

Travel Escorts for WCHC and Visually Impaired Passengers:

An escort is usually needed to accompany passengers who are blind or visually challenged, as well as those who need a wheelchair to the cabin seat (WCHC). WCHC passengers who have a chronic disability-whether congenital or the result of an injury or operation in the past, are exempt from this rule and are permitted to travel on their own.

The inability of cabin staff to offer intensive physical support, such as assistance with eating, medication administration, or toileting, should be communicated to passengers. It is highly recommended that you travel with an escort if you expect to require this degree of care.

Medical Documentation: MEDIF and FREMEC:

WCHC passengers generally need to submit a MEDIF form (Medical Information Form), completed and signed by their doctor. This helps Air Serbia’s medical team assess whether the passenger is fit to travel. The form can be obtained from Air Serbia ticket offices or downloaded online. Again, an exception is made for WCHC passengers with chronic disabilities—these travelers do not need to submit a MEDIF.

Air Serbia respects the confidentiality of the medical information provided. The details are securely handled and only used for fitness-to-fly assessments.

While Air Serbia does not issue FREMEC (Frequent Traveller’s Medical Card) cards, it does accept valid FREMEC cards issued by other airlines.

By planning ahead and preparing the necessary documentation, passengers using crutches or needing special assistance can enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey with Air Serbia

Your Guide to Bringing Your Wheelchair or Mobility Aids On An Air Serbia Flight:

Air Serbia passengers are allowed to bring up to two mobility aids or their own wheelchair as checked luggage or for use abroad at no extra cost. All things must, however, adhere to the safety rules and space constraints of the aircraft. Passengers are urged to inform Air Serbia in advance, preferably while purchasing their flight or at least 48 hours prior to departure, to enable efficient handling and approval. If you are going with an electric wheelchair, be sure to include the type, size, weight, and battery type in your data.

Check-in Tips:

Air Serbia wheelchair assistance team recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours prior to the scheduled flight. This allows sufficient time to handle all necessary arrangements for the wheelchair or mobility aids.

Accepted Mobility Aids:

The airline accepts:

• Dry battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (WCBD)
  
• Manual wheelchairs and mobility aids (WCMP)
  

However, wet cell battery-powered devices (WCBW) are not permitted on flights.

Battery Safety Requirements:

To prevent any damage and ensure flight safety, mobility aids with batteries must comply with specific requirements:

• All batteries must be powered off completely to avoid accidental activation, potential overheating, or safety hazards during transport.
  
• Battery terminals should be properly insulated using protective covers or tape to prevent any short circuits or electrical malfunctions during transit.
  
• Ensure batteries are firmly installed or securely fastened within the device, preventing movement, dislodging, or damage while being transported.
  
• Batteries should be leak-free and durable, capable of safely enduring normal transportation vibrations and varying pressure conditions without failure.

Connecting Flights with Partner Airlines:

For itineraries involving other airlines or Air Serbia codeshare flights operated by another carrier, different rules may apply based on the partner airline’s regulations. Passengers are advised to check the policies of all involved carriers ahead of travel.

Air Serbia’s wheelchair assistance service helps ensure that passengers with reduced mobility can enjoy a smooth, safe, and dignified journey.

More Special Assistance Services Options:

Here are the other special assistance services offered by Air Serbia as stated below: 

Air Serbia Special Assistance: Flying with Medical Conditions

Air Serbia is dedicated to ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for passengers with medical conditions and special needs. To help avoid disruptions and potential health risks, travelers are advised to assess their fitness to fly before booking and consult their physician after recent illnesses or surgeries.

Medical Clearance Requirements:

Medical clearance is mandatory if a passenger:

• Has a contagious or communicable disease
  
• Poses a safety risk or could disrupt other passengers
  
• Requires a stretcher, incubator, or special medical equipment
  
• Travels with infants in incubators
  
• Has recently experienced a major medical incident
  
• Needs in-flight oxygen or uses portable oxygen concentrators (POC)
  
• Travels with casts, splints, or certain implants
  
• Requires in-flight medical procedures
  

Passengers falling outside these categories typically do not need clearance but can seek advice from the Air Serbia Medical Center (ASMC).

Submitting Medical Documentation:

Travelers requiring special medical assistance must complete a MEDIF form, which includes:

• A recent medical report (within 10 days of travel)
  
• A description of necessary nursing care
  
• Any use of personal medical equipment
  

The completed form must be submitted via email to special.assistance@airserbia.com or to an Air Serbia Sales Office at least 48 hours before departure. The ASMC reviews all submissions and may request additional details.

Once approved, passengers will be notified, and booking records will be updated accordingly. Any changes in medical condition prior to travel must be communicated immediately.

Additional Considerations:

A medical certificate is not generally required for travelers with disabilities unless:

• Traveling on a stretcher or an incubator
  
• Requiring in-flight medical oxygen
  
• Having a communicable disease
  
• Posing a potential in-flight medical risk
  

Bringing a medical certificate is advisable if you:

• Have implanted medical devices or a pacemaker
  
• Require frequent medication
  
• Need vaccinations for entry requirements
  
• Use syringes during the journey
• Travelling with premature kids, or kids in an incubator
• Underwent any major medical incident
• Traveling to any country that requires medical certificate
  

Advance Notice Requirements:

While advance notice is not required for most passengers with disabilities, a 48-hour notice is necessary when:

• Transporting electric wheelchairs
  
• Traveling with a group of 10+ individuals with disabilities
  
• Using personal POC or battery-powered medical equipment
  
• Flying with emotional support or psychiatric service animals
  
• Requiring stretcher transport
  
• Requesting accommodations for passengers with both severe vision and hearing impairments
  

Air Serbia strives to accommodate passengers even if advance notice is not provided, without delaying flights.

International Travel Tips:

Before traveling abroad, passengers should research health concerns at their destination via the World Health Organization, the CDC, or the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

How to Contact Air Serbia Special Assistance?

For further questions or assistance, passengers are encouraged to contact their travel agent or reach out to Air Serbia directly. 

You can reach Air Serbia for support via social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), at Air Serbia offices, through our Contact Centre, or online at airserbia.com. 

For further inquiries, requests, or complaints, please complete their contact form, they aim to respond promptly. Kindly note, they handle messages in Serbian, English, Russian, German, or French. 

The Contact Centre operates daily from 06:00 to 23:00, and on Sundays until 02:00. Advance notice (up to 48 hours) is required for special services like electric wheelchair transport or use of a stretcher. For assistance, contact your travel agent or Air Serbia directly; they are happy to help.

Air Serbia’s Assistance for Visually or Hearing Impaired Passengers:

If you are a passenger with a visual or hearing impairment, it is essential to inform Air Serbia’s special assistance team either when booking your flight or at least 48 hours prior to departure. This advance notice ensures the airline can arrange any necessary support, such as help with boarding, navigating the airport, or communicating vital flight information. 

Importantly, passengers with these specific needs do not need to submit a Medical Information Form (MEDIF), making the process simpler and more convenient. Air Serbia is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and supportive travel experience for all passengers with sensory impairments.

Travel with a Service Dog:

If you plan to travel with a trained guide dog, it is important to notify Air Serbia either during the booking process or no later than 48 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure to help them make required arrangements. You will be required to provide specific information about your guide dog, including its breed and weight. 

The transport of guide dogs is subject to the airline’s approval to ensure compliance with safety and service standards. By informing the airline in advance, you help ensure a smooth, comfortable journey for both you and your guide dog.

Important Update for U.S. Travel with Service Dogs (Effective August 1, 2024):

Passengers traveling with service dogs or pets to the United States must comply with new regulations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your dog has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries within the past six months, you must complete the Dog Import Form and present a digital or paper confirmation on the day of travel.

For dogs entering or returning to the United States from countries considered high-risk for rabies, it is essential to carefully review the latest vaccination guidelines. Strict laws are enforced by US authorities to stop the spread of rabies. A dog will not be allowed to enter the United States if it has not received a rabies vaccination and has visited any high-risk nation in the last six months. Before making travel plans, pet owners should make sure their dogs are up to date on all vaccinations and requirements to prevent delays or being refused entrance at U.S. borders.

By following these guidelines and informing Air Serbia of your needs in advance, passengers with special assistance requirements can look forward to a smooth and accommodating travel experience.

Air Serbia’s Assistance for Passengers with Developmental and Learning Disability 

Air Serbia advises passengers with learning impairment to book their flight at least 48 hours in advance so that the airline authorities may assist them in every way they can. Also, informing the Air Serbia authorities about your condition is essential. During departure, the ground staff will assist the passenger to the aircraft, and from there, the crew will go on to provide extra assistance. 

Upon arrival, the passenger will be escorted to the ground staff by the crew. If the passenger isn’t able to concentrate during the safety instructions, or could get anxious while traveling alone, then in such cases traveling with an escort is recommended. 

What Assistance Does Air Serbia Offer for Passengers with Food Allergies?

Air Serbia does its utmost to ensure that passengers with allergies are taken care of. Flights from Belgrade to New York offer special meals which you can order via Air Serbia’s official website, their Contact Center, or Sales Office. 

For individuals with food allergies or those requiring a special diet because of any medical condition, Air Serbia has come up with special meals without allergens like dairy, gluten, and seafood. You may even check the package’s label or enquire about the ingredients from the cabin crew.

If planning to pack food, Air Serbia suggests to cary non-perishable items. They cannot refrigerate or heat items that you carry.

Air Serbia doesn’t guarantee a peanut-free environment onboard. Moreover, certain products served on flights might contain nuts or peanut-based ingredients. Other passengers might even bring nuts onboard. Air Serbia is doing its best to implement the IATA recommendation to ensure passengers with allergies have a seamless flight. Those with serious allergies must talk to their doctor prior to booking the flight to know of the potential risks. 

Passengers at an increased risk of anaphylaxis are advised to carry an auto-injector device like an EpiPen or a syringe. They also have to make sure that they or their escort can administer the same. Moreover, they must also carry a medical certificate or a doctor’s letter not three months old from their travel date.

Also Read: Royal Air Maroc Wheelchair Assistance

Air Serbia’s Advice For Travellers’ Thrombosis

When seated on long flights for prolonged periods, there are chances that blood flow in your leg veins gets slowed down. Your legs may swell or pain for days after your travel. Unless it is a severe medical condition where a doctor’s intervention is needed, thrombosis due to inactivity can be prevented in many ways. You must remain hydrated, minimize the intake of alcohol, caffeinated, and sugary beverages, and also exercise your feet and ankles at intervals, even in a seated posture. 

Air Serbia’s Regulations For Pregnant Women

Those who are pregnant and are in good health may travel on Air Serbia flights until 36 weeks of their pregnancy, especially if it is a single pregnancy. For multiple pregnancies, you may travel till the 32nd week of your pregnancy. Those with 28 and 36 weeks of their pregnancy must notify Air Serbia during booking and also submit a medical certificate of the status of their pregnancy, as well as their estimated delivery date. Air Serbia recommends avoiding air travel during the first seven days after delivery. It is not restricted, though. 

Conclusion:

Air Serbia’s wheelchair and special assistance services reflect the airline’s strong commitment to accessibility, safety, and passenger comfort. Whether traveling with mobility aids, requiring in-flight support, or managing complex medical needs, passengers can rely on Air Serbia’s professional team to provide caring and respectful assistance throughout their journey. 

By offering comprehensive services, from advance booking and documentation guidance to personal support at the airport and in-flight, Air Serbia ensures that travelers with disabilities or medical conditions can enjoy peace of mind and a seamless travel experience. Planning ahead and providing timely notice allows passengers to experience the full benefit of these dedicated services.

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