Avianca’s Special Assistance Services for Those with Hearing Disability

Imagine the scene of a hectic airport where, in every terminal, there are announcements that are heard loud and clear, and at the boarding gates, information is being updated through loudspeakers, while a public announcement is being made about the last-minute change of the flight. For the normal traveler, it is all a daily routine. 

However, for those with hearing impairment, all these moments can quickly become a heap of confusion and stress. Failing to update appropriately or attempting to communicate with personnel will likely result in delays or minor chaos. 

This is the reason why Avianca’s Special Assistance for those with hearing issues has been formulated, especially as a facility to close this gap. With the help of personalized support, understandable communication ways, and the availability of crew members, Avianca is committed to granting every passenger a pleasant, safe, and relaxed trip.

What Should Individuals with Hearing Impairment Do When Booking A Flight With Avianca? 

In order to inform the airline about their requirements, Avianca provides several channels for passengers who have hearing loss. They may get in touch through any of the ways as mentioned below: 

• On avianca.com: Passengers, when booking online, can specify their needs in the checkout process.When you reach the third stage you will come across the Accessibility and Assistance section. There you will have to select ‘Do you have a hearing disability?’. 

• Contact Center or Sales Office: If you prefer direct communication with a person, you can contact an Avianca representative by phone or in person to discuss your requirements. By doing so, employees can provide instant feedback on your booking and assist you with the services offered.
• Access the TDD Service: For travelers in the U.S. or Brazil, Avianca provides Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) services to make communication smoother:
  • United States: +1 800 778 4838 (voice) or +1 800 455 9880 (TTY)
  • Brazil: +55 0800 724 8754

After you have successfully booked your ticket, it is equally essential to get ready for your trip. The airline Avianca suggests that passengers who will require special assistance submit their request at least 48 hours before departure. This allows the airline the time to facilitate the necessary accommodations ahead of time.

How Does Those with Hearing Disability Flying On Avianca Manage Their Booking?

The Avianca website allows you to log in using your booking code and last name. Then you can request or check the special assistance needs that have been registered beforehand. Alternatively, the call can be made directly to the contact center.

• Download the Avianca App: With the app that is accessible on both the Play Store and App Store, life is made easy for you to get through with a single powerful tool. The app enables you to:
  • Check flight details and updates in real time.
  • Complete web check-in to save time at the airport.
  • Access and store your boarding pass digitally.

• Baggage Check: Be sure that your bags are in line with the baggage allowance policy of Avianca. Get information about the dimensions, weight, and allowed items under your ticket. Being ready in advance would eliminate the last-minute hassles that often occur at the airport.
• Airport Counters for Assistance: If you have any questions or need further help, the special assistance counters in airports are available to help you. Crew members can help you check your documents, verify your requests, and give flight information in a way that you can understand.

Things to Note for Avianca’s Hearing Impaired Passengers At The Departure Airport

Travelers often encounter airports as busy places with noise and continuous changes, and sometimes it can be very stressful. In order to ensure that passengers with hearing disabilities can move around without facing any difficulties, Avianca has put in place several measures.

• One way to minimize the time you wait at the airport is to perform the check-in process off-site. Your time spent waiting in line at check-in will be greatly reduced, and the rest of your trip will be more efficient.
• Find and make use of the reserved help lines located at the airport, which are special facilities for passengers with disabilities to give them the necessary support and care at the airport.
• If your hearing problem is not immediately apparent, please ensure that Avianca personnel are aware of it so they can provide the necessary assistance at the right time.
• You are allowed to request pre-boarding. This way you get the opportunity to spend more time at your place with ease and arrange your carry-on luggage without the hurry of regular boarding.
• While not all agents are fluent in sign language, Avianca staff are trained to adjust to your preferred method of communication. You can choose to communicate through:
  • Writing (pen and paper or digital devices).
  • Gestures.
  • Other methods that work best for you.
• Look out for the screens that are placed at different locations in the terminal. These screens display various types of information, such as departure times, gate changes, and boarding info. These visual updates keep you up to date even if you cannot hear the audio announcements.

How Does Avianca’s Special Assistance Team Support Those with Hearing Impairment Onboard?

Once onboard, Avianca continues to prioritize your safety and comfort.

• Non-verbal communication methods will be employed by the cabin crew to present key safety information. It allows the given instructions to be easily accessible and followed without any difficulty.
• Safety videos on twin-aisle aircraft like the Boeing 787 (B787) are captioned in English and Spanish. 
• Passengers with hearing disabilities may not be seated in the emergency exit rows for safety reasons. The decision guarantees that the aviation regulations are adhered to.
• Wi-Fi is available on many aircraft, so passengers can watch movies or listen to music on their own gadgets without any problem. Also, the in-flight entertainment has options of subtitles for both films and TV programs, which is a way of making them accessible.
• Avianca offers a digital or printed onboard sales menu depending on your flight and cabin class. This is a straightforward way to access the menu without the need for audio instructions.

Also Read: Avianca’s Special Assistance

What Assistance Will You Get At Your Arrival or Connecting Airport

The journey does not end upon landing. In addition to the assistance during the flight, Avianca is always at the disposal of clients with hearing impairments to help them at the connecting gates and at the destination.

• When the stairs or bus transport are used, the passengers who need help will usually disembark last for their own safety. Thus, staff can provide assistance in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
• At arrival or connecting airports, Avianca staff are available to:
  • Guide you to your next gate.
  • Assist with baggage collection.
  • Escort you to the airport exit.
  • Ensure smooth coordination for connecting flights.

Conclusion

Avianca makes every effort to ensure that the journey is accessible and a delight to the travelers who have hearing disabilities. Whether it is a booking made online, through the customer center, or the use of TDD services, passengers can notify the airline of their requirements without any hassle. Using resources such as the Avianca app, special assistance counters, and the privilege of pre-boarding, the journey can be made comfortable, and the passengers can have their independence. It is truly an experience that flying with Avianca’s Special Assistance becomes more secure, less stressful, and more comforting.

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