Garuda Indonesia Wheelchair Assistance

Traveling with a wheelchair or mobility device can come with its own set of challenges, but with a little preparation, your flight can be smooth and hassle-free. Garuda Indonesia is committed to providing tailored services to meet each traveler’s specific needs. To receive the best possible assistance, it is highly recommended to make arrangements in advance. You can do this by contacting Garuda Indonesia’s dedicated customer service team or by specifying your requirements during the booking process. 

This way, the airline can prepare in advance, ensuring that a wheelchair is ready for you upon arrival at the airport. Garuda Indonesia’s wheelchair assistance staff will be on hand to assist you through check-in, security, boarding, and disembarkation. Furthermore, to ensure your entire journey is smooth, safe, and enjoyable, Garuda Indonesia handles every detail with care.

Overview of Garuda Indonesia Wheelchair Assistance:

If you need a little extra help getting around the airport, Garuda Indonesia’s wheelchair assistance has you covered. Passengers who require mobility support can request assistance to navigate the terminal, usually from the check-in counter all the way to the boarding gate, and even get help boarding the aircraft from the gate. 

This service is designed to make your journey smoother and less stressful. You are also welcome to bring your own wheelchair, whether manual or electric, as well as other mobility aids like canes, crutches, or walkers. Garuda Indonesia’s team is there to ensure you travel comfortably and with the support you need.

• Free of Charge: 

You can bring one wheelchair or mobility aid with you at no extra cost, because getting around shouldn’t come with an extra price tag.

• Extra Equipment:

If you’re bringing extra wheelchairs, they’re included in your free baggage allowance. But keep in mind, if you go over your limit, standard excess baggage fees will kick in, just like with any other luggage.

• Cabin Storage Limitations:

Due to limited cabin space, personal wheelchairs and mobility aids can’t be stored inside the aircraft. Instead, they are securely placed in the baggage hold, where they are handled with extra care as fragile items to ensure they arrive safely and in good condition.

Different Types of Wheelchair Services That Garuda Indonesia Provides 

Here are the different wheelchair services that Garuda Indonesia provides. 

WCHR (Wheelchair for Terminal and Ramp)

• Designed to facilitate easy and comfortable movement of travelers throughout airport processes within the terminal building and ramp regions.

• This service is offered together with professional assistance from dedicated ground staff to support passengers throughout their airport journey.

• At least twenty-four hours before the scheduled departure time of the trip, travelers are required to notify the airline of their service requirements.

WCHC (Wheelchair to the Cabin)

• Designed to ensure safe and easy mobility for travelers as they board by taking them straight from the boarding gate to their designated seat inside the aircraft cabin.

• This chair’s small size, thin design, and lack of armrests make it simple to maneuver across the airplane aisle and guarantee that travelers can be transferred to their seats quickly.

WCOB (Wheelchair on Board)

• Created specifically for in-flight use, allowing travelers to walk along the aircraft cabin aisle with ease.

• Only wide-body aircraft models, the Boeing 777-300 ER and the Airbus A330, are served, guaranteeing improved accessibility for passengers.

• There is a single wheelchair unit on board every wide-body aircraft that travelers can use during the flight.

• Narrow-body aircraft, such as those in the Boeing 737 series fleet, do not offer this wheelchair service.

Regulations for Traveling with Electric Wheelchairs On Garuda Indonesia Flights

Garuda Indonesia’s wheelchair assistance team allows travelers using battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids, making sure your journey stays smooth and safe. It is to be noted that only devices containing lithium batteries are allowed. Just keep in mind, there are certain safety rules you will need to follow, so check the airline’s guidelines before you travel to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Notification: 

If you need special arrangements, make sure to give the Reservations team a heads-up at least 48 hours before your flight. Also, when you arrive at the airport, let the check-in staff know so they can be ready to help.

Battery Restrictions:

• Your lithium battery can only be up to 300Wh in capacity. Anything higher isn’t allowed for safety reasons, so always check before you pack it for your trip.

• If your device runs on two batteries, each one must be under 160Wh. This helps keep things safe and compliant with airline transport rules.

• You can bring either one spare battery up to 300Wh or two smaller ones up to 160Wh each, but only in your carry-on. Airlines don’t allow spare batteries in checked luggage for safety reasons.

Non-removable Batteries:

• Always cover battery terminals with proper insulation to stop short circuits and keep your ride safe from unexpected sparks.
  
• Make sure your battery is firmly fastened to your wheelchair or device so it stays steady and secure while moving.
  
• Turn off or disable electrical circuits to prevent your device from switching on by accident during travel or handling.

Removable Batteries:

Batteries should be safely insulated and kept in your carry-on, not checked luggage, to avoid short circuits and ensure they are easy to handle during the flight.

How to Arrange Wheelchair Assistance On Garuda Indonesia Flights?

To ensure availability and smooth coordination, passengers should make an advance request:

• WCHR/WCHC: 

Let the airline know at least 24 hours before your flight if you will need ramp or cabin seat assistance, so they can have everything ready for you.

• Electric wheelchairs or devices with batteries: 

Give the local reservations office a heads-up at least 48 hours before you fly, so they can safely handle and store your powered mobility device.

Garuda Indonesia’s Stretcher Assistance:

Sometimes, travel plans have to adjust to your health needs, and Garuda Indonesia understands that. If you or your loved one needs to travel lying down or requires medical support onboard, the airline offers stretcher assistance, but it does come with some important steps and rules.

When and How to Book Garuda Indonesia’s Stretcher Service?

For travelers who are ill, incapacitated, or need special arrangements like oxygen tanks or stretchers, Garuda Indonesia’s assistance asks that you contact their call center at least 30 days to 48 hours before your flight.

However, if you specifically require a stretcher case or oxygen tank, you must request at least 24 hours before departure.

Contact Garuda Indonesia:

You can easily put in your request by reaching out to Garuda Indonesia’s customer service team or their reservation department, who will be happy to guide you through the process.

Garuda Indonesia has a few contact options:

• Contact Center: You can call their Contact Center at 0804 1 807 807 or 62 21 2351 9999.
• Live Chat: They also offer a live chat service for reservations and other inquiries.
• WhatsApp: You can use their WhatsApp service at +628112807807.
• Email: For reservation and ticketing services, you can email e-booking@garuda-indonesia.com 

Rules for Medical Approval (MEDIF) On Garuda Indonesia Flights

Depending on your specific condition, you may be required to obtain medical approval. This is done by completing a Medical Information Form (MEDIF). This form has two parts:

• Part 1: This section contains essential details that must be accurately filled out by the designated sales office or authorized agent to ensure proper processing and record-keeping.

• Part 2 and Medical Certificate: This section contains confidential medical details that must be accurately completed by your attending physician to ensure proper evaluation, compliance, and necessary assistance during travel.

If you have certain medical conditions or if there’s any uncertainty about your ability to travel safely, Garuda Indonesia may ask you to complete a MEDIF form. This ensures you are fit to fly and helps the airline prepare any needed support.

Conditions Requiring a MEDIF:

A MEDIF is required if the passenger:

• Has an actively contagious or communicable disease
  
• May cause discomfort or pose a hazard to other passengers due to physical or behavioral disorder
  
• Presents a potential safety risk or could cause flight delays or diversions
  
• Is unable to care for themselves and needs special assistance
  
• Has a medical condition that could be worsened by flying
  

Conditions Not Requiring a MEDIF:

A MEDIF is not necessary for:

• Passengers with disabilities
  
• Elderly passengers requesting wheelchairs due to age or walking difficulties
  
• Passengers who have fully recovered at least three months after a stroke
• Expectant mothers less than 32 weeks of their pregnancy. 
• Travellers with minor injuries or fractures.
  

If uncertainty exists, Garuda Indonesia advises submitting a MEDIF for approval at least 48 hours before departure.

Contact Information for MEDIF Submission:

Here is where you must contact for MEDIF submission. 

Garuda Sentra Medika (GSM)-

• Phone (Working Hours): +62 21 424 1000 ext. 6136
  
• Fax: +62 21 424 5809
  
• Phone (Outside Hours, Holidays, Weekends): +62 21 2560 1565
  
• Email: travelclinic.gsm@garuda-indonesia.com 

What You’ll Need to Arrange?

If you are traveling with a stretcher, Garuda Indonesia requires that you:

• Be accompanied by one paramedic throughout the journey.
  
• Cover the costs for the paramedic, oxygen tank (if needed), stretcher case, and any extra seats.
  
• Ensure you can travel in a horizontal position safely if your condition requires it.

Why Timing Matters?

If you miss the booking deadline, the airline might not have enough time to arrange the service you need. This could mean no assistance when you arrive, and in certain situations, they could even refuse to let you travel for safety reasons.

What Are Accessibility & Disability Policies?

Garuda Indonesia is dedicated to welcoming travelers with disabilities, as long as you have shared your special requirements during ticket booking and they have been confirmed. After you have been accepted for your flight, your disability won’t be a reason for you to be denied boarding.

However, certain rules set by the airline or government may still apply in specific situations for safety or regulatory reasons. The key is to give them a heads-up early, so they can make the right arrangements and ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free.

Also Read: Garuda Indonesia Special Assistance

Explain Check-In Requirements:

For everyone’s health and safety, travelers who need a stretcher or other specialized assistance should head to the airport check-in desk instead of using online or mobile check-in. 

This way, the airline team can personally make sure everything is in place, from arranging the necessary equipment to confirming seating and boarding support. It’s all about giving you a smoother, safer journey and ensuring your needs are met before you even step onto the plane.

Conclusion:

It can be intimidating to travel with limited mobility, but Garuda Indonesia’s wheelchair and special assistance services make sure you never have to do it by yourself. Their knowledgeable team is there to assist you with check-in, security, boarding, and other procedures from the time you arrive at the airport until you disembark from the aircraft. 

Garuda Indonesia’s dedication to safety and comfort makes all the difference, whether you require assistance at the terminal, assistance finding your seat, or in-flight mobility solutions. Making reservations in advance and adhering to the airline’s policies, particularly with regard to electric wheelchairs or stretchers, will ensure a hassle-free, comfortable, and customized trip.

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