Caribbean Airlines knows that some travelers may need extra support, and they’re fully prepared to help. Their staff is trained to offer friendly, respectful, and efficient wheelchair assistance from the moment you arrive at the airport until you reach your destination. Whether you need help navigating through terminals, boarding, or settling in on the plane, Caribbean Airlines’ wheelchair assistance team is ready to assist at every step. It’s easy to request the service, just let them know when booking or at least 48 hours before your flight. With their reliable care, you can focus on enjoying your Caribbean trip, confident that your comfort and mobility needs are being taken care of.
How to Book Wheelchair Assistance Services At Caribbean Airlines?
If you want your flight to go smoothly, it’s a good idea to inform them of any special service needs ahead of time, preferably at least 48 hours before your flight. By giving them advance notice, the airline can better support you by making all the necessary arrangements. Reaching out early allows their staff plenty of time to arrange for any specific accommodations you may want, such as wheelchair assistance. You can contact their Reservations, Sales, and Customer Support directly or send an email to specialservices@caribbean-airlines.com to request the service. Therefore, taking this one simple step will make your trip more enjoyable and relaxed.
How Much Does Caribbean Airlines’ Wheelchair Assistance Service Cost?
Caribbean Airlines provides wheelchair assistance without charge. This covers the transportation of your mobility devices, the use of an airport wheelchair, and the assistance of an attendant. As long as it is prepared to comply with safety regulations, Caribbean Airlines will allow you to travel with a battery-powered wheelchair, regardless of whether it has a dry cell, gel cell, or non-spillable battery. Their staff would be happy to go over any special instructions with you.
Wheelchair Service Options At Caribbean Airlines:
To suit different mobility needs, Caribbean Airlines offers three levels of wheelchair support:
- Ramp (WCHR):
This service is great for travelers who can walk a bit on their own but still need a hand getting to or from the aircraft, especially when gates are far apart. A wheelchair is provided to cover longer terminal distances comfortably.
- Steps (WCHS):
It is perfect for travelers who can’t handle stairs but can still get to their seat with a little assistance. You will be carried up or down the aircraft steps and given a wheelchair to make those longer treks through the terminal easier.
- Cabin (WCHC):
This one’s for passengers who can’t move around at all on their own. From being carried up or down the aircraft stairs to getting settled into your cabin seat, full assistance is provided every step of the way.
Caribbean Airlines Wheelchair Assistance – What to Expect When You Get to the Airport?
Wheelchair assistance is available at all Caribbean Airlines airport offices, making travel easier for travelers who require mobility help. You can rely on them to deliver an effortless airport experience.
If the airport has boarding bridges, you can utilize them to get to the plane more easily. If your flight calls for stair boarding, the airline will deploy special lift equipment to make sure you can board safely and comfortably.
The assistance does not end there. From the check-in desk to the departure gate, helpful airline employees will be at your service to cater to your needs in the best possible way. They will assist you in moving between gates if you have a connecting flight.
They will even help you in getting to baggage claim after your arrival. The best part is that Caribbean Airlines provides a personal attendant to help and advise you on your airport travel at no extra cost.
Bringing Your Own Wheelchair On Caribbean Airlines? No Problem.
If you prefer using your own wheelchair to get to the gate or during long layovers, Caribbean Airlines wheelchair assistance is happy to support that. There’s also flexibility when it comes to the type of wheelchair or mobility aid you’re traveling with. The airline accepts the following:
- Manual Wheelchairs (WCMP):
These can be brought along, and on Boeing 737 8 aircraft, there’s even dedicated cabin space for one folding or collapsible wheelchair.
- Battery-Operated Wheelchairs:
Dry Cell (WCBD), Wet Cell (WCBW), and Lithium Ion (WCLB) wheelchairs are welcome but do require advance notice. Caribbean Airlines will need the wheelchair’s weight, dimensions, and may require disassembly. Moreover, batteries must meet IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and be properly secured, disconnected, and insulated to prevent short-circuits.
Rules For Your Battery-Powered Mobility Aid or Wheelchair To Be Transported As Checked Baggage On Caribbean Airlines
Here are some points to consider:
- If the wheelchair has dry battery, non-spillable wet battery or nickel-metal hydride battery, you should disconnect the batteries. You must even insulate all the terminals properly to prevent any short circuits accidentally.
- For spillable batteries, the wheelchair should be secured, stowed,m unloaded, and loaded upright always. You should also remove the battery, and the chair must always go in as checked baggage. The battery that has been removed has to be packaged in a rigid and strong case always.
- If the mobility aids have lithium batteries, you must ensure that they comply with IATA’s regulations of dangerous goods. Moreover, you should also remove the battery from the wheelchair and carry them as cabin baggage.
Also Read: Caribbean Airlines Special Assistance
What Are the Rules For Wheelchair Accessibility on Aircraft?
Before flying, it’s important to check if your wheelchair meets the size and weight limits for the aircraft’s cargo hold. Here’s what you need to know:
| Aircraft | Max Door Height | Max Door Width | Max Weight |
| ATR 72-600 | 153 cm (60 in) | 129 cm (50 in) | 217 kg (480 lb) |
| Boeing 737-8 | 88 cm (35 in) | 121 cm (48 in) | 226 kg (500 lb) |
| Boeing 737-800 | 88 cm (35 in) | 121 cm (48 in) | 226 kg (500 lb) |
Therefore, battery-powered wheelchairs are always handled upright, and removable parts like footrests or headrests should be detached for accurate measurement.
Explain Refund Policy for U.S.-Bound Flights:
If you’re flying to or from the U.S. and your wheelchair doesn’t fit on your first choice of flight, leading you to choose a pricier option, Caribbean Airlines may cover the fare difference. Just reach out, they aim to make travel accessible without adding financial stress to the journey. Just make sure:
- Both flights are operated by Caribbean Airlines.
- They’re on the same day with the same origin and destination.
To request your refund, just provide a few key details: your wheelchair’s dimensions, a screenshot of your preferred flight (including fare and search results), and the ticket number from the flight you already traveled on. These documents help verify your claim and ensure everything matches up, making the refund process smoother and quicker for you.
Conclusion:
Caribbean Airlines is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can travel by air. From check-in to onboard support, they offer considerate and professional wheelchair assistance, guaranteeing that travelers with mobility needs are taken care of. With committed professionals on hand to assist you at every stage, you can use the airline’s mobility equipment or your own. For travelers who require a little extra assistance, Caribbean Airlines makes traveling safer and more comfortable with no additional costs and simple booking instructions.
FAQs:
You can request wheelchair assistance while booking your ticket or by contacting Caribbean Airlines at least 48 hours before your flight. Email them at specialservices@caribbean-airlines.com or reach out via their Reservations or Customer Support.
No, Caribbean Airlines offers wheelchair assistance free of charge. This includes use of an airport wheelchair, help from attendants, and handling of personal mobility devices.
Yes, Caribbean Airlines allows passengers to bring manual or battery-powered wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs can be stored in-cabin on certain aircraft, while battery-powered ones may require advance notice and specific packaging.
Caribbean Airline offer three levels of service: Ramp (WCHR) for long distances, Steps (WCHS) for those who can’t use stairs, and Cabin (WCHC) for passengers needing full assistance from check-in to the seat.
For U.S.-bound flights, if your preferred flight can’t accommodate your wheelchair and you book a more expensive one instead, Caribbean Airlines may refund the fare difference. You’ll need to submit specific details to request it.
From check-in to boarding and even baggage claim, Caribbean Airlines provides continuous support through trained staff and, if needed, special lift equipment or boarding bridges for easier access.
