Air Zimbabwe is committed to providing safe, professional, and compassionate travel experiences for passengers with disabilities. This covers anyone who needs wheelchair assistance, whether they need aid getting to and off the plane (WCHR), climbing and descending stairs (WCHS), or traveling through the airport and on board (WCHC).
These travelers can have physical, mental, or medical issues that call for specialized attention and extra assistance on top of the usual boarding, in-flight, and ground services. Air Zimbabwe wheelchair assistance provides individualized support to meet each passenger’s unique needs. The skilled employees of Air Zimbabwe are fully committed to providing helpful, approachable service throughout your journey.
Steps to Request Wheelchair Assistance At Air Zimbabwe
Air Zimbabwe wheelchair assistance is devoted to offering top-notch services to passengers with special needs. To facilitate assistance, the airline strongly encourages travelers to give advance notice. Special Service Requests (SSR) should be made during the booking process and no later than 48 hours before departure. This timeframe allows the airline to make necessary preparations and ensure the requested services are available and suitable.
- Who Can Make a Request:
Requests for special services might be initiated by the passenger, their family members, caregivers, or even medical experts. In certain cases, airline staff may also identify passengers who appear to need assistance and initiate a report to ensure treatment is arranged swiftly.
- Sales Agents’ Role in Identifying Needs:
When making a reservation, sales and booking representatives must ask important, thorough questions. This step guarantees that the services will be tailored to each passenger’s specific needs, preventing any last-minute misunderstandings or problems.
- Air Zimbabwe Contact Number:
To arrange wheelchair assistance, passengers are advised to contact Air Zimbabwe Central Reservations before ticketing. The dedicated support team is available at +263 716 801 440/1 to help coordinate and confirm the required services.
Assistance for Boarding and Disembarkation At Air Zimbabwe
During the boarding and disembarkation processes, passengers who are incapacitated and their escorts are given priority. To guarantee their comfort and safety, they are allowed to get on the aircraft first and to depart last to prevent crowding and provide tailored support.
Trained cabin crew or ground personnel are on hand to assist during these stages, providing direction and support at every turn. When utilizing steps, additional care is used; staff members lead from the front when disembarking and assist from behind when boarding, keeping passenger safety first and reducing the possibility of discomfort or falls.
Understanding Your Wheelchair Alternatives and Related Assistance Services At Air Zimbabwe:
Depending on local airport conditions and available time, passengers using manually operated wheelchairs might choose to utilize their wheelchair or the one the airport provides. Trained ground staff are on hand to help with a range of crucial services upon request, such as assisting with immigration processes, obtaining checked baggage, and informing travelers of anticipated wait times for pickup or following transportation.
Before boarding their flight, passengers will also have the opportunity to utilize wheelchair-accessible restrooms if necessary. However, it is crucial to remember that passengers must be able to use these amenities on their own because staff are not allowed to offer assistance inside the lavatories. The goal of this service is to provide comfort while preserving the dignity and independence of the passengers.
How Much Does Air Zimbabwe Charge for Wheelchair Assistance?
Air Zimbabwe provides two distinct wheelchair assistance pricing options to accommodate passengers’ mobility needs and ensure a comfortable journey.
Prepaid (per sector):
- WCHR (Wheelchair across the ramp): $15
- WCHC/WCHS (Power-aided unit to ascend/descend): $30
Payment During Departure:
- WCHR (Wheelchair across the ramp): $20
- Power-aided unit required to ascend or to descend: $35
Air Zimbabwe’s Stretcher Services:
Six seats must be reserved in advance for stretcher services, five of which are for the stretcher setup and one for a medical escort. Stretcher-bound passengers are guaranteed comfort and safety throughout the journey due to these arrangements. All information must be verified at the time of ticket reservation, and additional fees may apply.
Stretcher Service Requirements:
If you need Air Zimbabwe stretcher service, you must have a medical form completed by your doctor. However, final travel approval will be given by the airline’s medical officer. Ambulance transportation must be arranged by the passenger to and from the airport and must be approved by the Zimbabwe Airport authority.
For flights on the Boeing 767, oxygen tanks can be provided for an additional fee. However, for Boeing 737 aircraft, passengers must bring their aviation-approved oxygen tanks, as these are not supplied on board.
Below are the charges for Air Zimbabwe’s wheelchair assistance services:
| Air Zimbabwe wheelchair service Charges when booking in advance: | |
| Ramp | USD 15 per sector |
| Stairs | USD 30 per sector |
| Cabin | USD 30 per sector |
| Air Zimbabwe wheelchair services charges on departure: | |
| Ramp | USD 20 per sector |
| Stairs | USD 35 per sector |
| Cabin | USD 35 per sector |
Special Assistance Provided by Air Zimbabwe for Blind Passengers – A Few Tips to Note as Well
Air Zimbabwe has specialized assistance for passengers with visual impairment:
- To ensure their comfort, safety, and an easy travel experience, blind passengers usually require considerate and professional help when flying.
- If accompanied by a guide dog, they should be seated in the front row or next to an empty seat (on less crowded flights, especially on B767 aircraft) to ensure space and comfort for the dog.
- An aisle seat is preferable to allow easier access and reduce the need to navigate past other passengers.
- Blind individuals are typically independent and strive to keep pace with others due to strong determination and willpower.
- Avoid showing excessive pity or over-the-top sympathy, as it may feel patronizing.
- Visually impaired travelers appreciate being treated with natural respect and offered help only when needed.
- When escorting a blind person, let them hold your arm. They will walk slightly behind you, allowing them to sense turns or changes in terrain.
- Always inform them if there’s a high step, a flight of stairs, or any obstacles ahead.
- Since they cannot see who is speaking or approaching, address them by name or gently touch their arm before initiating a conversation, especially in crowded areas.
- Never direct questions to others that the blind person can answer themselves, to maintain their sense of autonomy.
- Onboard, Braille safety cards are provided for visually impaired passengers to familiarize themselves with safety instructions.
- Airlines and staff should ensure blind passengers are comfortably settled and briefed on important flight details like seat location, restroom access, and emergency exits.
Special Assistance At Air Zimbabwe for Expectant Mothers:
Air Zimbabwe’s special assistance ensures the comfort and safety of expectant mothers during travel. Acceptance for travel depends on the stage and type of pregnancy, as well as the flight duration.
- For a first pregnancy with normal health and no complications, travel is allowed up to 32 weeks. After that point, travel is not accepted. However, if travel is necessary between 28 and 32 weeks, a doctor’s clearance letter is required, and a medical clearance must be issued within 72 hours before the flight.
- For a subsequent pregnancy without complications, travel is accepted up to 34 weeks for flights up to four hours. For longer flights, the cut-off is 32 weeks. Again, a medical clearance within 72 hours is mandatory from 28 weeks onward.
- In cases of pregnancy with complications, flying is not recommended at any stage, but if travel is unavoidable, a recent medical clearance is required.
- New mothers are also advised not to travel within 7 days after childbirth. If necessary, a medical clearance must be presented, issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
- To ensure smooth processing, the number of pregnancy weeks must be noted in the passenger’s PNR (Passenger Name Record).
- Expectant mothers are encouraged to contact the airline in advance to arrange necessary assistance, including wheelchair service, priority boarding, and comfortable seating. These measures help to reduce travel-related stress and ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
Also Read: Virgin Australia Wheelchair Assistance
What’s Needed for an Infant to Be Accepted?
As per Air Zimbabwe’s special assistance services, infants under 2 years are accepted for travel under the following conditions:
- Accompanied by an Adult:
All infants must travel with an adult passenger who has paid the full cost and is in charge the entire time.
- Same Flight, Class, and Destination:
The adult companion must be taking the baby on the same flight, going to the same place, and flying in the same class.
- Passenger Responsibility:
Throughout the whole journey, the accompanying adult must be able and willing to assume full responsibility for the infant.
- Maximum Two Infants per Adult:
A maximum of two infants per adult is allowed, provided that at least one infant has a reserved seat and is paying the appropriate kid ticket.
Acceptance of Newborn Babies for Air Zimbabwe Flight:
If you are traveling with newborns, here are some things to take into consideration:
Healthy Infants (Normal or Premature Born):
- Minimum Age Requirement: At least 7 days old
- Travel Acceptance:
- Accepted for travel if accompanied by a mother or a suitable escort, such as a nurse.
- Medical Clearance: Not required for travel
- Accepted for travel if accompanied by a mother or a suitable escort, such as a nurse.
Non-Healthy Infants (Including Incubator Cases, Normal or Premature Born)
- Age Requirement: No specific minimum age stated.
- Travel Acceptance:
- Accepted only after medical clearance
- A qualified medical personnel, like a doctor or a specialized medical nurse/attendant
- Healthy newborns aged 7 days or older may travel without medical clearance if they are accompanied by an appropriately qualified individual.
- Unwell or special-needs infants require a doctor’s approval and professional escort.
Air Zimbabwe Special Assistance Services for Unaccompanied Minor:
As per Air Zimbabwe’s special assistance services, unaccompanied minors aged 5 to 11 years traveling domestically are provided special assistance for a fee of USD 20 per sector, and USD 25 on regional routes. Their secure travel from check-in to arrival is thus guaranteed.
Young fliers between the ages of 12 and 18 can use the “Meet and Assist” program. Although there is no service fee by default, people who ask for help are charged USD 20 for domestic trips and USD 25 for regional journeys, each way. This service gives parents and guardians peace of mind by guaranteeing that children will be guided and assisted during their journey.
Conclusion:
Every passenger’s comfort and well-being are given first priority by Air Zimbabwe’s special assistance, with extra care paid to individuals with physical or medical needs. Their dedication also includes offering a full range of support services to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
Their skilled and compassionate staff guarantees that passengers, regardless of whether they are experiencing temporary injuries, permanent impairments, advanced age, or pregnancy-related needs, receive professional, considerate, and kind treatment, from wheelchair assistance to customized individual care. Every member of their staff is committed to making sure everything runs well. At Air Zimbabwe, they take pride in supporting you during your journey and place a high priority on equality and passenger well-being.
FAQs
To request wheelchair assistance, notify the airline when booking or contact their Central Reservations team at +263 716 801 440/1 at least 48 hours before departure to ensure timely and proper arrangements.
Air Zimbabwe offers mobility assistance tailored to passenger needs, including WCHR for ramp help, WCHS for stair support, and WCHC for full cabin access and complete assistance throughout the journey.
Yes, assistance fees depend on the type of service and payment timing. For instance, ramp assistance is $15 if prepaid but increases to $20 when paid on the day of travel, highlighting the benefit of early payment.
Passengers, their family members, caregivers, or healthcare professionals may request special assistance when needed. Additionally, Air Zimbabwe staff may proactively identify and initiate support in certain cases to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for individuals requiring extra care.
Yes, but it requires booking at least six seats in advance, along with obtaining medical clearance. Passengers are responsible for arranging their own ambulance transport. Additional charges will also apply for this special service, depending on the airline’s policies.
Yes, the airline provides thoughtful support for visually impaired travelers, including assistance throughout the journey, accommodation for guide dogs, preferred aisle seating, and Braille safety cards to ensure comfort, safety, and ease of navigation during air travel.
Yes, air travel during pregnancy depends on the stage and flight duration. After 28 weeks, airlines typically require a medical certificate issued within 72 hours. Most carriers restrict travel beyond 32 to 34 weeks for safety reasons.
Yes, accessible restrooms are available for passengers with disabilities. However, to maintain personal privacy and dignity, staff members are not permitted to accompany individuals inside. Therefore, passengers must be able to use these facilities on their own.
