A more comfortable journey and a significant stress reduction can be achieved by being aware of what to anticipate from an airline’s assistance programs. This article examines the details of Air Dolomiti’s wheelchair assistance program, detailing the steps and help that travelers can expect. Air Dolomiti, an Italian regional airline, is essential in connecting a number of locations, and its accommodations for customers with disabilities are a significant factor when choosing their services..
Details of Air Dolomiti Wheelchair Assistance:
Air Dolomiti offers a comprehensive wheelchair assistance service, which can be requested during the booking process or up to 48 hours before departure.
If you need to make a request, you may contact the Air Dolomiti Sales Center by phone at +39 045 2886140, via email at salescenter@airdolomiti.it, or by filling out an online form. The Sales Center operates between Monday and Friday, 8:30 – 20:00 CET, and weekends between 9:00 and 17:00 CET, excluding holidays.
Types of Wheelchair Assistance That Air Dolomiti Offers:
Air Dolomiti provides different types of wheelchair assistance based on passengers’ needs.
- Wheelchair to/from aircraft only:
Created for travelers who can walk through the aircraft and up the stairs but require assistance to navigate across the terminal’s lengthy distances between security, check-in, and the boarding gate.
- Wheelchair to/from aircraft and stairs:
Travelers who can walk inside an airplane but are unable to use stairs and who need assistance moving throughout the airport and boarding/disembarking using stairs or mobile ramps will find a wheelchair to/from the aircraft and stairs ideal.
- Wheelchair for personal mobility aid users:
For travelers bringing their own wheelchair who need full assistance from check-in to the aircraft, including boarding, storage of their device, and help during arrival and disembarkation.
Additional Mobility Support:
Beyond offering mobility support, Air Dolomiti additionally provides:
- Hearing Assistance:
Both at the terminal and during the flight, travelers who are partially or completely deaf can get communication support. To guarantee a seamless and informed travel experience, trained personnel assist with announcements, boarding processes, and safety information.
- Vision Assistance:
Individualized assistance is available to passengers with vision impairment or blindness to help them navigate the airport and the aircraft. For a comfortable and safe journey, staff members assist with wayfinding, reading signs or paperwork, and conveying important flight information.
- Aid for Developmental and Intellectual Disability:
Assistance with boarding, communication, and navigation is provided to passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities. To promote understanding, reduce tension, and improve the travel experience, airline employees make sure that passengers receive courteous, patient help both in the airport and during the flight.
- Passenger of Large Size:
Passengers who feel that an economy seat may not provide adequate comfort are encouraged to explore options for enhanced space. During the booking process, you can contact their Sales Center to request a complimentary nearby seat or, if available, purchase a seat in a higher class of service.
Also Read: Air Dolomiti Special Assistance
Accepted Wheelchair Types On Air Dolomiti Flights:
If you need to carry your wheelchair during travel, it is important to inform Air Dolomiti’s Sales Center during flight booking. You must register your wheelchair or any other mobility aid during check-in. You can transfer as many as two mobility aids on Air Dolomiti without any charge. Here are the list of wheelchairs and mobility aids that Air Dolomiti allows or doesn’t allow onboard. Do take a look to avoid any inconvenience.
- Manual Wheelchairs:
- Transport Policy: Personal manual wheelchairs, even if not fully foldable, are accepted for transport.
- Collection: The wheelchair will be collected either at the check-in counter or after the passenger has boarded the plane.
- Storage: All wheelchairs are transported safely in the aircraft’s hold.
- Battery-Powered Mobility Aids:
The Air Dolomiti wheelchair assistance team allows certain types of battery-powered wheelchairs based on the kind of battery used. Safety regulations require travelers to provide details in advance and obtain approval for transport.
a. Devices with Sealed (Non-Spillable) Batteries:
- Conditions:
- Authorization must be requested from the Sales Center during booking or at least 48 hours before departure.
- Travelers must confirm the battery type used in their mobility aid.
- A technical data sheet specifying battery details may be requested.
- Authorization must be requested from the Sales Center during booking or at least 48 hours before departure.
b. Devices with Unsealed (Spillable) Batteries:
- Transport Status: Not accepted on any Air Dolomiti flight.
c. Devices with Lithium-Ion Batteries:
- Acceptable Under These Conditions:
- Batteries must be tested as per UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3.
- If the wheelchair allows battery removal, the battery must be detached following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Battery Wh Limits:
- Up to two batteries of ≤300 Wh each (including spares) are allowed in the cabin.
- Up to four batteries of ≤160 Wh each (maximum two spare batteries) are also permitted.
- Up to two batteries of ≤300 Wh each (including spares) are allowed in the cabin.
- Batteries must be tested as per UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3.
- Transport Rules:
- Removed or spare batteries must be carried only in the cabin, within a protective case to prevent damage.
- Safety Protocols: Turn off the device, disconnect electrical terminals, remove the key (if applicable), and lock the control panel to prevent accidental operation.
What Dimension Does Air Dolomniti Allow For Wheelchairs to Be Transported?
When traveling by air with a personal wheelchair, it must adhere to the airline’s specified size and weight limits for safe transport. The maximum allowable dimensions are 120 cm in length, 101 cm in width, and 71 cm in height. Additionally, the total weight of the wheelchair must not exceed 80 kilograms. Therefore, you need to confirm wheelchair specifications in advance to avoid any transportation issues.
Essential Tips to Remember Regarding Transporting Your Wheelchair On Air Dolomiti Flights:
If traveling with a wheelchair, here is what to keep in mind for a seamless trip.
- Service Request:
You can submit your wheelchair transport request through the Sales Center or your travel agency if you did not book directly with Air Dolomiti.
- Battery Information:
You need to always share your mobility aid’s data sheet, including full battery specifications to avoid any risk of denial at the airport.
- Transport Limitations:
If safety regulations are not met, Air Dolomiti may refuse to transport the mobility device.
Steps to Request Air Dolomiti Wheelchair Assistance:
If you require Air Dolomiti wheelchair assistance for your upcoming journey, you should request support during booking or by contacting the Sales Center at least 48 hours before departure. If you made your reservation through a travel agency, get help by getting in touch with them directly.
You can ask for help with the following:
- Assist with boarding, disembarking, or transit at the airport
- Transportation of your own wheelchair (electric or manual)
- Transporting specialized medical equipment
- Bringing a service dog on a flight
Furthermore, the crew will direct you to your designated seat once you are on board, making sure you can see or hear all announcements and safety briefings. Passengers who require help cannot sit in the emergency escape rows for safety reasons.
- Online Check-in Option: To check in online for your Air Dolomiti flight, you can do so beginning 23 hours before departure.
Conclusion:
Air Dolomiti’s wheelchair assistance program is committed to giving travelers with limited mobility a smooth and considerate travel experience. With clearly defined wheelchair assistance types, detailed guidelines for transporting mobility aids, and additional support for sensory or cognitive disabilities, the airline ensures that no passenger feels unsupported. Travelers can depend on Air Dolomiti’s dedicated team to provide a safe, comfortable, and accessible journey at every stage by requesting services in advance and supplying the required documentation.
FAQs:
You can request wheelchair assistance during booking or by contacting the Sales Center at least 48 hours before departure. If booked through a travel agency, you should contact them directly.
Air Dolomiti offers three main types of assistance: from the terminal to/from the aircraft only, to/from the aircraft including stairs, and full assistance for travelers using personal mobility aids.
Yes, battery-powered wheelchairs are allowed, provided they meet specific requirements based on battery type. Approval must be obtained in advance, and some batteries, like spillable ones, are not permitted.
The maximum dimensions are 120 x 101 x 71 cm (L x W x H), and the total weight must not exceed 80 kg.
Yes, Air Dolomiti provides tailored assistance for passengers with hearing, vision, developmental, or intellectual disabilities to ensure a safe and dignified travel experience.