Aer Lingus Wheelchair Assistance

Travel with ease and confidence using Aer Lingus’s wheelchair assistance service, designed to support passengers with mobility challenges at every step of their journey. The helpful staff will be available to assist you with check-in, security, and boarding procedures as soon as you arrive at the airport. Your comfort and safety are their top priorities on board, guaranteeing an enjoyable and smooth journey from takeoff to landing. Their commitment is rooted in the belief that air travel should be accessible and enjoyable for all. 

You can count on Aer Lingus to provide you with professional, caring service that handles the little things so you can unwind and enjoy the experience of flying. Let’s take a look at Aer Lingus’ special and wheelchair assistance services. 

Steps to Request Wheelchair Assistance At Aer Lingus:

If you need wheelchair assistance, you are encouraged to notify Aer Lingus at least 48 hours before departure. You can make this request either during the booking process or afterward by using the “Manage Trip” feature on their website or by contacting Aer Lingus customer service directly.

How Does Aer Lingus’ Wheelchair Assistance Service Help You?

Here is how you will be helped by Aer Lingus’ wheelchair assistance service. 

• Navigating through the airport:

Aer Lingus’ wheelchair assistance helps you navigate the terminals. Moving through terminals involves reading signage, accessing elevators or escalators, finding your gate, and possibly seeking assistance from airport staff or information counters when needed.

• Checking in yourself, your luggage, and any mobility devices:

Check-in includes confirming your identity, tagging your luggage, declaring mobility aids, receiving a boarding pass, and ensuring devices are safely stored or tagged for special handling.

• Traveling to and from the aircraft:

Transport involves walking or using wheelchairs, electric carts, or airport buses. Aer Lingus wheelchair assistance is available for passengers needing help navigating jet bridges or tarmac paths.

• Boarding and disembarking:

Boarding typically happens by group or row. Staff may help with ramps or lifts. Disembarking is orderly, often assisted for those with limited mobility or special needs.

• Collecting your baggage and mobility aids:

After landing, head to baggage claim to retrieve luggage and mobility aids, which may arrive separately. Staff assist if the equipment requires assembly or special handling.

• Exiting the terminal:

Exit by following signs to ground transportation or pick-up zones. Aer Lingus Wheelchair assistance services are available for passengers needing help reaching vehicles or connecting transport.

• Wheelchair Dimensions Approved By Aer Lingus by Aircraft Type:

The airline can accommodate mobility aids within the following maximum dimensions:

Aircraft	Length	Width	Height
Airbus A330	140cm	85cm	155cm
Airbus A321neo / A320	140cm	85cm	108cm
ATR 72 (Aer Lingus Regional)	118cm	56cm	150cm

If a wheelchair exceeds the maximum height due to a headrest, it can still be accepted if the headrest is removable and carried separately in the cabin.

• Battery-Operated Wheelchairs:

If you’re traveling with a battery-powered mobility device, you must complete a mobility aid information form and notify Aer Lingus at least 48 hours before your flight. Required information includes:

• Device type and weight
  
• Dimensions
  
• Battery type (wet or dry cell, removable or not)
  
• Immobilization method (e.g., key, switch)
  
• Suitability for high-altitude transport
  

Only one electric mobility device is allowed on Aer Lingus Regional flights, with a maximum weight of 128 kg.

• Battery Guidelines:

Here are the battery guidelines regarding your wheelchair to keep in mind: 

• Wet Cell Batteries on Mainline Flights: 

Aer Lingus mainline flights are permitted to use wet cell batteries as long as they are incorporated with the device and deactivated or firmly positioned upright. Aer Lingus Regional flights are specifically forbidden from using these batteries.

• Packaging Requirements for Removable Batteries: 

To guarantee safety during transit, removable wet cell batteries must be stored in rigid, leak-proof containers that are prominently labeled with hazardous material information, such as “Corrosive (Class 8)” and “BATTERY WET WITH WHEELCHAIR.”

• Spare Wet Cell Batteries Policy:

Aer Lingus does not permit the carriage of spare wet cell batteries on any of its flights, regardless of the route or aircraft type, due to the potential safety risks they may pose.

• In-Flight Accessibility:

Wheelchairs are installed in the aisles of every Airbus aircraft in the Aer Lingus fleet, including the A330, A321, and A320 types, to help passengers use the restrooms. Wheelchair accessibility is not available in the restrooms themselves, though. Please be aware that wheelchairs are not available for passenger use on Aer Lingus Regional flights.

• Seating and Accessibility on An Aer Lingus Flight:

Aer Lingus special assistance is committed to meeting the seating needs of passengers, ensuring a comfortable and safe travel experience. The airline will try its best to seat you and your caretaker together, but this will depend on seat availability and safety regulations. 

According to safety standards, passengers with limited mobility or those traveling with a service dog are not allowed to sit in the emergency escape rows. Bulkhead seats, however, might be provided as a good substitute. 

For takeoff and landing, every passenger must be able to sit in a regular airplane seat with the back upright. You will be placed in the last row of the airplane if you need extra postural support, like a seat harness, because this area has the room needed for such equipment. Aer Lingus strives to make every flight as smooth as possible while placing a high priority on accessibility and safety.

• Aer Lingus Aircraft Accessibility Features:

Aer Lingus aircraft are equipped with varying levels of accessibility:

• Economy Class Armrests:

Economy class usually features movable armrests for added comfort, although passengers seated in bulkhead or exit rows may find these seats have fixed armrests.

• Onboard Aisle Wheelchairs:

To assist with lavatory access during flight, onboard aisle wheelchairs are provided, ensuring enhanced mobility and comfort for passengers with limited movement or special needs.

• Business Class A330 Armrests:

Select seats in Business Class on Airbus A330 aircraft come with fully movable armrests, offering passengers extra space and customizable comfort during long-haul flights.

Remember, on ATR-72 aircraft operated by Emerald Airlines, only first-row seats have fixed armrests; all other aisle and center seats include movable ones for flexibility.

• Traveling with Mobility Equipment:

Aer Lingus offers considerable support for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility by allowing them to carry up to two pieces of mobility equipment free of charge. This includes manual and battery-operated wheelchairs. There are special rules to follow if you are flying with a battery-operated wheelchair, though, and the equipment needs to be checked in so it can be safely stored in the airplane hold. 

Notifying the airline in advance is crucial, particularly if any mobility equipment weighs more than 120 kg or if any one component goes over that weight restriction. This advance notice allows the airline to arrange the necessary lifting equipment at the departure and arrival airports, ensuring a smooth and safe handling process for both the equipment and the passenger.

How to Request Special Assistance On An Aer Lingus Flight?

To request wheelchair support, passengers must fill out the Aer Lingus Special Assistance Request Form. Key points to keep in mind include:

• Advance Notice: Submit your request at least 48 hours prior to your flight to allow the airline ample time to coordinate support.
  
• One Passenger Per Form: If you’re traveling with others who also need assistance, each individual must submit a separate request.
  
• Mandatory Fields: All form fields are compulsory to ensure accurate and timely assistance.
  
• Booking Reference: Your booking reference must be a 6-character alphanumeric code beginning with the number 2.
  
• File Uploads: You may upload supporting documents, but only PDF or JPG files are accepted. Word documents are not permitted.

• Personal Care and Carer Requirements Advised By Aer Lingus

While Aer Lingus provides comprehensive mobility assistance, passengers are responsible for their care during the flight. This includes eating, taking medications, using the restroom, and managing service animals.

In certain circumstances, Aer Lingus may require passengers to travel with a carer, especially if they need help with:

• Lifting themselves in or out of a seat:

The passenger must be able to independently lift or transfer themselves into and out of their seat without assistance.

• Reaching emergency exits:

Individuals must be capable of physically reaching and accessing emergency exits quickly and unaided in case of an emergency evacuation.

• Communicating safety instructions:

Passengers should be able to understand, receive, and communicate essential safety instructions either verbally or through visual or written means.

• Using safety equipment like seatbelts, life jackets, or oxygen masks:

The person must operate safety equipment such as fastening seatbelts, donning life jackets, and using oxygen masks without external help.

If they are unable to do these tasks with ease , it is recommended to travel with an assistant for a seamless journey. 

Also Read: TAP Air Portugal Wheelchair Assistance

Additional Special Assistance for Passengers with Various Concerns

Aer Lingus doesn’t confine its services to wheelchair assistance, but goes on to help passengers with special needs as well to ensure they travel seamlessly in a hassle-free way.

• Assistance for Blind or Low-Vision Passengers:

If you are blind or have limited vision, Aer Lingus special assistance staff will gladly guide your journey. You can be escorted by an airport employee from check-in to boarding and disembarkation. At the gate, you can also request to pre-board the plane. You are invited to express your preferred style of guidance, and cabin workers are trained to provide personalized safety briefings.

Aer Lingus provides complete assistance for passengers who are traveling with an assistance dog; nevertheless, it is necessary to give the airline 48 hours’ notice.

• Support for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Travelers:

Passengers who are Deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to inform Aer Lingus of their needs at least 48 hours before departure. Airport monitors display key flight information, and induction loops are available at select locations to improve audibility for hearing aid users.

Onboard, hearing aids may be used at all times, though passengers with hearing impairments are not permitted to sit in emergency exit rows. Pre-boarding is available, and the cabin crew will provide a personalized safety briefing.

If you have hearing aids, switch them to “T’ whenever you view signs about induction loops being in use. This helps to reduce background noises at the airport, making the announcements more audible. 

Aer Lingus also partners with SignLive, an app that enables ISL or Irish Sign Language, and BSL or British Sign Language users to connect with qualified interpreters via video call. This service ensures seamless communication with Aer Lingus’ Customer Care Team.

• Traveling with a Carer:

Some passengers may require a carer to help with essential tasks such as using the restroom, taking medications, or communicating with crew members about safety. If you need help with mobility (e.g., getting in or out of your seat), using emergency equipment, or fastening your seatbelt, Aer Lingus may require you to travel with a carer.

To assess your needs and ensure appropriate arrangements, contact the Aer Lingus Special Assistance Team with details of your condition at least 48 hours in advance. If Aer Lingus determines that a carer is necessary, the decision and its reasons can be provided in writing within five business days upon request.

• Traveling with Trained Service Dogs On An Aer Lingus Flight

As longAer Lingus allows trained service dogs to travel with customers who have disabilities or have restricted mobility as long as they are specifically trained to carry out designated responsibilities. Emotional support animals and service animals in training are not allowed on board; only dogs are authorized as service animals.

Important requirements:

• Dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.

• It should be tidy, well- mannered, and able to fit in the passenger’s lap, beneath the seat, or at their feet.

• Certain breeds, such as Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Pit Bulls, require muzzles.

• On European flights, each passenger is permitted one assistance dog (two on U.S./Canada trips).

• Passengers must pre-submit the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form for flights to and from the United States. Barbados and Canada both need the same paperwork.
• Service dogs in the exit rows aren’t permitte. They must also not block any of the aisles. 
• If an individual isn’t able to exert control over the service dog due to his disability or anything else, the airlines may deny the entry of the animal onboard.

In addition to making sure all pet travel laws are followed at the destination, passengers should provide the Special Assistance team at least 48 hours’ notice before departing.

• Child and Adult Restraint Devices:

Aer Lingus supports the use of various restraint systems for infants and children to ensure safety during flight.

Permitted devices include:

• Infant loop belts and car seats for infants.
  
• AMSAFE CARES harnesses for children aged 1–4 years, weighing 22–44 lbs, and under 40 inches tall. These are not permitted in Business Class. To use the AMSAFE CARES harness the child has to occupy a window seat, They shouldn’t be seated on a bulkhead or restricted row.
  
• Crelling harnesses and Meru Travel Chairs for children with additional needs, subject to manufacturer guidelines and size/weight limits. In fact, children with disabilities between 3 and 11 years of age can use the Meru Travel chair. It may be used by children up to the age of 16 years as well, depending on their height, and weight. The chair is apt for kids weighing no more than 35 kgs, with 320 mm – 520 mm sitting shoulder height. 

On Aer Lingus Regional flights, these harnesses are allowed, but passengers must notify the airline in advance, no later than 48 hours prior to departure.

• Special Assistance for Passengers with Learning Difficulties:

Passengers with learning difficulties who are traveling alone may need to secure medical clearance before their journey. It is important to provide at least 48 hours’ advance notice to ensure that the appropriate support can be arranged. 

Travelers or their guardians are strongly encouraged to contact the Aer Lingus Special Assistance team as early as possible. This ensures all necessary accommodations are in place for a safe and comfortable journey.

• Traveling with Children and Individuals on the Autism Spectrum:

Aer Lingus has partnered with the Kinney Center at Saint Joseph’s University to develop comprehensive visual guides tailored for individuals with autism. From check-in to boarding and arrival, these carefully planned guidelines simplify every step of the air travel process, assisting in reducing the stress and unpredictability that are frequently connected with flying. Their goal is to make travel more enjoyable and accessible by providing clear, detailed pictures. 

If you have someone with autism traveling along, you can download the visual guide beforehand to ensure a hassle-free journey. 

To guarantee that passengers with autism feel prepared and supported at every stage of the trip, families or travel companions can also submit a Special Assistance request, together with booking information, to obtain personalized help and accommodations.

• Aer Lingus Regulations For Different Medical Conditions 

You may have had a surgery or undergoing any medical treatment. In such cases, Aer Lingus has specific rules for travel. 

• For those with allergies Aer Lingus cannot guarantee them an allergen-free ambience in the cabin. They also cannot restrict other travelers to carry their food onboard. Individuals with food allergy should inform the crew in advance prior to boarding the aircraft. 

• Epinephrine or adrenaline injectors must be carried in the hand baggage. You should even carry a copy of your doctor’s letter or your medical prescription. 

• If an individual has had an upper limb fracture, he or she can travel if they had the injury over 48 hours prior to their flight’s departure time. Moreover, it should be over 24 hours that the cast is in place. If it is less than 48 hours since the occurrence of the injury, then the medical information form should be filled by the person concerned and brought to the gate. 

• If someone has had an epilepsy attack within 12 hours from their flight’s departure time, medical clearance form should be submitted. 
• Those with an acute or unstable psychiatric disorder shiould submit the medical form 48 hours before the travel. They might require a medical escort as per the severity of their condition. 

• An infant is premature when born three weeks or earlier than their original due date of delivery. In such cases, a medical information form must be submitted 48 hours before the travel. Your baby might need a medical escort that you can book from a renowned medical assistance company. 

• If you have had a surgery it is reccomended that you don’t travel atleast ten days Although different surgeries have different recovery periods. For instance, for inner ear, and middle ear surgery, travel after ten days is recommended. For dental procedures, it is advised to travel by air after 24 hours from the procedure. For cataract, and laser surgery, air travel post 24 hours from the time of the surgery is recommended. 

• For post endoscopic surgery, traveling 72 hours post the surgery is recommended. 

• In the case of hip or knee replacement, travel after five days from the surgery is advised, However, the traveler should recover to the extent that he or she can sit upright during takeoff, and landing, and even when the seatbelt signal is on. If that is not possible, then travel isn’t permissible. Moreover, medical clearancefor six weeks post surgery is needed. 

• If you have had a plastic surgery, travel is permitted if the bleeding isn’t visible, and wounds are clean, as well as dry. 

• In case of a heart attack or stroke, flying within ten days from its occurrence isn’t permissible. However, Aer Lingus recommendsyou to wait for at least four weeks from the time you had a heart attack, and then plan to travel, only if you are in good health. 

For more information on other health conditions, you may visit Aer Lingus’ official website. 

Conclusion:

Aer Lingus is committed to making air travel accessible, dignified, and comfortable for all passengers, regardless of mobility challenges. Aer Lingus’ wheelchair assistance service is intended to professionally and considerately attend to your needs from the time you arrive at the airport until you pick up your luggage and leave the terminal. 

Aer Lingus’ trained team makes sure your trip is easy, considerate, and secure with a variety of accessible features and well-defined policies for passengers traveling with service dogs or mobility aids. So that you can concentrate on having a great trip, plan, make the required requests in advance, and let Aer Lingus handle the details.

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