It is not just the flight but the experience of flying with Bhutan Airlines, the first private airline of the Kingdom, which means a lot of care, great culture, and full warmth. Thanks to the airline’s expanding network in Asia, Bhutan Airlines strives to meet the needs of each passenger so that they can enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable journey.

Bhutan Airlines Special Assistance is the initiative that takes care of the air travel needs of the physically challenged, the medically needy, or the people who have some special requirements, and it aims to make air travel positive and comfortable for them. The airline assures the provision of a comfortable and safe trip and takes care of all your needs, including personalized check-in assistance, in-flight support, and assistance with your journey upon arrival.

Bhutan Airlines Special Assistance Explained

Bhutan Airlines Special Assistance is for those tourists who need additional care, and it guarantees them a trouble-free journey that is safe and inclusive from the time they leave until they get to their destination. Besides, Bhutan Airlines takes excellent care of you all the way if you are a passenger with limited mobility, a child traveling alone, an expectant mother, or someone with medical needs.

Seamless Communication During Delays

Whenever there are diversions or tarmac delays, passengers of Bhutan Airlines can rest assured that they will be kept fully aware of the situation. The flight crew regularly communicates the situation to the passengers every half an hour with the newest information, and they also make an effort to get the baggage to the destination as soon as possible upon arrival. What’s more is that the guests will be given special meals to ensure that they don’t face inconvenience of any kind, and will also get time-to-time assistance. 

What Support Does Bhutan Airlines Provide to Individuals with Disabilities?

Bhutan Airlines offers a wide range of facilities for travelers with disabilities, including:

  • Assistance at the entrances of terminals, transport hubs, and car parks
  • Support during check-in and airport navigation
  • Without any charges, the transportation of medical and mobility devices (up to two pieces)
  • Boarding is of the highest priority, together with the provision of briefings on evacuation procedures. You will also get help if needed during deplaning. 
  • Assistance on the plane, for example, luggage storage or wheelchair access, if needed.
  • The meet-and-assist services at the arrival or transfer points.
  • Helping to stow and retrieve baggage on the aircraft. 
  • Assisting with accessing the washroom (some planes may have on-board wheelchair).

Medical Assistance and In-Flight Support Provided By Bhutan Airlines’ Special Assistance Team

For passengers with medical conditions, Bhutan Airlines provides:

  • Medical oxygen during flights
  • Wheelchairs and assistance for boarding
  • Stretchers for passengers who require them
  • Dedicated support from trained staff

Bhutan Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minors and Young Travelers

Bhutan Airlines ensures children traveling alone are cared for with utmost attention.

Who Qualifies as an Unaccompanied Minor?

  • Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) are children aged 5 to 11 years traveling alone. A full adult fare ticket holder only is eligible for the exceptional Unaccompanied Minors service, which is specifically designed for children travelling solo. 
  • Children below 5 years cannot avail of the UM services.
  • Children aged 12 and above are considered adults and will have to pay the full ticket fare.
  • However, passengers between 12 and 17 years cannot accompany an Unaccompanied Minor unless another adult (18+) is present. In such cases, both would be treated as Unaccompanied Minors.

Young Passengers (Ages 12–15)

Young Passengers refer to children between 12 and 16 years (not including 16). They are treated as adults when it comes to ticket prices; however, parents or guardians are still allowed to request unattended minor (UM) service for them.

Booking and Special Arrangements

At the time of booking, parents/guardians may request:

  • Child meals and preferred seats are available, but reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. What’s more is that when the child is traveling on their birthday arrangements for a birthday cake will be made as well. 
  • Polaroid pictures of the child taken throughout the trip if requested by the parent.
Check-In and Boarding
  • The youngster must be checked in by parents or guardians at least two hours before departure.
  • Unaccompanied minors have a separate counter for check-in. 
  • The child will be escorted to the airplane by an employee of Bhutan Airlines.
  • For crew members to help with seating and baggage handling, UMs and Young Passengers board before other passengers.
Care During Travel

Children who travel alone are looked after by the amiable cabin crew who make them feel comfortable and safe. The support covers:

  • Guidance to restrooms.
  • Monitoring throughout the flight.
  • Extra care during mealtimes.
On Arrival
  • The representatives meets the Unaccompanied minor at the door of aircraft. 
  • Staff assist them through arrival formalities.
  • The child is released to the authorized guardian, who must present valid identification.
Transfers and Restrictions
  • The connecting times at transfer points must be below 4 hours to have a seamless journey.
  • Unaccompanied Minors are not allowed to travel if the travel plan involves
    • Sleeping over at the transfer point.
    • Changing from one airport to another without the confirmation of prior arrangements.
  • UM service is not offered on tickets with child discounts;  a full adult fare applies.
Important Documentation
  • Before the departure, a Declaration of Indemnity form must be filled out and signed by the parents/guardians.
  • Children of Italian nationality who are under the age of 14 and traveling alone must get a permission letter from the local police, embassy, or consulate.

Bhutan Airlines’ Travel Rules for Children with Special Needs

Special needs children in need of healthcare or some personal care can go on a trip, provided they are with an adult who will pay the fare and is at least 18 years old. The airline issuing the tickets is authorized to reject the transportation in case the safety documentation is incomplete.

Also Read: Porter Airlines Special Assistance

Bhutan Airlines’ Special Assistance Rules for Pregnant Travellers

Expectant mothers must consult their healthcare provider before planning an air travel, this is to ensure the safety of the mother and unborn child. Those with a single pregnancy, must furnish a medical certificate if they are travelling between 29th and 32 nd week. However, pregnant mothers with multiple pregnancies aren’t permitted to travel. 

Bhutan Airlines’ Special Assistance Rules For Carrying Pets In Board

Cats, dogs, household birds, alongside other pets can travel onboard provided they are crated properly and have valid health and vaccination certificates. To know more about carrying pets based on their respective locations, you may contact Bhutan Airlines’ customer service or even check their official website. 

Conclusion

Through Bhutan Airlines Special Assistance, the airline is committed to taking care of all passengers, including children traveling alone, expectant mothers, and individuals with medical needs, from the time of departure until the time of arrival. Through effective coordination, staff meet the needs of the passengers during the flight, and services are offered with consideration. Bhutan Airlines ensures that everyone is traveling safely and that their journeys are free of anxiety.

FAQs

Who can request Special Assistance from Bhutan Airlines?

The airline provides special assistance for physically challenged passengers, passengers with health needs, unaccompanied minors, pregnant mothers, and those who need extra care during travel.

How early should I arrive at the airport if I’ve requested for Bhutan Airlines’ Special Assistance services?

To have a smooth check-in, verification of your documents, and coordination of assistance, it is advised to be at the airport at least two hours before departure.

What documentation is required for Bhutan Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor services?

It is a must that the parents or guardians fill out and sign the Declaration of Indemnity form. In addition, the guardian who will pick up the child must show a valid ID. Kids who are Italian citizens under 14 are required to have a notarized permission paper to travel abroad.

Can I request special meals for children or passengers with dietary needs?

Definitely, Bhutan Airlines provides kids’ meals and caters to passengers with specific dietary needs. Such meals should be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before the flight departure.

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