Avianca’s Special Assistance

Envisioning the scenario of entering a busy airport provides a vivid picture of an environment where numerous announcements are heard, boarding gates are changing rapidly, and signs are spread across terminals. The majority of travelers simply read the screens or follow the crowd’s direction. However, for the visually impaired passengers, going through this trip might become a daunting task if they do not have suitable assistance. Being equipped with Avianca’s Special Assistance for visual disability is such a relief for them.

How to Request Avianca’s Special Assistance for Those with Visual Impairment?

It is essential to notify Avianca of your requirements when booking a flight so they can prepare accordingly. The procedure is straightforward and can be accomplished through several means:

• When booking on Avianca.com: To make the checkout process easier, you need to visit the “Accessibility and Assistance” section in the third step. You can choose “Do you have a visual disability?”
• Through the Contact Center or Sales Office: In case you would like to book over the phone or in person, just inform the agent of the type of assistance that you need.

In case you had already made a reservation, the support request can also be made up to 2 days before your departure. Firstly, visit the “Manage your booking” page on the website, type in your booking code and last name, then under the “What else can you do with your booking?” category, choose the “Special Services” option.

How to Prepare for Your Journey Using Avianca’s Special Assistance for Visual Disability?

If you have a visual disability, here is how Avianca’s special assistance will come of aid: 

• To ensure a smooth trip, you must first attend to a few things before you leave for the airport. Individuals with visual impairment may use a mobility cane or even seek assistance from a guide dog to ensure that they may travel in a convenient and seamless manner. 

If you are going to fly with a service dog, first make the proper selection “Flying with a service dog” either while booking or in the “Manage your booking” section, and ensure that all the necessary documents are in place.

• If you want to make the process more comfortable, you can also get the Avianca app from the Play Store or the App Store. With the app, you will be able to manage your flight details, get a web check-in, and save your boarding passes on your phone or tablet. In addition to that, you must take a look at your baggage allowance, which should cover the dimensions, the weight, and the type of items allowed for your fare.

• Remember that if you need assistance with personal care activities like using the restroom, eating, or taking medicine, then you should be accompanied by a companion when you travel. The staff at Avianca cannot provide these personal services for you.

Avianca Special Assistance for Visual Disability at Your Departure Airport

If you want to make your check-in process easy, it is advised that you do it online before your arrival. In case you require support, visit an Avianca desk and avail yourself of the “Special assistance” service only. A member of staff will review your documents and provide you with all the necessary details about your flight. If you are unsure where the counter is, airport information desks will be there for you.

The airline staff can assist you with several things, including:

• Identifying important visual information: This includes alerting you to any gate changes or flight delays.
• Pre-boarding assistance: The benefit is that you can board the plane earlier than other passengers, so you will have more time to relax in your seat and put your bag in the overhead compartment in a comfortable way.

Onboard Your Flight

The airline crew is specially trained to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the flight. They can provide a personalized briefing, including:

• Aircraft layout: The staff will be capable of giving you directions to the nearest toilet, emergency exit, and how to use your airplane seat controls.
• Personalized safety instructions: The cabin crew provides you with instructions on safety that will suit your particular needs right before leaving the ground.
• Meal assistance: Flight attendants can guide you to food, open packages for you, explain the food that is available on the menu, and offer you a drink.

Additional Services of the Avianca Special Assistance for Visual Disability

If you have a visual impairment, you can ensure that Avianca Airlines support team will do their utmost to help you in the best possible way they can. 

• To ensure your safety, please note that a seat at the emergency exit row will not be allocated to you.
• On certain single-aisle planes, for example, the A320, the seat numbering is done in Braille and has a higher contrast to help passengers locate their seats. In two-aisle planes like the B787, the entertainment is arranged on the screens located at the front of the seats, and the cabin crew can help you with the selection. In addition, if the aircraft is equipped with Wi-Fi, the entertainment can be accessed from your personal device.
• Finally, remember that call buttons and individual light switches are typically located on the ceiling above your seat. On seats with reclining options, you’ll find the control on the right armrest.

Avianca Special Assistance at Your Arrival or Connecting Airport

• Your safety will be the main concern upon arrival. In order to guarantee a safe and efficient operation, passengers with special needs will be allowed to disembark after everyone else, particularly when stairs or bus transport are involved.
• If your flights are connecting, the staff at Avianca will help you find your next gate or the place where you will meet other passengers transferring from another airline. They can also guide you to the baggage area and accompany you to the airport exit, ensuring a smooth trip.

Conclusion

Even if you are visually impaired, you should still be able to travel confidently with Avianca’s special assistance services. The special assistance service they provide for people with visual impairment would indeed be a great relief to those requiring additional care. The service is very convenient: the request can be made by any method (online, by telephone, or at the airport), and the crew members will be with the passengers throughout the entire process.

Besides all these, the airlines are also offering, among other services, priority boarding and guidance in the cabin, safe connections, and smooth arrivals. A trip, complete with inclusion and without worries, is possible if you prepare ahead of time and ask for help.

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