Most people consider air travel a big challenge. The situation becomes even more complicated for those with sight disabilities who need more time and also require special care and support throughout their travel. Considering this, Air Premia has created a service that is easy, secure, and self-reliant for every traveler. The assistance of the personnel during the time of check-in, at the boarding gate, on board, and at the destination are a few of the amenities offered by the airline to ensure that the journey by air is more comfortable. The entire guide delves into how each step of Air Premia’s Assistance for Passengers with Visual Impairment is designed to eliminate travel obstacles and provide the travelers with an effortless and respectful journey in the air.
Understanding Air Premia’s Assistance for Passengers with Visual Impairment
Here are some points to consider regarding Air Premia’s special assistance services for those with visual impairment.
- Requesting Assistance: For a smooth and pleasant trip, the airline respectfully requests that you book the assistance you need via the reservation center at least 48 hours before your trip. If you are not in a position to reserve assistance ahead of time, please understand that the help may not be there at the time of your inconvenience.
- On-the-Ground Services: The team is always available to offer full assistance to visually impaired passengers. The service includes a priority seat, orientation, and assistance from the moment of check-in, throughout the security and immigration procedures. The airlines promise to make your airport navigation as smooth as possible.
- Solo Travel: For blind passengers traveling alone, it’s important that they are able to walk on their own and manage their food and personal things without the help of others. Else, they would require an escort.
- Traveling with a Service Dog: Air Premia welcomes support dogs on board who are specially trained to assist passengers with visual impairments or mental health conditions. The service dogs that help the passengers in their flight can travel free of charge along with their owners in the cabin without a container; however, please be advised that they are not allowed to sit in a separate seat.
General Requirements For Service Dogs Travelling Onboard to Support Passengers with Visual Impairment or Other Disabilities
In order to have a hassle-free process, your service dog should comply with the following standards:
- The dog must have a valid certification (ID) from an authorized organization.
- The dog must put on a leash or harness throughout the flight.
- The dog must comply with the quarantine process of your transit or destination country.
- The dog should remain on the floor in front of your feet during the flight.
If you have a connecting flight, as a passenger, you are responsible for all preparations and should also cover the costs of feeding your dog at the connecting airport.
Additional Requirements for Travel to/from the United States
For flights to or from the United States, we must follow the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. This includes:
- The service animal must be a minimum of 16 weeks old to be eligible to travel (or at least 6 months old for flights arriving in the U.S., as per new regulations effective August 1st).
- Each passenger is limited to two service animals.
You are required to submit the following two forms to the reservation center at least 48 hours before departure:
- U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
- U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form
Depending on the destination country’s regulations, vaccination certificates and other quarantine documents may also be necessary. Please check all required entry documents in advance.
Boarding Restrictions
Boarding may be restricted if:
- The animal barks excessively, poses a threat to other passengers, or exhibits untrained behavior.
- The required documents are not submitted at least 48 hours before departure.
- The service animal does not remain in its designated space during the flight.
Conclusion
Understanding how Air Premia supports passengers with visual impairments is definitely a great way to ensure a hassle-free and relaxed trip. If you request assistance at least 48 hours before departure, the travelers can enjoy priority check-in, hands-on help while navigating the airport, as well as dedicated in-flight assistance. Passengers who travel with service animals for assistance can also enjoy easy regulations and great onboard support. By these caring precautions, Air Premia makes the flight accessible and cozy to visually impaired passengers and eliminates their travel worries and hassles.
FAQs
It is recommended that the passengers communicate their need for assistance to the reservation center at least 48 hours prior to their journey so that they can check in and board without any hassles.
Yes, if only they are able to walk without help and take care of their personal items on their own. The airport staff will be there to guide them at every step.
Certainly, a well-trained service dog can fly with the owner in the cabin without paying any fee, as long as they meet the certification, harness, and safety standards.
Service dogs should be appropriately certified, comply with isolation requirements, and, in case of flights from the U.S., the passenger, together with the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and Relief Attestation Form, should be submitted 48 hours before the flight.
In case the dog barks excessively, is a possible danger, is without the necessary documents, or is not in its designated space, boarding restrictions may apply.
Most airports have the facilities for assistance, but the availability of the service may differ. To provide a good experience, the recommendation is to notify the airline in advance.