Air France Wheelchair Assistance

Have you ever imagined that if your travel looks like nothing but standing in long queues, waiting for your turn to complete your travel at the kiosks at the airport, how complex it becomes for travelers with special needs? When planning a trip, travelers with disabilities always wonder if they will get assistance during their travel, so here is the answer. If traveling with Air France, you will find assistance with a number of services at the airport and during the flight. 

Air France offers a comprehensive Special Assistance program that offers personalized support to travelers and helps them keep up with their travel needs. When you book a flight, you can request tailored services such as Air France wheelchair assistance and make your boarding experience smoother. You can check out the comprehensive blog to learn what to expect, how to request, and the contact details of your airline. Let’s get started.

What is Air France Special Assistance Service? Check In Brief!

Air France is a carrier of France that serves as the primary national airline of the country. Equipped with professional staff, the airline provides various perks to meet the needs and wants of passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Depending on their disability, the airline office provides specialized support before and during travel.

These services include wheelchair assistance, travel companion accompaniment, mobility needs, medical aids, POCs, brace seats, airport assistance at pre-boarding kiosks, assistance to people with motor-based disabilities, sensory impairments, cognitive, psychological, or mental disabilities, respiratory difficulties, other circumstances or disabilities, and traveling with your guide or service dog.

Types of Wheelchair Assistance Services Available on Air France

As mentioned above, you will get various types of wheelchairs available on an Air France flight. Let’s check them out:

Assistance Wheelchairs

You will find Air France Wheelchair Assistance at the airport that helps you reach a certain destination at the airport or to your aircraft without any inconvenience. If you have a connecting flight, you can use these wheelchairs, particularly if you haven’t been able to take your personal wheelchair from the baggage claim area. 

Onboard Wheelchairs

All Air France-operated aircraft have wheelchairs onboard designed in a way that one can access the aisles and restrooms with ease. Air France’s staff will help you move around using the wheelchair and will even lead you up to the washrooms. However, you won’t get assistance inside the restrooms. There, you have to manage on your own. 

You must note that the wheelchairs onboard can bear a maximum weight of 100 kg or 220 lb. The maximum width shouldn’t exceed 35 cm or 65 inches between the armrests. If you cannot use the onboard wheelchair because of your disability or body mass, you must inform Air France authorities during the booking of your reservation. 

Other Types of Special Assistance Services Provided by Air France 

For all other assistance needs, such as visual, auditory, or cognitive support, you can contact the airline directly by phone or social media. You need to click on “Need further assistance?” on their website for full contact details. Please keep reading to learn about the additional assistance services provided by Air France. 

Need to Submit New Non-Wheelchair Requests?

If you are unable to reach the airline directly, you may complete an online assistance form at least 2 working days before your first flight. The Saphir assistance service will follow up if more information is required.

This form is only for new requests. Do not fill it out again if you’ve already submitted your assistance request previously.

Here’s How You Can Request Air France Wheelchair Assistance

If you’ve already booked your ticket and need wheelchair assistance, you can easily request one through your booking. You need to simply select the passenger needing assistance in the “Passengers” section, then navigate to the Assistance tab. Moreover, you can also request a wheelchair by logging into My Bookings on the airline’s website.

Air France’s Requirements for Wheelchair Assistance

Here are some aspects to consider regarding Air France’s wheelchair assistance:

• Air France transports up to two personal mobility devices with them, such as a manual or an electric wheelchair, at no additional cost. There are no strict size or weight limits; travelers should be aware that certain airports and aircraft may have limitations regarding the carriage of wheelchairs.
• Passengers using manual wheelchairs may keep them until boarding and retrieve them immediately after landing, depending on the airport. 
• If you have a foldable manual wheelchair within certain size limits, it may be stored in the cabin. In such cases, you need to get in touch with Air France’s Sapphire assistance service. You may even be informed at the check-in counter upon arriving at the airport.  
• All electric wheelchairs must be checked in. Apart from exceptional cases, passengers can’t reclaim it even if there is a long stopover or after getting off the aircraft. You will only receive it when your baggage is delivered. 
• Special baggage tags for various types of wheelchairs are available for download and should be attached to mobility devices at the airport. Some of the tags available include mobility scooter tag, manual wheelchair tag, etc. 
• The airline also provides onboard wheelchair assistance on all its flights, which is used with the help of airline professionals available on board. Moreover, you can use the Air France wheelchair assistance contact number from the official website to gather further information.

How to Request Air France Special Assistance Service?

If you need special assistance for yourself or any member of your family, here is how you have to request it:

• When booking your flight with Air France, you can easily request special assistance online to ensure a comfortable journey. 
• After selecting your flights, go to the Passenger section and choose the option “I need special assistance.” 
• You can then choose which type of assistance you need, such as wheelchair assistance, assistance for passengers with sight impairments, or other medical or mobility requirements. 
• Make sure you submit your request as soon as possible, usually no later than 48 hours before your intended departure, to give the airline plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements. 
• Additionally, you can easily make or change your request via the Air France website’s “My Bookings” feature.

Air France Customer Service

You can also request Air France special assistance by calling customer service. For the Saphir service, dedicated to passengers with disabilities, travelers can contact them at:-

• Contact number: 800 210 6508 (Toll-free from the United States).
• Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
• WhatsApp: 33699385720 (Every Day for 24 hours)
• Email Address: mail.saphir.medicaldesk@airfrance.fr 

Air France Special Assistance at the Airport:

At the airport, Air France offers complimentary services that include:

• Transfers across the airport
• Help with baggage and check-in
• Help with boarding and seating
• Arrival, departure, and baggage pickup

This service aligns with European Regulation 1107/2006 and is handled by airport management teams across the EU.

Your Airport Journey At Air France: Arrivals and Departures

Air France collaborates with Ulysse, a business that specializes in transportation for individuals with limited mobility, for flights inside Metropolitan France. You must book at least 48 hours in advance to enjoy their services, and Air France passengers with disabilities or aged over 60 receive a 10% discount.

Check-in and Priority Boarding

If you wish easy check-in, you need to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before a long-haul flight and 2 hours before short- or medium-haul flights. 

Some airports include priority lines at security and check-in checkpoints, and accessible signs. To guarantee proper assistance, visitors with wheelchairs or service dogs must check in at a staffed counter, even though online and kiosk check-ins are options.

Additionally, Air France offers priority boarding so you can comfortably settle in before other passengers. You will also get all the information you need to stay safe and comfortable during your journey.

Baggage Allowance

In addition to your regular baggage allowance, the following can be transported free of charge:

• Two personal mobility devices, such as a wheelchair or an electric scooter.
  
• One additional item (up to 23 kg/50 lb) for medical equipment. You have to make sure that in-cabin baggage must not exceed 12 kg/26.4 lb and 55 x 35 x 25 cm in dimensions.

Connecting Flights and Transfers

If you are traveling between the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports, and your disability makes it challenging for you to take public transportation, you will get a free taxi option. To get your voucher, just go to an Air France Connection counter.

To guarantee smooth operation, allow at least one hour and thirty minutes between flights when connecting at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Upon Arrival

When you arrive, Air France makes sure everything runs smoothly. If you need assistance, you will be asked to get off after other passengers, and your luggage and mobility aids will be given back to you right away.

A Commitment to Accessibility

Both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports are equipped with features and guidance to support travelers with reduced mobility. Their websites provide helpful resources to prepare for your journey. For more inquiries or assistance, you can connect with the Air France Special Assistance service directly.

Air France’s In-Flight Assistance

Air France offers a range of special assistance services designed to ensure your onboard experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Trained Staff for In-Flight Assistance

When a passenger needs assistance, Air France cabin crew members get notified and trained in disability awareness. Although they are prepared to make your journey more comfortable, it is important not to forget that they cannot assist you with personal care activities like eating, taking medicine, or going to the bathroom. Air France suggests traveling with a partner if you require assistance with these tasks to guarantee that your needs are met during the flight.

Comfortable Seating and Cabin Mobility

The majority of Air France seats feature adjustable armrests for improved access for travelers who have restricted mobility. You are free to select the seat of your choice, except those close to emergency exits for security reasons. 

Wheelchairs are also provided on board every flight to facilitate passenger mobility within the cabin. If a wheelchair-accessible restroom is not available, long-haul and some medium-haul flights also include accessible facilities or offer private, curtained areas.

Special Meals for Dietary Needs

Air France caters to a variety of dietary preferences and medical conditions with specially prepared meals on flights, which include low-sugar, low-salt, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, infant, and children’s meals, among others. Requests for special meals must be made at least 24 to 48 hours before departure, depending on the meal type. For instance, kosher meals have to be ordered about 48 hours before your flight’s departure time. 

In the La Première and Business cabins, passengers can enjoy an expanded menu featuring up to four hot dish options. On medium-haul flights in the Business cabin, a vegan meal is available for those requiring plant-based options.

1. Food Allergy Awareness

Air France Special Assistance’s cabin crew can provide a list of food allergens for meals served on flights leaving from Europe and French overseas territories. Air France provides allergen-free meal options, but it cannot guarantee that all meals are completely free of allergens or peanut traces. 

Some of the ingredients that the allergen-free meal doesn’t contain include sesame seeds, mustard, milk, fish, eggs, shellfish, nuts (walnut, almond, hazelnut), celery, soy, peanuts, etc. If you have allergies to any other ingredient that is not mentioned in the flight’s allergen list, you should carry a cold meal along. 

For further instructions, passengers are directed to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) guide on traveling with special needs.

What Are Air France’s Additional Special Assistance Services?

Besides all that has been mentioned above, here are other special assistance services provided by Air France:

Assistance for Sensory Impairments

That was about mobility issues. Passengers may even have hearing, visual, or any other impairment. For the convenience of such passengers, Air France has facilities to assist them as well, ensuring they have a seamless and comfortable journey. 

1. For Hearing Impairments

Passengers are advised to request assistance during booking and at least 48 hours prior to their scheduled departure. Travelers will find magnetic hearing loops available at many airports. Apart from this, the trained cabin crew members on board also communicate with the passengers in French Sign Language.

2. For Visual Impairments

Travelers with vision loss receive guided assistance for check-in, boarding, and baggage claim. Onboard, crew members assist with orientation and safety instructions, with Braille materials available.

Long-haul flights offer audiobooks and high-contrast entertainment subtitles, while the Air France Press app supports accessible digital reading. When served meals on the flight, don’t hesitate to ask about the description of the food available on your meal tray.

Air France’s Support for Cognitive, Psychological, or Mental Disabilities

Your partner airlines allow travelrs with any kind of mental or cognitive disability to travel onboard if they follow the instructions and adhere to the airline’s safety protocols. However, it is highly suggested that people with severe disorders (such as those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease) go with a partner due to the complexity and stress of flying.

Airport assistance covers movement through check-in, boarding, connections, and baggage claim. Although Air France cabin crew are trained to assist these passengers, they do not offer personal care services like helping clients use the restroom or giving medication.

Accommodations for Respiratory Difficulties

Air France provides therapeutic oxygen on board to passengers with respiratory disabilities for a fee. They offer Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) to travelers and ensure that they do not find any inconvenience during the flight. Requests must be made during booking and at least 48 hours before departure. Alternatively, passengers may bring approved portable oxygen concentrators with sufficient battery power (1.5x the flight duration), though in-flight power outlets cannot be used for these devices.

While personal gaseous oxygen tanks may be brought into the cabin under strict size and safety limitations, they cannot be used in flight or stored in the hold. You won’t have to furnish any medical certificate unless your oxygen requirement doesn’t surpass 2.8 liters/ minute. If you require more oxygen, alternative arrangements may be made. However, you have to show your medical certificate for the same. 

Support for Specific Disabilities

Air France offers basic onboard assistance to passengers who are paralyzed or missing both arms. However, help with eating, taking medication, or using the restroom is not included in this support. Passengers must be capable of handling simple in-flight duties on their own to guarantee comfort and safety. In such cases, traveling with a companion will help and lessen the inconvenience.

1. Traveling with a Body Brace or Brace Seat

Air France suggests that you let them know at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure if you plan to use a body brace or brace seat. You must fill out a specific form with the measurements of your equipment. Please take note that all Boeing 787 airplanes and some Boeing 777 aircraft prohibit the use of electronic devices in the business class seating.

2. The Sunflower Program and Hidden Disabilities

Air France uses the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower badges to help passengers who might require extra assistance. Passengers can request this assistance at any time before or during their travel. The airline professionals will provide you with everything and provide you with convenience.

Traveling with a Trained Service Dog:

Air France allows trained service dogs in the cabin free of charge, provided they meet international and destination-specific requirements. The dog must be:-

• Well-trained and healthy
  
• Remain harnessed and secured.
  
• Display visible service identification.
  
• Behave appropriately and do not obstruct aisles or exits.
  
• Ready to wear a muzzle if needed.

A copy of the dog’s passport, training certification, and medical records must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance (96 hours for the UK or UAE). Additional documents from the CDC and the Department of Transportation are needed for travel within the United States. In addition, dogs must be at least six months old and microchipped.

Special regulations, such as identity verification by pet checkers and limitations on dogs trained by certified organizations (IGDF or ADI), are in place for admission into nations such as the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

Air France Medical Clearance

Air France is dedicated to making sure that every traveler, especially those with special medical needs, has a safe and enjoyable flight. Most of the time, passengers can fly without a medical clearance. However, prior authorization from Air France’s Medical Service may be necessary for specific medical problems or travel scenarios.

When Medical Clearance Is Recommended?

Air France recommends that travelers who fit into any of the following categories speak with their primary care physician to determine their ability to qualify for flying; however, this is not always required:

• Pregnant travelers, especially in the final stages of pregnancy
• Individuals who have recently undergone surgery
• Passengers with an appendage in a cast

When Medical Clearance Is Mandatory

There are specific medical scenarios where clearance from the Air France Medical Clearance is required before flying:

• Traveling with a stretcher or incubator
  
• Requiring oxygen therapy at a rate exceeding 2 liters per minute
  
• Possibility of needing extraordinary medical assistance during the flight
  
• Having a contagious disease
  

In the latter two cases, Air France may also accept recent medical clearance from your physician or a certificate issued by an airport physician.

Steps to Get Medical Clearance

To get Air France Medical Clearance, if you fit into one of the required categories, take the following actions:

Step 1: Download and complete two forms:

• Form A: “Passengers requiring special assistance”
  
• Form B: “Passengers in need of any kind of medical clearance” (to be completed by your primary consultant or physician)
  

You can obtain these forms through the Air France Saphir service, your booking agent, or your travel agency.

Step 2: Submit the forms no later than 48 hours before departure to the designated Air France physician. Contact details will be provided by the Saphir service or your travel representative.

Step 3: The Air France Medical Clearance will review your documentation and check whether you are fit to travel or not. If approved, you will receive your official medical clearance.

Why Choose to Travel with a Companion At Air France?

As part of Air France’s special assistance program, the airline may require certain passengers to travel with a companion to ensure safety, particularly during emergencies.

When Is a Travel Companion Required?

Air France allows travelers with reduced mobility or any kind of disability to bring a travel companion with them during the following situations. You can check them and determine whether you are eligible to bring one for yourself or not.

• Mental Disabilities: Passengers who have difficulty understanding or following safety instructions due to cognitive impairments.
  
• Dual Sensory Impairment: Passengers who are both blind and deaf, making communication with the crew difficult.
  
• Severe Motor Disabilities: Passengers who physically cannot evacuate the aircraft on their own.

Although many passengers with paraplegia, limb loss, or paralysis can travel independently, those with quadriplegia (arms and legs paralysed) will typically require a travel companion.

Requirements for a Travel Companion:

The selected companion needs to fulfill certain requirements:

• Be self-sufficient and at least 18.
• You can not be accountable for someone else, like:

• A child younger than four (on domestic flights in France),
• A youngster traveling abroad who is younger than five years old,
• Or another passenger with a disability (unless exempted).

To discuss special circumstances and exclusions, get in touch with Air France’s Saphir customer service, which is devoted to answering questions about accessibility.

Want to Modify a Companion’s Name?

If a travel companion is required by Air France, their name can be changed free of charge up to 48 hours before departure. To request this, passengers should contact Air France customer service. 

Children Traveling Alone with Disabilities on Air France

Air France also provides support for children with disabilities traveling alone through its Kids Solo service. To be eligible, the child must be:

• Able to understand and follow safety instructions.
• Physically capable of evacuating the aircraft on their own.

All travelers, despite of their physical or cognitive limitations, will receive the assistance they want for a safe and comfortable flight due to Air France’s dedication to accessibility and safety. Passengers are advised to get in touch with the Saphir service for additional information or to schedule special assistance.

Conclusion

Air France special assistance service provides assistance to passengers with specific needs and helps them from the time of booking to the point of arrival to guarantee a seamless, secure, and pleasant travel experience. Air France offers individualized attention and qualified staff to meet all your needs. No matter whether you require assistance with mobility, visual or auditory support, or medical accommodations. Air France guarantees comfort, clarity, and convenience during your journey with its easy-to-use support request systems, onboard facilities, and beneficial airport partnerships.

Note: For more assistance-related information, feel free to visit here.

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