ITA Airways Wheelchair Assistance

Flying is an adventure that can bring a lot of excitement to passengers with reduced mobility or special medical needs; however, such an experience might be a source of additional stress for those passengers. It is the reason ITA wheelchair assistance support comes to the rescue. The service, conceived to provide passengers with comfort, security, and ease, helps them at airports when they least expect it, making the journey worry-free. It doesn’t matter whether you are getting ready for your first trip with ITA Airways or planning a trip for a family member. Knowing the process of wheelchair assistance, as well as the services provided, will keep you calm, make your travel a breeze, and ensure a smooth and easy journey throughout.

How to Request ITA’s Wheelchair Assistance Service?

• Passengers who have a disability or limited mobility can request assistance with a wheelchair at the time of their air travel, either online or by calling the ITA Airways Assistance Team. But you must notify the team at least 48 hours before the flight. The advanced requests enable the carrier to identify the requirements, guarantee security, and provide seats specially set aside for passengers who need assistance during the journey in accordance with EU rules.
• Some services may vary for flights operated by a third-party airline, such as wheelchair availability on board. A suitable solution for this travel issue is to contact ITA’s dedicated support team, whose contact numbers are available on ITA Airways website .

Types of Wheelchair Assistance  Provided By ITA

ITA Airways provides several types of wheelchair services based on the passenger’s mobility level:

• Wheelchair Assistance to and from the Aircraft: This transport service is ideal for those passengers who are able to walk independently within the aircraft, can manage stairs, but still need a transport to cover long distances inside the terminal.
• Wheelchair Assistance with Stairs: This service is for passengers who can walk inside the plane but are unable to navigate the stairs. Such passengers are usually transported in wheelchairs or on other means of transport for long distances through the terminal.
• Assistance for Passengers Traveling with Their Own Mobility Aid: Passengers who are physically disabled and wheelchair-bound are always assisted at all stages – at the airport, during boarding and disembarkation, and, if necessary, even during transport on board.

Note: Online check-in is unavailable for passengers requesting wheelchair assistance.

ITA Airways Wheelchair Assistance – Seat Assignment and Booking Process

ITA Airways has a Special Assistance Team dedicated to passengers with special needs who plan their seat selection to ensure a comfortable and safe flight. The team works from Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 8 PM CET and weekends and holidays between 9 AM and 5 PM CET. 

It is strongly advisable to get in touch with them early enough before the travel date to be able to get the right arrangements.

The seat allocation differs in the case of passengers travelling in the United States and those in the European Union. 

For flights in the European Union, each aircraft has designated seats for passengers with reduced mobility keeping safety issues in mind. The passengers are assigned these seats when checking in and the seats are mostly next to the aisle. Keeping security concerns in mind, passengers with reduced mobility aren’t permitted to sit close to emergency exits. The special seating arrangements don’t charge anything. 

For flights in the United States, there isn’t any designated seat for individuals with disabilities. Rather, they may select a seat as per their choice, excepting ones near the emergency exit. If travelling with an escort ITA will do their best to assign that particular individual’s seat next to the passenger with disability. 

ITA AIrways’ Airport Assistance and Mobility Aid Handling

When the wheelchair-user gets to the airport, the trained airport staff come to pick them up. The exact point where the staff will coordinate the meet can vary, ranging from the terminal meeting points to the check-in counter or even at the aircraft stairs, depending on the level of assistance required.

Passengers with disabilities on ITA who require the use of a wheelchair are assisted by staff throughout the airport, making the entire process from check-in to boarding easy and safe. Specifying in advance the type of wheelchair or mobility aid being used is very helpful, as the airport can prepare the required equipment and assign staff to assist.

Airport wheelchairs can be used by individuals who require general assistance. But if the traveler wants to move with their own wheelchair or mobility aid, then the necessary preparations should be made during the booking process so that the device can be securely stored in the airport transfer and onboard the aircraft.

ITA’s Guidelines for Travelling With Mobility Aids 

ITA Airways has a policy of permitting different types of mobility aids, each with its own specific handling and safety requirements. Knowledge of these requirements will help you enjoy a trouble-free trip.

• Manual Wheelchairs: Passengers with a manual, collapsible wheelchair, and stow it onboard provided it accommodates in the overhead bin or closet. Aircrafts without any closet may attach the wheelchair to the seats using straps. If you do not have a foldable wheelchair or if your wheelchair is big enough to fit in the aircraft, it will be collected on ce you check-in and be sent to the aircraft hold. 

• Wheelchairs with Spillable Batteries: Foldable battery-powered wheelchairs may be permitted; however, certain restrictions are imposed by airlines. Passengers are advised to provide specifications and details when booking to ensure all safety measures are followed.

• Wheelchairs with Sealed Batteries (Non-Spillable):

If your mobility device or wheelchair has sealed batteries and may be placed inside the hold upright, then they can be attached to the mobility device or wheelchair but the following criteria has to be met: 

• Batteries must be securely attached to the mobility aid.
• Electrical contacts should be protected to prevent short circuits.
• Circuits must be isolated to ensure safe transportation.
• For wet batteries, one spare battery is allowed; for nickel-metal hydride batteries, two spares are permitted.

• Wheelchairs with Lithium-Ion Batteries:

These batteries are regarded as dangerous. So, there are certain conditions when carrying them onboard: 

• Must comply with the safety requirements issued by the United Nations (UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3).
• The energy capacity of removable batteries should be limited to 300 Wh and 160 Wh per battery for devices with two batteries.
• All removed and spare batteries must be carried in the cabin inside a protective case. This way you may protect them from damage of any kind. 
• Batteries that cannot be removed are subject to airline inspection but may still be accommodated if safely secured.

ITA Airways’ Wheelchair Assistance Service At the Airport & On Board

After arriving at the airport, the staff can take you from the special meeting points to check-in, security, or even to your aircraft gate.

In case your wheelchair is put in the hold, ITA Airways will make an effort to return it to you at the door of the aircraft. If it is not possible, a wheelchair will be provided for you at the baggage claim.

The seat for passengers with reduced mobility will be assigned to you, which is generally a seat next to the aisle.

Note: checking in online is not accessible to passengers who need assistance. You will have to go to the airport counter for your check-in.

ITA’s Cargo Compatibility

To be sure that mobility aids are transported safely, it is important to check the size of your device against the size of aircraft cargo doors. Devices that are not safety or size compliant may not be boarded.

Cargo door dimensions by aircraft type:

• A350 / A339 / A332: 151 x 148 x 157 cm
• A321 / A320 / A319: 151 x 148 x 109 cm
• A319 / A320 / A321 (bulk load mode): 96 x 116 x 80 cm

The technical specifications of their mobility aids, including battery information, must be provided by passengers at least 48 hours prior to departure and must be compatible with the cargo doors, ensuring compliance with the airline’s safety standards.

ITA’s Stretcher Assistance

ITA Airways offers a stretcher service to passengers who, due to an injury or illness, are unable to move from the waist down and are in a cast.

Key points for stretcher assistance:

• Needs previous permission, such as MEDIF and Form A (Information Sheet for Customers Requiring Assistance).
• A medical professional (doctor or nurse) should be with the passengers in case of need.
• The passenger is liable for all medical transport and ground assistance expenses.
• Stretcher service requests should be placed at least 96 hours prior to departure (except holidays).

Conclusion

ITA Airways Wheelchair Assistance is designed to facilitate the air travel process, making it safer and more comfortable for individuals with limited mobility. Booking and seat assignment, mobility aid handling, and stretcher services are all handled carefully and professionally. You can make an easy process by planning and informing them about your needs so that they can support you at every step. In the case of ITA Airways, comfort and accessibility are two inseparable concepts, and you can be sure of the comfort of your travels.

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