Finnair Wheelchair Assistance

Finnair, the shining flag carrier of Finland, is loved for its up-to-date fleet, cozy Scandinavian hospitality, and efficient Europe-Asia turnarounds. Concentrating on the safety, well-being, and diversity of the customers, the airlines ensure that every user can enjoy a journey without any trouble. Finnair Wheelchair Assistance is available to support air travelers with mobility difficulties, ensuring that the dedicated crew members are there with you every step of the way, such as check-in, security, boarding, and arrival. This caring service is one step beyond accessibility by Finnair’s commitment, making travel simple, dignified, and enjoyable for all.

Finnair’s Wheelchair Assistance At A Glance 

The airline provides thorough instructions and special services to travelers who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids, right from the time of booking until they reach their destination.

Before You Fly: Pre-Travel Arrangements

Here are some aspects to keep in mind before you travel. 

• It is really important to notify Finnair about your mobility requirements at a minimum of 48 hours prior to your flight’s departure.. Filling out a special assistance form or contacting a customer service representative are both ways to accomplish this. You also need to notify the airline if you are bringing your own wheelchair, require special assistance, or have electric mobility.

• Finnair can transport both manual and electric wheelchairs in the aircraft cabin. However, their size and weight must not exceed the maximum limits allowed for that particular aircraft. Check your aircraft type in the “Manage Booking” tab and then the airline’s detailed chart to verify size and weight restrictions.

Preparing Electric Mobility Aids and Batteries

Every electric wheelchair and any battery-powered device for mobility needs to be approved beforehand. To transport batteries safely, some battery preparation requirements must be met:

• Lithium-ion batteries: When appropriately sealed, the battery can still be in the device. It is also stipulated that the capacity of every single power unit cannot be higher than 300Wh if the batteries are removed. You are allowed to bring up to two spare batteries, each no more than 160 Wh, which must be carried in the cabin.
• Non-spillable batteries: These batteries can remain installed if securely protected. In the aircraft’s cargo area, it is allowed to carry one spare battery that is not likely to fall off, or two spare batteries of different types. 
• Spillable batteries: These can remain in the mobility aid only if it can be loaded and transported in an upright position. No spare spillable batteries are permitted.

Also, discuss the specifics of your mobility aid alongside its type (electric/manual), dimensions, weight, and battery type. Through this, airline and airport personnel will be able to identify the equipment you are traveling with accurately.

Advance Information Needed At Finnair When Travelling With Your Mobility Aid or Wheelchair

You must have some of the key information at hand when notifying Finnair of your mobility aid or wheelchair. These include:

1. Whether your wheelchair is manual or electric 
2. If your wheelchair is foldable or not
3. Its weight and also dimensions when folded
4. If the electric wheelchair have a wet or dry battery and if the battery has been removed 
5. If you have an assistant with you or whether you are travelling on your own
6. If you need assistance at the airport or not in moving from the check-in up to the departure gate. 
7. Whether you need help in going to your seat from the wheelchair
8. If you need assistance with stairs
9. Whether you are bringing any extra medical aids or not 

Finnair’sWheelchair Assistance At the Airport 

When at the airport, here is how you will get help regarding Finnair’s Wheelchair assistance services. 

• All airports have wheelchairs for the convenience of the passengers. You may use it during check-in, and up to boarding the flight.
• Many airports permit you to use your personal wheelchair or walkers till the departure gate. However, if you prefer checking in your wheelchair or mobility aid you may avail of the airport’s wheelchair services to board the flight. 
• To ensure a more seamless travel, scooters and wheelchairs may be checked-in. 
• Avoid leaving any items in the mobility aid or wheelchair especially if they are to be checked at the aircraft’s hold. 

Can You Carry Mobility Aids On Finnair Flights?

You are allowed to carry certain mobility aids on board like elbow crutches, manual foldable wheelchair or canes. This is in addition to your carry-on allowance as mentioned in your ticket. The specified dimensions for bringing mobility aids onboard is 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm. The permissible weight is 12 kg or 26.5 lb. If the mobility aid is greater in size than the maximum weight or size limitations, or if there is no storage space in the cabin, then your device goes into the aircraft hold sans any additional charges. 

There aren’t any restrictions in the dimensions of elbow crutches and canes as long as they accommodate in the storage space in the cabin. 

For direct flights going to/from the US (operated with Airbus A350 & A 330) a foldable manual wheelchair is permissible for storage in the cabin. The maximum dimension should be no more than 33 x 92 x 107 cm. The availability depends as per a first come first serve basis. To get the privilege of availing of this service you may get in touch with the boarding gate staff. 

Does Finnair Provide With Onboard Wheelchairs? 

Some flights, particularly the ones which Airbus A330 & A 350 operate have onboard wheelchairs. This help in commuting from your seat up to the restroom and vice versa in the course of the flight. In these aircrafts one of the lavatories are a little larger so that the wheelchair may fit in conveniently. Flights which the Finnair Airbus A 319, A 320, and A 321 operate have an onboard wheelchair as well. However, you should request for the same in advance, at least 48 hours prior to your flight’s departure. 

FinnAir’s Lifting Chair Service 

Airbus A 330 & A 350 have ab ableSling chair for assisting you in transferring to the Business Class seats. The ableSling can be used all through the flight. The cabin crew will help you with the instructions if the need arises, however, they may not be able to fully assist you in using the chair. For that you may require your own assistants. You may carry your personal lifting chair as well for which no prior intimation is needed. 

Also Read: Swiss Air Wheelchair Assistance

Finnair’s Wheelchair Assistance Rules for When You Have Completed Your Flight And Also for Connecting Flights 

When you arrive at the airport, the support staff will be there to meet you with your mobility device or a wheelchair. Sometimes the delivery of your wheelchair might be delayed or at times you may even have to rescreen it once again post your flight. This may lead to a delay in receiving your wheelchair. However, Finnair authorities do their best to ensure that you receive your wheelchair on time. 

If you have a connecting flight,  the support staff will accompany you to the next departure gate. In the case of a long transfer, the delivery of your own wheelchair is quite often delayed. So it’s better to use an airport wheelchair for short connections to avoid missing your next flight.

Conclusion

Traveling with Finnair means starting a hassle-free journey, especially for travellers who are planning to travel with mobility devices. Clear, step-by-step guidance, like timely notifications from airlines and taking the next step only after fully understanding all the rules, is enough to make travelling easy and enjoyable. The way they handle the wheelchairs with such care and the great cabin assistance provided are just some of the ways that the airline Finnair assures that the journey of each passenger will be safe, comfortable, and without worries.

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