For passengers with reduced mobility to have a pleasant journey and arrive without complications, wheelchair assistance services are essential. Thai Airways understands this need and offers the finest services and makes their journey hassle-free. Thai Airways’ wheelchair service eases the entire process, from the curbside to your cabin seat. It’s complimentary and includes check-in help, getting through security, and even assistance with the onboard lavatory wheelchair when available. Moreover, their employees will help you navigate the arrivals hall and baggage claim after you land. All you need to do is notify Thai Airways team ahead of time, and they will ensure that your trip is handled carefully and smoothly at every turn.
Pre-flight Arrangements for Thai Airways’ Wheelchair Assistance
When you wish to avail of Thai Airways’ wheelchair assistance here are some pre-flight arrangements that you need to make to ensure that you have a seamless travel ahead.
- If you need Thai Airways wheelchair assistance services, then you should request it when making your reservation. If that’s not possible, make sure to do so at least 48 hours before departure. This allows Thai Airways ample opportunity to set up appropriate support.
- If you want to bring your own wheelchair, you must specify the wheelchair’s dimensions and weight when making your reservation. This makes it easy for the Thai Airways authorities to make necessary arrangements in loading your wheelchair in the hold of the aircraft. They’ll give it back to you at your destination airport at the baggage area.
- When you arrive, Thai professionals will make arrangements for your wheelchair to be placed into the aircraft hold and then easily delivered to you at the baggage claim area.
- Due to airport safety restrictions, wheelchairs weighing more than 32 kg (71 lbs.) require special approval.
Conditions for Battery-Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids on Thai Airways:
If you have a battery-operated mobility aid or wheelchair, the Thai Airways wheelchair assistance program has straightforward guidelines to guarantee your trip is safe. Before you pack your bags, be sure to check the specific requirements for devices using lithium-ion and other battery types.
Lithium-Ion Battery Wheelchairs & Mobility Devices on Thai Airways:
The safety standards for lithium batteries are delineated in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, specifically Part III, subsection 38.3.
Spillable Batteries:
Here is what to consider if your wheelchair or mobility device has a spillable battery.
- Contain liquid electrolytes (corrosive) added through the top openings.
- It is designed in a way to sustain chemical reactions that generate electrical energy.
- Special handling is required due to their hazardous nature.
Lithium-Ion Batteries (Removable Type):
- The battery must be removed and carried in the cabin.
- Maximum watt-hour rating: 300 Wh.
- Spare allowance:
- One spare battery ≤ 300 Wh, or
- Two spare batteries each ≤ 160 Wh.
- One spare battery ≤ 300 Wh, or
Baggage Restrictions:
You can only bring your battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids in your checked baggage. Including them in your carry-on is forbidden.
Mobility Aids with Waterproof Battery on Thai Airways:
Here is what to make note of:
- Passengers using a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility devices can travel with non-spillable wet batteries or those that adhere to certain IATA standards.
- For safety and reliable electrolyte containment, use only absorbed electrolyte batteries (like AGM, gel cell, sealed lead-acid, or dry cell types).
- Even if the battery casing becomes cracked or ruptured, the design must ensure zero leakage of any electrolyte or liquid, maintaining safety during handling and transport.
- To be approved, the batteries are required to pass specific vibration and pressure differential tests.
- Under the A123/A199 series, compliant batteries consist of four main types: alkali-manganese, nickel-cadmium, zinc-carbon, and nickel-metal hydride.
- You may bring them in your checked baggage, but it requires prior authorization. Carry-on baggage is not permitted under any circumstances.
Also Read: Thai Airways Special Assistance
Important Facts to Know About Thai Airways’ Wheelchair Assistance In Details
If you wish to avail of Thai Airways’ wheelchair assistance services, here is what you must know for better convenience.
- Free of charge:
Thai Airways offers wheelchair service without any extra cost, making it accessible to all passengers who need mobility support.
- Pre-flight and check-in assistance:
At the airport, Thai Airways staff are there to help from the check-in counter right up to the aircraft door or your assigned cabin seat.
- Onboard support:
Wheelchairs are available inside the aircraft. Their cabin crew can help you move between your seat and the onboard lavatory. Moreover, their crew can help you reach the lavatory, but they cannot assist inside due to privacy and safety reasons.
- Self-care requirements:
As per the Thai Airways wheelchair assistance program, you must be able to manage your own personal needs during the flight.
- Traveling with a companion:
If you need help with personal care, please make sure you travel with a companion or escort who can provide the necessary assistance during your trip.
- Arrival assistance:
Thai Airways’ helpful staff members will meet you on arrival to assist with baggage claim and facilitate your smooth transition through the arrival hall to the exit.
Conclusion:
With Thai Airways wheelchair assistance services, traveling shouldn’t be complicated, even if you have a disability. Their team created a service to remove the anxiety and logistics for you. From check-in to board and arrive, you have complimentary wheelchair assistance ready and waiting. Their professional staff are trained to give you exactly the guidance you need, delivered with precision, but they never forget that your independence and privacy are paramount. Thai Airways wheelchair assistance team takes care of all the details, from onboard support to the specific, careful handling of both manual and battery-powered wheelchairs.
FAQs:
No, Thai Airways provides wheelchair assistance completely free of charge to passengers who need mobility support.
Yes, you can book a wheelchair after booking your Thai Airways flight. You must contact a Thai Airways office or the worldwide contact center to submit your request. It is required to arrange this special assistance at least 48 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure.
Yes, you can bring your own wheelchair. You will need to provide details such as its size and weight during booking for smooth handling.
Yes, battery-operated wheelchairs are permitted, but they must meet IATA safety guidelines. Certain types, like lithium-ion or spillable batteries, have special handling requirements.
No, cabin crew can only assist you in reaching the lavatory with an onboard wheelchair. For privacy and safety reasons, they cannot assist inside.
Thai Airways staff will be with you every step of the way, assisting at baggage claim and through the arrival hall to ensure a seamless transition from your flight to the airport exit.